So... the Southern DOGcrafts 'Arcane Abyss' has arrived (see what I did there)
This is a difficult one, generally because it isn't a mass appealing scent in anyway. Reminds me of something Frederick Malle would have came out with prior to them being purchased by 'Estee Lauder' in 2014. It's slightly ballsy of them to be honest, especially in the world of Wet Shaving, where most people just want easy, nice smelling scents. I do, however, really appreciate what they've done here.
Firstly, it is very 'Natural' smelling, no synthetics going on here to my nose. I do believe they've done a good job at replicating the scent profile they were trying to achieve, especially in the splash. The soap, to my nose, does smell slightly less 'Natural' than the splash, this I assume would be normal based on other solid perfume scented products I've smelled in the past. I can see why the smell of 'Wet Dog' comes to mind from the soap.
It has a wet earthiness to it, reminiscent of a wet cave smell in a cold climate, they have done a very good job at replicating the 'Lithophytes' that is commonly formed on rocks in this environment. Imagine the end scene in the first 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie, the one where Jack Sparrow & Barbossa are fighting in the cave, if you can picture this, then maybe you can understand the scent? If not, the smell of Seaweed on the Scottish coast will get you there quicker.
Overall, one I think a niche fragrance lover can appreciate. It is definitely as niche as they come to be honest. I do appreciate the risk they've took with this one, not many will like it that's for sure. Ultimately, would I wear this as a fragrance around other people? No. But can I see myself enjoying this every now and again from an appreciation of scent stand point? Absolutely. If what they were going for was a ''Cursed sunken ship, emerging from the dark cold waters of the deep ocean'' they've got it nails on, not like I'd know how that smells, but still, one can imagine... right?
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