January 2024 Acquisitions.

[Optometrist]

As soon as my cold clears I’ll let you know my basic assessment.

Thanks, Paul. Si has given me his opinion. I am torn between Ishtar and Marduk, the latter leaning more towards warmer weather.

 

[Scorpio93]

That helps a lot, Si. Thank you.

no problem! Been a while since I had a sample of it so had to dig out my notes... not much was written there, just that haha

 

[Arsene Wenger]

I was really hoping for your opinion on the Ishtar scent, Paul. Looking to buy my first AYLM, but can't decide which of the Babilonia scents to choose first.
Speedy recovery.

I have Ishtar, and it's one of my favourite soaps - would describe the smell as @Scorpio93 did above Earthy Oud.

 

[Optometrist]

I have Ishtar, and it's one of my favourite soaps - would describe the smell as @Scorpio93 did above Earthy Oud.

Thanks, Andy.

 

[Arsene Wenger]

Thanks, Andy.

David, would you like to try a sample of Ishtar before making a decision on whether to purchase or not?
If you do, please send me a PM with your details and I'll send you one out during the next week.
Andy

 

[Optometrist]

David, would you like to try a sample of Ishtar before making a decision on whether to purchase or not?
If you do, please send me a PM with your details and I'll send you one out during the next week.
Andy

PM sent.

 

[Baba Rum]

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the smell of A&E Cathedral.
Unfortunately, in the past I got a skin irritation with all of the A&E soaps that I have used - but I'm not sure if that will be the same with the new Ultima base. I've been looking at the A&E splashes and Cathedral has caught my eye, as well as Panterei Tabacum - which looks vey similar, and which seems to be out of stock everywhere that I have looked.

I have both (A&E Cathedral and PantareiTabacum).
they can’t be more different in terms of scent. Cathedral has nothing that smells like incense tobacco, while that is exactly what Tabacum offers. Cathedral is sweet, and rather feminine (floral). Quite unlike what I expect from tobacco and incense combinations, honestly.
Pantarei’s Tabacum is a very good soap, no irritation whatsoever. A&Es Ultima base is very very good as a soap, but I have a little bit of irritation with Cathedral‘s soap base (not with Tobacco Road, so probably related to the specific fragrance ingredients). The AS from Pantarei is wonderful as Eau de Parfum, Cathedral AS is ok for me, nothing special though. It stings more than Khalifa, for example, but that goes away after a few minutes.

I plead guilty indeed for buying quite a large amount of Pantarei Tabacum AS and soap during the Black Friday sales at Rasoigoodfellas ;-)
But I’m not buying Cathedral ever again (soap or AS).

 

[Arsene Wenger]

I have both (A&E Cathedral and PantareiTabacum).
they can’t be more different in terms of scent. Cathedral has nothing that smells like incense tobacco, while that is exactly what Tabacum offers. Cathedral is sweet, and rather feminine (floral). Quite unlike what I expect from tobacco and incense combinations, honestly.
Pantarei’s Tabacum is a very good soap, no irritation whatsoever. A&Es Ultima base is very very good as a soap, but I have a little bit of irritation with Cathedral‘s soap base (not with Tobacco Road, so probably related to the specific fragrance ingredients). The AS from Pantarei is wonderful as Eau de Parfum, Cathedral AS is ok for me, nothing special though. It stings more than Khalifa, for example, but that goes away after a few minutes.

I plead guilty indeed for buying quite a large amount of Pantarei Tabacum AS and soap during the Black Friday sales at Rasoigoodfellas ;-)
But I’m not buying Cathedral ever again (soap or AS).

Thanks for taking the time on the above response. As mentioned in the message that you originally responded to, all the A&E soaps and splashes that I have purchased in the past - gave me a skin irritation and for that reason alone, I'm personally wary of the A&E product - although from reading other messages from @jphelan81 and @p.b, their new Ultima base could be worth trying. The problem is, that there are now so many good Shaving Soap bases and Splashes available, my current favourites being Grooming Dept, Westman & of course, Panterei with their Marrakech and ABYLM Ishtar - being my favourites. I haven't tried Tabacum, as yet but will be doing so very soon.

 

[jphelan81]

Thanks for taking the time on the above response. As mentioned in the message that you originally responded to, all the A&E soaps and splashes that I have purchased in the past - gave me a skin irritation and for that reason alone, I'm personally wary of the A&E product - although from reading other messages from @jphelan81 and @p.b, their new Ultima base could be worth trying. The problem is, that there are now so many good Shaving Soap bases and Splashes available, my current favourites being Grooming Dept, Westman & of course, Panterei with their Marrakech and Ishtar - being my favourites. I haven't tried Tabacum, as yet but will be doing so very soon.

Happy to send you a tub to give it a try. I have the barbershop one and Lavender Noir. I’m going to use Noir tonight for the first time, interested to see if I get irritation or not.

 

[Arsene Wenger]

Happy to send you a tub to give it a try. I have the barbershop one and Lavender Noir. I’m going to use Noir tonight for the first time, interested to see if I get irritation or not.

@jphelan81, many thanks for the kind offer. I’m trying to steer away from trying new soaps for the next couple of months for the fear of liking them and then buying them. I have too many soaps at the moment!!

 

[Gian]

Le Faulx brass OC +

 

[JackHayter]

Can’t fault maggards / 3rd time using them / 5 days to get here every time 11/10

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[Cheekee]

Can’t fault maggards / 3rd time using them / 5 days to get here every time 11/10

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Have a look at Queen and Ace. Both superb noble otter scents.

 

[JackHayter]

Have a look at Queen and Ace. Both superb noble otter scents.

got ace - skipped queen, as I thought it sounded and looked a bit to feminine for me ​

 

[Optometrist]

A couple of deliveries, this morning.

Two very decent sized samples of AYLM Ishtar from Andy @Arsene Wenger. Most generous and appreciated, Andy. A huge thank you.

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And secondly, Ariana and Evans Chiang Mai. Another beautiful scent.