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Robb Vices Subscription Box Review + Coupon – May 2016

Lindsey Morse
ByLindsey MorseJun 4, 2016 | 20 comments

RobbVices-May-2016-Box

Vices
3.4 overall rating
48 Ratings | 6 Reviews

Robb Vices is “a membership program centered on a monthly delivery of storied treasures.”

RobbVices-May-2016-Inside

Each month, they send a collection of curated products and/or experiences.

RobbVices-May-2016-Packaging

Subscribers should expect boxes to include “vices” like “exceptional wines and spirits to enjoy, foods to taste, tools, toys, accessories, and gadgets.”

RobbVices-May-2016-Packaging2

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.)

RobbVices-May-2016-Contents

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!

RobbVices-May-2016-Booklet1

With each shipment, Robb Vices sends out a glossy booklet that outlines the products and curation story of each box.

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The booklet is very well designed, and it includes beautiful photographs and lots of information about the included products.

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This month’s box explores the many uses for wood.

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It features luxury items that are the result of innovation.

RobbVices-May-2016-Glenmorangie

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.

RobbVices-May-2016-GlenmorangieGlasses

Glenmorangie Tasting Glass with Lid- $16

This box also contained a lidded tasting glass, so you can taste your Glenmorangie like a pro!

RobbVices-May-2016-Tea

Ambessa Earl of Harlem Tea (20 bags)- $9

Ambessa tea is the result of a collaboration between celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and Harney & Sons.

RobbVices-May-2016-TeaCocktailRecipe

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.

RobbVices-May-2016-TeaCocktail

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.

RobbVices-May-2016-Finlay

Finlay & Co Jensen Sunglasses- $240

The final item in this box is a pair of wooden sunglasses from London-based Finlay & Co. 

RobbVices-May-2016-Finlay2

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.)

RobbVices-May-2016-Finlay3

The sunglasses themselves are beautiful, too, of course. The frames are surprisingly lightweight, and it’s clear they’re exceptionally well-made.

RobbVices-May-2016-Finlay4

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.

RobbVices-May-2016-Finlay5

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?

Starting at $129.95
Active Deal
Save $50 off your first subscription (LUXURY50) or receive a FREE Altec Lansing ALT-500 Bluetooth Turntable valued at $149 (TURNTABLE.)
Use Coupon Code LUXURY50 or TURNTABLE
Subscribe Now
The Vices membership program delivers high-end items specially curated by luxury tastemakers and delivered to your doorstep. Boxes will include wines or spirits, gadgets and accessories with a booklet describing the story behind why each item was chosen for the box.
Lindsey Morse
Lindsey Morse

Lindsey is a professional baker, cold brew coffee addict, and rosé aficionado who loves writing about food and wine. When she’s not sharing her love of subscription boxes with the world, you’ll find her in the podcasting studio, perfecting her cake decorating techniques, or cursing her way through the New York Times daily crossword puzzle. 


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20 comments

walter

Did anyone receive the MYSUBADDICTRV bonus? Curious as to what it was.

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TiaMarie10

OMG! I’m anxiously waiting for the June review!!! I cannot wait! I’m hoping it’s a great box that will finally push me to join!

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Anne

Has anyone received their custom hat from the march box yet?

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Randi

Omg… I LOVE those sunglasses! I wish I could afford to sign up for a year so I could get them as a free gift. This sub is amazing, I just love reading your reviews so much.
Maybe just maybe someone will put a pair of sunglasses up for swap (fingers and toes crossed)

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Cecilia

I did put my sunglasses up for swap. Aviator has never worked for me.

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Adele

My second box and I love it! Looking forward to the June box. Haven’t tried to make the Earl of Harlem yet, it looks good.

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Peggy

I caved. 6 month subscription for my hubby who deserves it and SO much more <3

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Lia

I bought this box for myself. I love the glasses and they fit perfectly. The scotch is great by itself or in coffee. I have been impressed with the quality of items as well as the quality of packaging. This is the perfect box for me! When my husband is nice, I sometime share ?

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Joanna

Think I just found my husbands father’s day/ birthday gift for the summer! This is right up his alley.

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I want to subscribe to this box soo bad!!! I just started my summer job so I’m hoping to save up enough cash to buy a year subscription by the end of the summer (I’m a college student). I’m glad you will be reviewing this box from now on so I can dream while I work my butt of this summer 🙂 Do you know if they have ever had any deals in the past on subscriptions ie. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc?

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Donna

Dear Lindsey,
I’m so sorry that the sunglasses don’t work for you or your husband. It makes me sad to see them unloved. But, good news! I would be happy to adopt them! I promise to give them a good home, and provide them with lots of love and attention. I look forward to hearing from you.

Your good friend,
Donna
ps: lol!

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Cecilia

Would you like to adopt mines too? 🙂

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Peggy

Do you happen to know if I’d still receive this box if we subscribed right now? I’d love this to be a great 3 month subscription Father’s Day gift. 🙂

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Peggy

It looks like the coupon code for the free Father’s Day gift is *only* good for a YEAR prepay. Sad face.

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Connie

This was my first box and had thought that you could opt out of alcohol as I don’t drink but received this same box. The sunglasses are not a good shape for me either. A little disappointing as I the only item for me is the tea. I am waiting to hear back from Robb Vices regarding the alcohol. When you sign up you are asked if you drink and in the comments on the April review others thought you could opt out of alcohol. Curious about Robb Vices response as I think overall the box is first class and they deliver some wonderful items.

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Ann

I too thought based on the initial survey that you could opt out of alcohol. I barely drink so did not want to consecutive alcohol boxes. That said . . . Wow. Both boxes were unique well-curated high value boxes. I did hear back from the company that the next box will NOT be an alcohol box. I LOVE the sunglasses. Bonus.

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Connie

Thanks! Glad to know June’s box will be not alcohol. I really appreciate how indulgent and unique this box is. C

Lin

I LOVE your reviews. You do a fantastic job. You’ve sold me on many boxes that I didn’t even know I needed!!

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Tamara

Those sunglasses look FANTASTIC on your husband. So much so that I think it might be worth replacing the lenses with Rx lenses!

Meanwhile, I look awful in aviators too. So far every single pair of sunglasses I’ve received in a sub box has looked bad on me. That even includes the Tom’s from Rachel Zoe and the Retrosuperfuture from the last PSMH NM box. :p

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Cheryl Wyatt

I tried to use the coupon code FATHERSDAY16 for a 3-month new subscription, and it didn’t work. Just FYI.

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