Member
(This post was last modified: 03-06-2021, 03:21 PM by FaceScraper.)
Like florals? The Chypre Rose Concerto is delightful. I always thought I’d hate rose scents until I tried this one.
Le Fougere Parfaite is fantastic - provided you like the scent of Brut.
What about leather scents? Cuero Oscuro is straight up leather. Like walking into a boot shop. Not aged leather, like a well worn saddle. Brand new leather boot smell.
Sandhurst is an odd duck. To me it almost smells like cough syrup, Robitussin I think. This is especially true of the splash. Fortunately, the dry down changes the scent, and the cough syrup scent fades off.
Man From Mayfair is one of my favorite scents from any artisan, period. It's mostly a basil/licorice scent with a little bit of powder.
I've yet to try any of the Sierro base releases, so I can't comment on any of the newer scents. Performance of his soaps are top-notch, which no doubt you've already read. They're up there with the best of 'em. His scents tend to lean towards the stronger side.
Maggard's usually carries samples, in case you don't want to commit to full tubs. Good luck with your decisions, and take my thoughts with a grain of salt. My sniffer ain't the best or most refined. Keep us posted on what you end up getting, and what you think.
Le Fougere Parfaite is fantastic - provided you like the scent of Brut.
What about leather scents? Cuero Oscuro is straight up leather. Like walking into a boot shop. Not aged leather, like a well worn saddle. Brand new leather boot smell.
Sandhurst is an odd duck. To me it almost smells like cough syrup, Robitussin I think. This is especially true of the splash. Fortunately, the dry down changes the scent, and the cough syrup scent fades off.
Man From Mayfair is one of my favorite scents from any artisan, period. It's mostly a basil/licorice scent with a little bit of powder.
I've yet to try any of the Sierro base releases, so I can't comment on any of the newer scents. Performance of his soaps are top-notch, which no doubt you've already read. They're up there with the best of 'em. His scents tend to lean towards the stronger side.
Maggard's usually carries samples, in case you don't want to commit to full tubs. Good luck with your decisions, and take my thoughts with a grain of salt. My sniffer ain't the best or most refined. Keep us posted on what you end up getting, and what you think.
Just Here for the Shaves
Williamsburg, KY
2 that I have and LOVE are:
1st - King of Bourbon
2nd - La Fougère Parfaite which is a dead ringer for Brut (Not sure about the Clubman comparison)
1st - King of Bourbon
2nd - La Fougère Parfaite which is a dead ringer for Brut (Not sure about the Clubman comparison)
This post by Dave in KY mentions views and opinions expressed and makes it known that they are "those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of DFS or any other member, agency, organization, employer or company." 
Posting Freak
Peachtree City, GA
(This post was last modified: 03-06-2021, 03:45 PM by DanLaw.)
Wholly Kaw is squarely in the top 3 of soap performers based on the quality of the bases over the years. Like Porsche 911s (until the 991 and 992), every new base IS demonstrably superiour to its predecessor. The post shave is also incredible. While some artisan base updates have not measured up as replacements, Ari makes it a point that product changes deliver readily perceptible improvements and has his business running like a clock in every regard from order thru delivery.
As far as scents: Wholly Kaw has released some of the all time greats as in my top 2 ever: Chypre Rose Concerto and YRP. Other scents that have served well are King of Oud, Fougere Parfaite, King of Bourbon, SubLime, Cuero Oscuro (although not a leather fan it DOES smell of a new set of Dainese racing leathers unlike all the contrived leather scents about), Man from Mayfair as well as his newer scents which are more complex without seeming artificially contrived. Even his Bare Naked is very well executed having hardly any scent - just a hint of soapishness.
Of all the artisans, save Will at B&M, Wholly Kaw is the no hassles, no gimmicks, if one likes a scent it remains available, web site functions seamlessly, product ships immediately and correctly and no online drama king.
As far as scents: Wholly Kaw has released some of the all time greats as in my top 2 ever: Chypre Rose Concerto and YRP. Other scents that have served well are King of Oud, Fougere Parfaite, King of Bourbon, SubLime, Cuero Oscuro (although not a leather fan it DOES smell of a new set of Dainese racing leathers unlike all the contrived leather scents about), Man from Mayfair as well as his newer scents which are more complex without seeming artificially contrived. Even his Bare Naked is very well executed having hardly any scent - just a hint of soapishness.
Of all the artisans, save Will at B&M, Wholly Kaw is the no hassles, no gimmicks, if one likes a scent it remains available, web site functions seamlessly, product ships immediately and correctly and no online drama king.
Clay Face
Honolulu, Hawaii
Nero, a few years ago I ordered lots of Wholly Kaw samples. I loved the lathers; the scents, though, were tricky. Below are my impressions. In the end I ordered full tubs of King of Oud and La Fougère Parfaite. I'm still thinking about getting Chypre Rose Concerto and Fougère Bouquet.
Chypre Rose Concerto – This smells deep and complex and gorgeous. I get plenty of citrus straight up, which then mellows into a nice rose-and-resin accord supported by rosemary. The lather tends to turn into a rose soliflore, but it's nice. Sort of reminds me of Habit Rouge.
Fougère Bouquet – This comes in on the dark end of the fougère spectrum. It is undeniably a ferny song sung from deep down. Though its balance is sweet, Fougère Bouquet is probably best attempted only by the barrel chested. This is deep green and delicious, full of moss and other manly aromas that will accentuate your inner alpha male and still leave you feeling like a gentleman at large.
La Fougère Parfaite – This smells a lot like modern Brut: light, clean, not too complex, easy to use every day for weeks on end.
Jamestown Gentleman – The tobacco flower, nicotiana tabacum, is so sweet and warm that we used to give it as a Mother's Day present. It doesn't smell much like the cured leaf of that plant, being far more honeyed and quite inviting, though on its own it can become cloying. To tone down its powdery side, WK has mixed in nice bouquet of lavender, bergamot, musk, and woods. It's a pleasant flowery fragrance that would be especially nice in the spring when the dogwoods start coming into bloom.
King of Oud – This is an oud whose edgy, bitter side has been softened by pepper, a bushel of roses, angelica, and some fruity amber. When I first opened the tub, I wasn’t sure if this scent was going to be a mess or a masterpiece. At first I got a mishmash of flowers, chocolate, aldehydes, wet cardboard, and oud. It smelled sort of like a bag of Valentine’s Day gifts left out in the rain. But as I made the lather, the scent became more balanced and smooth, and after a few minutes, it was utterly sublime, a rich harmony of fruits, flowers, and wood that I would be happy to have go on forever.
Lav Sublime – This is just what the label says, an abbreviated dash of lavender under a lot of lime. If you come to this soap expecting a knock-down herbal scent, you may be disappointed. I really had to struggle to find the lavender. In fact, both the puck and the lather smelled strongly of a citrus that's not exactly tart. Many may find it too sweet, almost cloying. I'm reminded of hard candy or kids' soda.
Man from Mayfair – We've got all the makings for a classic male fragrance: bergamot, basil, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk. Take a whiff and you soon realize, though, there's more to it than a medley of scents. What strikes you isn't the conglomeration of the pieces. Instead you get a well blended fragrance that's more an abstraction of an idea than an imitation of something found in nature. Curiously that abstract idea coincides with my memories of those hard candy coated peanuts called Boston Baked Beans.
Monaco Royale – This is sweet and smooth like honey drizzled over flowers. The woods are quiet on the puck.
Pompelmo – This reminds me of plastic grapefruit, the kind you find in a furniture store perched on a kitchen table. Probably my least favorite of all of Wholly Kaw's scents.
Project Leather – This is a nice bridge between the smoky wood scents of winter and the aromatic notes of early spring, but I have to confess, it strikes me as rather odd. This scent, like many of WK's fragrances, is hard to define. It's obviously leather, but it doesn't smell like a new car seat or new shoes or even a bomber jacket. Instead, it's brand new baseball glove leather, and it smells like you've been playing catch with a ball that's been lost in the mint patch for a week.
Vetivertal – This is a dusty vetiver accompanied by coriander, lemon, pepper, and cedar. My sample was not highly scented. It sort of smelled like old books. I don't think this is made anymore. Pity.
Washington's Blend – This a rich floral aroma. Fifty years ago it would have perfectly suited a powder room hung with red velvet wallpaper.
Chypre Rose Concerto – This smells deep and complex and gorgeous. I get plenty of citrus straight up, which then mellows into a nice rose-and-resin accord supported by rosemary. The lather tends to turn into a rose soliflore, but it's nice. Sort of reminds me of Habit Rouge.
Fougère Bouquet – This comes in on the dark end of the fougère spectrum. It is undeniably a ferny song sung from deep down. Though its balance is sweet, Fougère Bouquet is probably best attempted only by the barrel chested. This is deep green and delicious, full of moss and other manly aromas that will accentuate your inner alpha male and still leave you feeling like a gentleman at large.
La Fougère Parfaite – This smells a lot like modern Brut: light, clean, not too complex, easy to use every day for weeks on end.
Jamestown Gentleman – The tobacco flower, nicotiana tabacum, is so sweet and warm that we used to give it as a Mother's Day present. It doesn't smell much like the cured leaf of that plant, being far more honeyed and quite inviting, though on its own it can become cloying. To tone down its powdery side, WK has mixed in nice bouquet of lavender, bergamot, musk, and woods. It's a pleasant flowery fragrance that would be especially nice in the spring when the dogwoods start coming into bloom.
King of Oud – This is an oud whose edgy, bitter side has been softened by pepper, a bushel of roses, angelica, and some fruity amber. When I first opened the tub, I wasn’t sure if this scent was going to be a mess or a masterpiece. At first I got a mishmash of flowers, chocolate, aldehydes, wet cardboard, and oud. It smelled sort of like a bag of Valentine’s Day gifts left out in the rain. But as I made the lather, the scent became more balanced and smooth, and after a few minutes, it was utterly sublime, a rich harmony of fruits, flowers, and wood that I would be happy to have go on forever.
Lav Sublime – This is just what the label says, an abbreviated dash of lavender under a lot of lime. If you come to this soap expecting a knock-down herbal scent, you may be disappointed. I really had to struggle to find the lavender. In fact, both the puck and the lather smelled strongly of a citrus that's not exactly tart. Many may find it too sweet, almost cloying. I'm reminded of hard candy or kids' soda.
Man from Mayfair – We've got all the makings for a classic male fragrance: bergamot, basil, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk. Take a whiff and you soon realize, though, there's more to it than a medley of scents. What strikes you isn't the conglomeration of the pieces. Instead you get a well blended fragrance that's more an abstraction of an idea than an imitation of something found in nature. Curiously that abstract idea coincides with my memories of those hard candy coated peanuts called Boston Baked Beans.
Monaco Royale – This is sweet and smooth like honey drizzled over flowers. The woods are quiet on the puck.
Pompelmo – This reminds me of plastic grapefruit, the kind you find in a furniture store perched on a kitchen table. Probably my least favorite of all of Wholly Kaw's scents.
Project Leather – This is a nice bridge between the smoky wood scents of winter and the aromatic notes of early spring, but I have to confess, it strikes me as rather odd. This scent, like many of WK's fragrances, is hard to define. It's obviously leather, but it doesn't smell like a new car seat or new shoes or even a bomber jacket. Instead, it's brand new baseball glove leather, and it smells like you've been playing catch with a ball that's been lost in the mint patch for a week.
Vetivertal – This is a dusty vetiver accompanied by coriander, lemon, pepper, and cedar. My sample was not highly scented. It sort of smelled like old books. I don't think this is made anymore. Pity.
Washington's Blend – This a rich floral aroma. Fifty years ago it would have perfectly suited a powder room hung with red velvet wallpaper.
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