Johnny Motley
Author
Author/Co-Author of 35 articles
Johnny Motley is a writer based in Brooklyn. He studied religion at Harvard and taught humanities before entering the wilds of freelance journalism. He writes about travel, menswear, whiskey, watches, and the occasional offbeat essay on Stoic philosophy. In addition to The Manual, his work has appeared in the BBC, National Geographic, CNN, Wine Enthusiast, and several other lifestyle publications. He is particularly proud of the gonzo travel memoirs he publishes on Substack.
Johnny is an enthusiast of classic literature and cinema, and recently has enjoyed expanding his intellectual horizons through watches, design, and architecture. He lived in Brazil in his twenties, where he acquired a fondness for samba, cachaça, and lusophone poetry. A former Division I wrestler, he still hits the gym to relieve stress and sharpen his creativity.
A Toast to World Gin Week in New York City
World Gin Week ends in New York with a juniper-fueled celebration at The Ivory Peacock and Ploume.
This Lower Manhattan Bar Will Debut a Bourbon Boat for America’s 250th Birthday
Lucky Tiger's Liberty Boat turns rare Michter's pours, seafood, and Lower Manhattan's maritime history into the ultimate Fourth of July outing.
This New Ayurvedic Cookbook Brings Himalayan Wellness Into Your Kitchen
The famed wellness retreat in northern India has released The Healing Plate, a beautifully photographed cookbook featuring Ayurvedic recipes alongside guidance on digestion, immunity, sleep, energy, and seasonal eating.
Maker’s Mark will Launch a Pop-Up on the Summit of Aspen Mountain
Guests will ride a gondola to a cocktail bar atop Aspen Mountain as part of the distillery's new Perfectly Unreasonable campaign.
Cedar Ridge Unveils a New Limited-Edition American Single Malt
The latest release in Murphy Quint's QuintEssential Series showcases the creativity that has made the distillery a leader in whiskey's newest official category.
Yesterday’s: A New Bar With Old New York Soul
The new neighborhood bar pairs classic cocktails, comfort food, and Knicks fever with the feel of a decades-old public house.
Scotch With Rick Ross and a Taste of Luc Belaire’s New Alcohol-Free Rosé
The Biggest Boss discusses gratitude, hustle, and his new memoir while celebrating Luc Belaire's latest foray into the non-alcoholic category.
American Optical Unveils the Vintage-Inspired Jaguar and Lennox Sunglasses
American Optical is America's oldest eyewear manufacturer, but it remains an if-you-know-you-know brand.
Two Michelin-Starred French Restaurants Team Up for a Bastille Day Feast in NYC
Two Michelin-starred chefs celebrate Bastille Day with caviar, Champagne, and a lavish 12-course feast at l'abeille.
Chelsea Living Room, an NYC Shrine to Caviar, Heads East for the Summer
Chelsea Living Room, the glamorous restaurant inside the historic Hotel Chelsea, has opened a summer pop-up in Montauk.
Mount Gay and Devereux Tee Up a Menswear Collection Inspired by Rum and Golf
The world's oldest rum distillery joins forces with the golf apparel upstart on a limited-edition lineup of polos, hats, and accessories built for the fairway, the sailboat, and the 19th hole.
A Tribute to the Greatest Generation: Praesidus’ New D-Day Watches
Praesidus has built a sterling reputation for handsome tool watches and recreations of historic military watches. The new D-Day watches embody the best of the brand.
The Black Tux Just Dropped a Line of Knit Polos as Dapper as Their Tuxedos
The Black Tux built its reputation on making black tie easier. Its new sweater-knit collection brings that same elegance to everyday dressing.
Bar Bas Brings French Riviera Cocktails to Hell’s Kitchen
In the Friki Tiki's former venue, Bar Bas serves French-inspired cocktails and pre-theater fare in a subterranean lounge
Girard-Perregaux Celebrates 50 Years of the Laureato, an Iconic Sports Watch, With Four New Models
Girard-Perregaux is a brand you should know. The Laureato sports watch is their marquee timepiece, but dress watches are their true metier.
Porter Road’s New Grilling Heroes Box Delivers a Summer Cookout in a Box
The new Grilling Heroes Box from Porter Road delivers cookout provisions straight to your door, a box of ribeyes, burgers, hot dogs and sausages
This Swiss-Japanese Collaboration Is the Prettiest Watch of 2026 So Far
Zenith, a legendary Swiss watchmaker, has partnered with Naoya Hida, Japanese design titan, to launch a sublime watch
Audemars Piguet Unveils Three New Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs
Audemars Piguet's latest Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs are slimmer and more elegant
The Nautilus Hotel, a Miami Beach Landmark, Will Become The James Nautilus
Sonesta International Hotels plans to renovate the historic Nautilus Hotel into The James Nautilus Hotel
Piper-Heidsieck Just Released a Marilyn Monroe Champagne for Her 100th Birthday
Marilyn Monroe adored Piper-Heidsieck, and the centuries-old Champagne house made a cuvée in her honor.
The Best New York City Rooftops Bars to Celebrate Summer
From penthouses in Midtown to East River crow's nests, here are the NYC rooftops that aren't tourist traps
The Coolest Gifts to Buy Your Buddies Turning Forty
Luxury gifts for fortieth birthdays, from watches and clothing to suitcases and whiskey
How I Came Around to Vodka
If you are a vodka sipper, bless you. For the rest of us, we love to try cocktails with this universal mixer
More indulgence in NYC for you to plan for your next trip to the big city
Here is where to stay and what to do in NYC for the authentic experience.
How to Plan the Most Indulgent, Over-the-Top Trip to New York City
Here is where to eat and drink your way to the ultimate in NYC indulgence.
Looking for a place to stay in NYC? These are the best bars attached to your hotel
These bars are so good they will help you decide where to stay in NYC
The 25 Coolest Gifts for Your Buddies Turning 30 in 2026
These are the ways to show your buddies you care
You procrastinated and everywhere is booked, here are 10 more NYC date spots for Valentines Day
NYC Date spots for Valentine's Day
Complete your collection with an avant garde watch
Here are the watches to get when you are ready to show off your status and taste
These are the best brands from the frozen North
Here are the brands that will keep you warm AND stylish