Soap Scent

I notice some soapers describe their product's scent as mild or light, but with the 'staying power' to remain with you for the entire shave. Let me introduce a variable here that, I think, determines what level of scent we like.

That variable is age! At 80, I know that my olfactory abilities are not nearly what they were 30-40 years ago when I was doing semi-expert critiquing of wines. I think I could still do the qualitative aspects of the critique if I could just get enough of the 'nose' and bouquet of the wine into my head and brain. So it is with soap scents... I think!

I just tried a sample of Stirling's Bonaparte, and you know what I liked about it? The strength of the scent! It was, to me, a pleasant, spicy, manly scent that was present in significant quantity for me to enjoy throughout the shave. It was nice to just breathe normally during the shave and have every breath filled with the scent. For a young stud, with all senses working 100%, it might have been too much scent, but for my flagging abilities it was great!

Ya think the soap makers should produce two versions of every soap? A normal and a geriatric product with enhanced scent levels? Maybe at a slightly elevated price point to account for the extra essential and fragrance oils necessary. Just kidding, but I do look for the stronger scented products, nowadays.

Hi Beamon, I think thats a great idea.  I think the scent is an important part of the shave experience, however, many soaps that smell great in the tub/puck become quite mild in the lather and I do find myself sniffing, searching for the scent.  I had an email exchange recently with James the Obsessive Soap Perfectionist on the subject.  I acquired 2 of his soaps at no small cost from the UK - Bay Rum and Sandalwood and I was mildly disappointed in the scent.  They were so mildly scented (to my nose) that I found it hard to tell which was which without the lid label to guide me.  He claimed to use adequate amounts of fragrance and that several customers had provided him positive feedback on the scents although its possible it was a batch issue.  I've always considered that my sense of smell was normal but maybe it is weakening over time.  I know that Stirling describes the Bonaparte soap as being strongly scented so I'm glad to hear from you that its actually the case.  Over time and after buying soap from many different makers I more or less know who makes soaps that I will most likely enjoy.  Maybe we could develop an international fragrance strength indicator system using from 1 to 5 noses 1 being no scent and 5 being blow the top of your head off scent.  Now I'm curious about Bonaparte.
Happy New Year
Mark

Maybe we could develop an international fragrance strength indicator system using from 1 to 5 noses 1 being no scent and 5 being blow the top of your head off scent.  Now I'm curious about Bonaparte.
Happy New Year
Mark

Love it! The tough part is whose nose or noses would be expert enough to confer upon a soap how many noses it would be allowed to display. I know I couldn't be on a panel like that. I'm too susceptible to bribery! Slip me a few free tubs and I'll advocate for anything!

Happy New Year, and may it be filled with much new shaving gear.