Bespoke Post is a monthly membership club that delivers high-quality lifestyle products from up-and-coming brands. It’s voted as one of the best men’s subscription boxes of 2023 by our readers and it’s a great box for women and couples as well.
When you sign up, there’s a quiz to determine your preferences and interests, then you’re matched with a new themed box every month. For $49 per month, each box promises at least $70 in retail value with items ranging from outdoor gear, barware, home, and kitchen goods, clothing, and more. If you're not into the boxes selected for you, there are many others to choose from.
Unlike most subscription boxes, you get to preview your Bespoke Post box before it ships and you can easily swap for a different box or skip the month for no charge. You only pay for the months that interest you.
This is a review of the "Wabi Sabi" box.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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Bespoke Post usually has a good presentation. However, this month's box seemed more like an afterthought. This one seemed like they just slapped a sticker on it after the fact.
Inside the Bespoke Post "Wabi Sabi" Box
Zem Tools Sushi Set - Retail Price $60
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For years I've wanted a solid, mature sushi set. No more eating right out of the take-out containers for us. This sushi set includes matching serving plate, two dipping bowls, a soy sauce dispenser, and two sets of graphite chopsticks and chopstick rests. Everything two people would need to enjoy a night of sushi – homemade or take-out. The set comes very well packaged in foam.
Everything but the chopsticks are glazed ceramic. I dig the dark look and stone-like edges and bottoms. Everything is dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus in my opinion. The main sushi plate measures 5 by 13 inches. The dipping dishes are 4 inches. And the dispenser stands 3 inches tall. Ceramic rests to keep the business-end of your new graphite chopsticks off the table. The rests are glazed on top and unfinished on the bottom so they won’t slide around the table. The Bespoke Post website only mentions that the dipping bowls are handmade, but it seems like all the ceramic pieces would be.
My only small complaint is that the lid of the dispenser does not rest soundly atop the vessel. It's difficult to photograph, but the lid slides around unevenly. Not the end of the world, but I wish that it fit perfectly. Then again, "wabi sabi" is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. So ... deep breath.
Takuko Shoyu Japanese Soy Sauce - Estimated Price $15
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Included with the set is a 12 oz. bottle of Shoyu, which is specifically a Japanese-style soy sauce. "Generally, most Shoyu has wheat added, which tempers the salty flavor and gives shoyu its characteristic sweetness. Despite soy sauce’s origins in China, the Japanese modified the recipe to include equal parts of soybeans and wheat, thus creating shoyu." I thought for sure that I wasn't going to be able to taste the difference between this and regular old soy sauce... and I was right. I can't tell the difference. But I use soy sauce all the time, so I appreciate the addition.
I couldn't find a good price for this bottle. It's not for sale in a 12 oz. bottle any where that I saw. Here is a 60 oz. bottle of the same stuff for $9. That would put this bottle at around $2, which seems low. Here is a similar bottle of white shoyu for $15 on Amazon. I don't know how that compares price-wise, but sounds closer to what I would expect this bottle to cost.
Verdict
This has been a long time coming for me. I have always wanted a nice sushi set and now Bespoke Post has delivered. We get sushi a few times a month and now we'll look more mature and serious ... even if it's just moving the sushi from the take-out container to this glazed ceramic plate. I love how it comes with everything you need, including the soy sauce. I only wish I came with a voucher for a few rolls. The part I am most excited about are the dipping bowls. They are the perfect size for dipping sushi and not those cheap plastic to-go containers. This is an A+ all around. As if I needed another reason to order out, I think I'll order some sushi tonight.
Let's Talk About Value
This set sells for $60 on the manufacture's website and I estimated the Shoyu at $15. That's a total of $75, which is $21 more than the cost of this sub ($54 with shipping). That's not a bad savings, but I think it's worth mentioning most of that value comes from my estimate of the soy sauce, which may be way off. It feels like I just paid for the sushi set and they threw in the cause. I'd like to see more tangible value. Maybe with more dipping bowls and chopsticks? Either way, with the $21 I saved, I think I'll order some take-out.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, the "Wabi Sabi" is available at the time of this post.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist.
What do you think of the "Wabi Sabi" Bespoke Post box? Let us know in the comments below.
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