The Material Review

The Material Review

The Material Review

Issue 224: Navy Grog, Bear Bryant, Oi Polloi, Self-Storage Facilities, Laurel Canyon Country Store and Spotlight On: Long Bill Hats.

Michael Williams and Taylor Stacey
Sep 23, 2026
∙ Paid

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

Grog almighty – the rise and rise of navy-strength gin

“High ABV spirits are coming to a Martini near you” [FT]

Bear Bryant’s Miracles

Bear Bryant’s Miracles

“the man behind the winning tradition at Alabama is a magnetic, scary John Wayne type named Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant.” [The Stacks Reader / Playboy]

Oi Polloi, One of the World’s Best Menswear Stores, Is Back

“And oh, how we’ve missed it.” [Esquire]

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Michael Williams.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Michael Williams · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture