Winter’s Refraction

Winter’s Refraction came to be in a very different way than scents I’ve created in the past.  This was already an existing scent. 

I was invited to make samples for the goodie bags handed out at the Northeast Meetup this past September.  That scent was labeled “Voodoo”.  At the meetup and for weeks after, I was asked if I’d consider making “Voodoo” available to everyone.  Well, I really enjoyed the scent and wanted to do it, but didn’t want to call it “Voodoo” anymore.  Another artisan had recently released something with a similar name, and I didn’t find the scent I had created was the right match for the existing name.  So with a scent already created, I needed to build around it, which wasn’t something I’m used to doing.

I was stuck where to go with it for awhile until one of my closest friends told me simply, “It smells like a warm hug.”  I knew I had my inspiration at that moment. 

My mind went to a local walking trail, covered in snow, alongside a gently flowing river partially iced over.  It’s a trail I’ve walked with my family many times.  The sun in winter feels bright and is visually noticeable as it reflects off the snow and refracts through the ice.  It’s beautiful to see when walking along the trails, and that “warm hug” that the sun offers on a crisp day combined with the icy refraction of light is what I decided to pinpoint as the new image for this scent. 

So what does it smell like?  You might notice a smooth blend of neroli, patchouli, and bergamot evolve to a darker, warming blend of subtle guaiac wood and vetiver.  You might smell a warm hug, or you might smell something entirely different.  But really, that’s my goal.  Whatever your experience is, I hope it’s a pleasant one.

Release date at West Coast Shaving is forthcoming, with matching aftershave from Maol Grooming, and maybe a few EdT from Catie's Bubbles.  If anyone in Canada would like to support, Top Of The Chain will have some aftershave, as well.

If the previous post about Winter’s Refraction sounds like something you might enjoy, you can find it at West Coast Shaving starting this coming Tuesday, February 11th at 12 noon Eastern time.  There will options for soap only, soap and splash sets, splash only, and a very limited quantity of EdT.  Big thanks to Sean at Maol Grooming and Chris from Catie's Bubbles for helping bring this to life.