Great99

I recently watched some wet shaving enthusiasts review Old Spice original vs. The modern take. They stated what most already know and that is how it is a mere shadow of what once was. Most of the scent profile is there, but not as strong and very soft in other aspects that once stood out. I have been fortunate to have purchased some recreations offered by various independents, upon trying them I instantly was taken back to my grandfather wet shaving, and completing the ritual with this classic (he even shared the final remnants with me). Below, in no order…

Cool Spice-Phoenix Shaving
Reserve Spice-Barrister & Mann
Stirling Spice-Stirling Soap Co.

And on a final note, be it nostalgia, or people just really appreciating the classic profile, these splashes frequently sell out on all sites you might find them…I consider that a statement of sorts. Cheers, please do try these alternatives they won’t disappoint.

I bought this after smelling a sample of Tom Ford Noir Extreme, where I simply NEEDED to have it, but alas, the price was also a bit rich. So the hunt began for something in the same vein, a clone if I must. This came up in my search and was inexpensive so I went with it. This is in the family of Noir Extreme, but softer and less challenging. It also has a touch of that iris that you find in Dior Homme Intense. The good thing here is that the scent is not overly in your face, and can be worn easily and not likely offend. Performance is ok, but no where near that of Noir Extreme. For the price it is worth the experience, but does not meet the full out clone comparisons of any listed “smells like” fragrances .

Stirling is a wet shaving community staple. They have many original and clone takes on fragrance. The wet shaving community is tough, they put old school scents on a pedestal, and demand in these smaller artisan groups asks for specific things. So if your focus is an aftershave product, but it clashes with that designer scent, then you kind of have to replicate that designer scent to sell more product. I tend to layer my aftershaves with similar scent profiles, but even then it can be tough, and if you are wearing a high end fragrance,you don’t want to ruin the artistry some other scent (thus matching deodorant sets even exist).

OK, back to Barbershop, this item shines and reflects the talented people working at Stirling Soap. It’s why they have a mix, probably at least 1/3 original creations. This is a very nice, a bit linear, powdery vanilla scent profile. Not a gourmand, just a clean tonka oriented sweet. I agree that this is like a portion of “Barbshop” style scents has been selected. Clubman Pinaud for example has a sweet vanilla powdery base, this could easily be that part plucked out for the younger wet shaving community. This kind of reminds me of how Authenticity Perfumes has created a unique spin on Barbershop also, they are not identical, but both offer a new spin on Barbershop that is welcome. This is not traditional by any means, but still offers up a fresh clean powdery vibe that shines. I highly recommend trying many of the offerings this company has available, and if like me you enjoy a good aftershave splash, but it might conflict with you favourite scent, well they might have that covered for you too. Cheers all.

The Jaguar for men line gets little attention or love, but it contains some solid articles, this is one of them. If you enjoy any of the popular designer Ouds, this will not disappoint. It is in a similar vein to Versace Oud and Boss Bottled Oud Intense. The projection is solid but not over bearing, and lasts a full day. If you are interested in any of the more expensive Oud lines, this is a great entry level version that is inexpensive as well.

First and foremost I do love this, not as much as Jazz Club, but still right up there. Do you know your audience when you wear this? While many might enjoy the scent, I have to be honest, it’s loud and strong, so go light if you are in an environment that will be dense with others, or smaller rooms because you will fill that room. The smoke is divisive for some, and the sweet amber vanilla with wood undertones is also pretty heavy. This is really more art than a practical reach. I think in winter, during the holidays, this scent will shine and have the most receptive audience, that’s when people will want this scent profile in the air. Again, be warned that at least 1 of 5 people will NOT like this scent, and that will be a STRONG dislike if they are forced to be in its proximity. Cheers all.