Razor: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements / Meta-4
Blade: Gillette / Nacet Stainless (D2)
Lather: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements / The Watcher
Brush: Heritage Collection Shaving / Ever-Ready 3-Step w/ 26mm High Mountain White Badger knot
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements / Fine Lather Bowl
Post Shave: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements / Alum Block w/ No-Slip Grip System & Dry Dock System
Aftershave: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements / The Watcher
What a treat this shave was. Early access to The Watcher. Which in and of itself is an homage to Doctor Who. Which also just so happens to be celebrating its 60th Anniversary!
Most fittingly the fragrance for this new release is an homage to Yardley Black Label. I know right? Yardley Black Label!
As is typical of Phoenix Shaving, once again another vintage lost to time has been resurrected in glorious fashion.
The fragrance notes are as follows...
Top Notes: Clary Sage, Spice
Middle Notes: Powdery, Patchouli, Vanilla
Bottom Notes: Musk, Woody, Sandalwood
I find that the top notes are bright and clean though the spice isn't what you might think it is. It lifts and brightens the fragrance in a similar but different way than the sage does. Both notes are clear and present. You also can't miss the powder. This is an English fragrance we're talking about after all. I also pick up on the patchouli, musk, and wood notes which are blended nicely.
The Watcher is a unique classic that's been regenerated in the best modern way possible. If you're into vintage shaving gear or fancy yourself a fan of the Doctor, you're going to want to keep your eyes open for the arrival of the Doctor’s TARDIS.
The Meta-4 though mild, shaved me well with a Nacet blade installed. After three passes I was longing for more to shave so I could keep the experience going. That's where the aftershave comes in.
With a nice bit of splash on my face, the full beauty of the fragrance unfolded. After about 20 minutes the middle notes started to shine. This was when those other notes began to arise, showing their character. The full picture was apparent after some time and stuck with me all day. This is a classical, uniquely clean fragrance that I thoroughly enjoy.
All in all, I had a wonderful shave and am super thankful for the opportunity to use something as special as The Watcher before its official release.
Take care everyone and enjoy your shaves.