Murphy and McNeil Náid
(Tallow/Duckfat/Lanolin Base)
I'm just going to get it out of the way now:
WOW!!!
Ok, now we can get down to brass tacks here. All purchases from this artisan go to support the autism group ACT, But certain soaps contribute even more of the proceeds to Autism Awareness, and are done in his non-standard (special?) Base.
Scent: The scent notes are a simple Apricot and Freesia, this automatically made me think of the Apricot/Jasmine of B&M's Sinfonia (one of my favorite scents of all time from one of my favorite artisans). But, they are strikingly different; M&M's (?) offering is based in a bright and zesty Apricot with the faintest of an already delicate floral's undertones. Compare this with the heavy stewed-fruit type of Apricot sharing equal space with the sturdy fragrance workhorse of Jasmine. While I do wish Náid had a stronger scent, there's no denying that it is delightful.
Characteristics: this base is SOFT!!! I didnt go poking at it before use and so didnt think to expect that, between a light bloom and a dense 28mm BSSW 2-Band, that poor soap didnt stand a chance. I even included a before and after sequence to drive the point home; this stuff is a croap at most and nigh on a cream. It presents as a beautiful yellow, I'm unaware if that is from the scent ingredients or base but I liked it.
Performance: this stuff is elite-level, there is no room for doubt in my mind on that issue. I compare this favorably with B&M/Talbot/A&E/Wholly Kaw, this base base will hold it's own in ALL metrics and I included a pic of the lather to attempt at showing what I was working with. This is a thirsty creation, but once properly hydrated you will be in possession of a dense, slick lather that gives an amazing level of slickness and protection.
Post-shave feel & Aftershave Splash: waiting over an hour before using any post-shave product, I can say the results were impressive! Soft & hydrated with no irritation at all. Regardless, my routine is to use the A&E Serum and soap's matching splash. The scent on the splash is wonderful, matching the soap but brighter. My only complaint is a slightly tacky feeling on the skin that I attribute to splashes using both Glycerin and Aloe. But that is quite minor and a personal preference-only observation.
Packaging/Shelf-Appeal: I have really started gravitating to products that I believe look clean, "uncluttered" and mature in their theme and design. This brand is a good representative of that for me, and I think the unique splash bottles are especially nice. I find myself vacillating back and forth about whether or not color might be nice in some of their labels (Kells comes to mind, as The Book of Kells is possibly the most colorful and well-done illuminated manuscript in all of christendom.) But that is, again, a personal observation.
In the end, I am excited about this artisan getting more recognition. This is a company I can see filling my den, and I'm really looking forward to making that a reality!