POPSUGAR UK

3 Editors Tried the Vices Subscription Box — It's a Dream For Foodies and Cocktail-Lovers

09/12/2020 - 08:00 PM

Finding a great gift for the foodie [1] in your life can be tricky. Many of them own most of the cooking tools and unique ingredients they already need. The same goes for self-declared mixologists — they often have fully stocked bars. That's where the Vices Subscription Box [2] comes in. Our editors recently discovered this luxury curation of "fine spirits, handmade leather goods, high quality foods, and other rare finds." You can buy one box for $130, or get monthly subscription packages at major discounts.

We don't want to just tell you about the box, our shopping editors decided to put it to the test. Three editors tried Vices so we can see if it's truly worth the hype. To get everyone's individual takes, keep reading for their reviews and personal photos of the box.

A Fun Family Holiday Activity

Vices Subscription Box [4] ($130)

Box Review: I love how curated the box is with an overarching theme to make it an experience. I got the mezcal tasting kit, which came with three bottles of different mezcal, three tasting glasses, and four food-based items. The food included artisanal chocolate, spiced mango jerky, blood orange slices dipped in a sugar cream, and smoked Oaxacan mole, which you either pair with one of the mezcal bottles or be used as a garnish for cocktails! Initially, I never was familiar with mezcal. I loved that I could learn more about it through this experience. Now, not only do I realise that there is a difference between it and tequila, but it was also a fun activity to do with the family at Thanksgiving! We tried out all the mezcals and paired them with the food pairings, and we even tested out our bartending skills. I also got the Anna x Robert Vices elevated entertaining set, which came with an agate cheese plate and knife, agate whiskey rocks, and a bottle stopper. This set was so gorgeous I primarily use it for home decor! The cheese plate is on the smaller side so it can double as a bottle coaster. My dad, who loves Scotch, uses the whiskey rocks instead of ice for his daily evening cap. You can use both boxes together to transport yourself to a swanky bar on the Upper Eastside or separately, either way, it's truly an elevated experience! This box truly embodies appreciating the finer things in life while making it an experience to learn about the artisanal goods in the box."

Who would you gift it to?
This would be a fantastic gift for the holidays, especially when we are stuck at home. The box is truly an experience. It's on the pricier end so this is something I would get for those closest to me who I know would appreciate experiences like this. This makes a great gift for friends, family, and even coworkers if your personal budget allows for it. You can curate the boxes to their interests as well, but it's also fun to discover and learn something new! I would honestly even gift this to myself!

— Anvita Reddy, editorial coordinator, Shop

A Luxury Experience For Foodies and Cocktail-Lovers

Vices Subscription Box [5] ($130)

Box Review: I opened my box and audibly gasped because I was so impressed with the packageing and product selection. I would have been happy with the three mezcal bottles, but it also comes with glasses, snacks, and a gorgeous agate serving platter among other cool products. I think it's worth every penny because all the work of putting together a gift has been done. Every little thoughtful detail has been included and nothing skimps out on quality. Did I mention that the mezcal was delicious? Because it was. I would definitely recommend this box to my friends, it's really cool.

Who would you gift it to?
I know my dad or uncle would be thrilled to unwrap this box. As guys with elaborate home bars, I feel confident that this is something neither of them own. Plus, the whole tasting experience serves as an activity, which they would totally appreciate.

— Macy Cate Williams, senior editor, Shop

Perfect For Newbies and Experts Alike

Vices Subscription Box [6] ($130)

Box Review: The box was well packaged, curated and felt very elevated during just the unboxing. But beyond just the look, I personally enjoyed the experience it provided to my husband and myself. My husband was already a mezcal fan, myself not so much. The booklet and pairing offered us both our own opportunity to expand our knowledge and palette with a variety of mezcals and pairings. I especially appreciated how it walked newbies through the tasting experience and what to expect with each sip. By the end of the experience, I had clearly figured out which mezcal was my favourite (reposado) and what I loved to pair with it (white chocolate dipped blood orange slices). My husband was a big fan of the anejo paired with the cinnamon chocolate.

Who would you gift it to?
This is a great gift for anyone that loves to imbibe and explore the wide world of liquor, of course! But beyond that it is a perfect gift for anyone that likes experiences more than just stuff. All of the products are consumable, so it is unlikely they will just gather dust in some closet and each time the person pours themselves a cocktail, they will think of you. If there is anyone on your list that is impossible to buy i.e. they want for nothing or already have everything, a Vices box will be an unexpected but fun experience for them.

— Lauren Hendrickson, Head of Shop


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/food/vices-subscription-box-review-48044946