Robb Vices is “a membership program centered on a monthly delivery of storied treasures.”
Each month, they send a collection of curated products and/or experiences.
Subscribers should expect boxes to include “vices” like “exceptional wines and spirits to enjoy, foods to taste, tools, toys, accessories, and gadgets.”
Boxes are packed using laser-cut foam inserts.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Robb Vices
The Cost: $74.95 + shipping (Shipping costs may vary. For reference, shipping to DC is $7.95.)
COUPON: Use code FATHERSDAY16 to get a free gift in time for Father's Day with a 6-month or 12-month subscription! Read more in this review about the free gift (a pair of Finlay & Co sunglasses, valued at $240)!
The Products: Each box contains a curated selection of products and experiences to help subscribers experience a taste of the good life!
Ships to: US
Check out all of our Robb Vices Reviews and find other specialty boxes in the Artisan Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
With each shipment, Robb Vices sends out a glossy booklet that outlines the products and curation story of each box.
The booklet is very well designed, and it includes beautiful photographs and lots of information about the included products.
This month’s box explores the many uses for wood.
It features luxury items that are the result of innovation.
Glenmorangie 10 Year- $45
The first item featured in this month’s box is a bottle of Glenmorangie. The Glenmorangie distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands, and their whisky’s signature flavor is due in large part to their selectiveness when it comes to barrel production and seasoning.
From Robb Vices: “Glenmorangie looks West to build its casks, sourcing porous white oak from the Ozark Mountains. The casks are hand-fashioned at a cooperage and then leased to bourbon houses to be properly seasoned.” The process is lengthy- it takes a minimum of 8 years from when the wood is cut to when Glenmorangie finally receives their seasoned barrels!
This process produces barrels are just right for aging whisky, ensuring that Glenmorangie single malts pick up their signature flavor during the aging process.
Glenmorangie Tasting Glass with Lid- $16
This box also contained a lidded tasting glass, so you can taste your Glenmorangie like a pro!
Ambessa Earl of Harlem Tea (20 bags)- $9
Ambessa tea is the result of a collaboration between celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and Harney & Sons.
It’s a smoky black tea that’s flavored with bergamot, and Robb Vices has included a cocktail recipe that utilizes both the Ambessa tea and Glenmorangie.
The “Earl of Harlem Cocktail” is a combination of Glenmorangie, Earl of Harlem tea syrup, a splash of lemon juice, and an orange peel garnish. (Unfortunately, there was a problem with the syrup recipe. The instructions called for honey, but it wasn’t listed along with the other ingredients so it wasn’t clear what quantity to use. Given that a typical simple syrup recipe uses a water to sugar ratio of 1:1, I went with that.) I’m always excited to try a creative new cocktail, and this one did not disappoint. The flavors of the tea and the whisky melded together beautifully- the drink was sweet and a little smoky.
Finlay & Co Jensen Sunglasses- $240
The final item in this box is a pair of wooden sunglasses from London-based Finlay & Co.
The glasses come with one of the the coolest cases I’ve ever seen! It’s beautiful and I love the innovative design. I think you can tell a lot about glasses by their case. (High quality frames usually come with a case that’s equally well designed.)
The sunglasses themselves are beautiful, too, of course. The frames are surprisingly lightweight, and it’s clear they’re exceptionally well-made.
This style is Finlay & Jenson’s take on the classic aviator. They’re made with ebony wood using a 32-step process. Given the natural variations found in wood, every single pair is unique.
These sunglasses are spectacular, but, sadly, they do not suit my face shape. (I have a fairly round face, and I’ve never found a pair of aviators that work on me.) My husband was kind enough to model them for a photo, but he won’t be able to wear them either because he has poor vision and needs prescription lenses. Le sigh. Looking on the bright side, I’m sure I won’t have a problem finding a friend willing to adopt them.
Verdict: Objectively speaking, this Robb Vices box was fantastic; however, it’s a bit of a disappointment for me because neither my husband nor I will be able to use the sunglasses. Sunglasses are often a challenge in subscription boxes, I think, but I can’t really fault Robb Vices for selecting this pair. The frames are gorgeous and aviators are a classic choice that will probably work for most subscribers. Robb Vices promises to deliver a “taste of the good life,” and they most certainly delivered on that promise with this box. By my count, the retail value of the items in this box totals $310. That’s exceptional!
Have you tried Robb Vices? What do you think of the luxuries they sent subscribers this month?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.