Today we speak to Benjamin Wood, the Beverage Director at Mr. Jones in New York City.
I am originally from Arizona; I grew up in a small town called Buckeye, wearing wranglers and boots, and have been on a journey ever sense. I moved to Scottsdale during my college years, where I cut my teeth in the bar and restaurant industry.
After a stint of traveling and living in Costa Rica, I found myself in New York for a brief visit…that was eight years ago. I fell back into the bar industry and, particularly, became entrenched in the craft cocktail renaissance. After a few years behind bars (not the jail type), I was able to work with some of the best bartenders in the world and became one of the founding partners in Distilled NY, a public house in TriBeCa. This paved the way to my current project in Soho called Mr. Jones – a sexy cocktail lounge, with a house band (XO) playing some funk a few nights a week.
Style has always been important to me. Taking an intentional approach to your personal style can be life changing. I find that people’s impressions and therefore judgments are greatly influenced visually, which gives style some weight. I also like to think of it as an opportunity to be considerate. When something looks attractive to the eye it can be very pleasant. Not to mention it feels damn good to be happy with how you look.
As for his personal style:
Jeans: AG Graduate Jeans
Shirts: Hugo Boss for dress
Pants: J.Crew, Gant Rugger
Shoes:
Boots: Redwings Iron Ranger Cap Toe
Boat Shoes: Sperry Top Sider Gold Cup
Dress Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo or the Hand Crafted in Italy line from Johnston and Murphy.
Accessories:
Hats: Goorin Bros.
Watches: Panerai
Bracelet: Miansai
Glasses: Ray Ban vintage Gold Caravan for wire frame and Classic Wayfarer in Tortoise
Outerwear: J.Crew jackets, I really like what they have done down at the Liquor Store in TriBeCa, Wallace and Barnes sweaters, Canada Goose Down Parka. I have a Valentino Trench I like too.
Favorite Cologne: Everyday cologne is Gucci by Gucci. With a suit I wear Terre D’ Hermes.
Your favorite App: Living in NYC, it must be Seamless; however, look out for DrinkSpottr.
Favorite piece of technology: iPhone is the obvious answer for me. I also love the Bose in-ear headphones; they are outstanding.
Next tech purchase: New MacBook
