SOTD 19-25 March 2017

Van Yulay - Smoky Mountain Whiskey
Ever-Ready 100T | Elite Razor Manchurian
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE (1)

[Image: bSFK5js.jpg]

It's no secret I'm a fan of Van Yulay.  However, looking back on my previous reviews, I note I was ecstatic about their soap and splash performance, but pretty critical of their lackluster packaging and somewhat chaotic website catalog.  I'm happy to say the website was improved almost immediately, and the labels' art and execution has improved with each offering.

When I heard this offering actually contains real Laphroaig single malt scotch (whisky), there was no way I could pass it up.  I was given the opportunity to test this soap pre-release.  I have not, however, received this free of charge.  I simply don't trade reviews for products, and Van Yulay of all companies, understands that I will not write a favorable review for a product I don't like.  It is my understanding that the product I used here is the final release and is now available to the public.

Beyond the excellent performance of the soap, another aspect of Van Yulay's products that's always been excellent is the bold fragrances.  Smoky Mountain Whiskey doesn't deviate from this.  I'm a fan of Islay single malts which typically impart notes of peat, smoke, and salt.  SMW is more like a semi-sweet bourbon filled out with a moderate amount of smoke and this is countered by a crisp and clean ozone.  Off the puck, this is very similar to Van Yulay's Achilles, but lathered it's quite different.  Where Achilles has tobacco elements with bourbon, Smoky Mountain Whiskey doesn't have tobacco and is considerably less sweet with highlights of clean, crisp, misty air that complements the smoky whiskey base. It's a very bold, yet pleasant fragrance.

Van Yulay's alcohol-free splashes are also excellent performers, providing soothing and nourishing qualities.  The ingredients of Van Yulay's splashes give off their own creamy fragrance that tends to initially mellow whatever fragrance oils that are included.  These creamy notes diminish fairly quickly, allowing the intended matching fragrance to come through. The excellent skin feel provided by these splashes is such that I often use them on non-shave days.

Smoky Mountain Whiskey is another nice offering from Van Yulay.  Whiskey/bourbon fans will definitely appreciate this one.

Prep - Noxzema / Hot towel
Pre shave - Proraso
Razor – Merkur 34C HD
Blade – Polsilver Super Iridium
Brush - 'Mama Chub' (Chubby 2 Two Band)
Soap – Wholly Kaw - Fern Concerto
Post - Cold water rinse, Chatillon Lux – Bon Vivant Post Shave Toner

Sublime... another faultless shave, this time with 'Mama' and the Kaw laying the foundations...

Saturday, March 25, 2017 Shave of the Day:

Razor  |  Mergress XL / Vidyut Super-Max Platinum
Brush  |  Indian Boar
Soap  |  Stirling Electric Sheep
A/S  |  Stirling Sharp Dressed Man

[Image: vpUROWu.jpg]

Wiborg White Badger/Simpson Chubby 2 Super 2-Band

AoS Sandalwood Cream

Flower City Razor

Speick Aftershave

(That should be 25 March.)

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

Razor: Mongoose B2 w/custom aluminum handle
Blade: Kai Captain TITAN (4)
Brush: Shavemac ATG LE The Rowl Silvertip
Soap: Route 66 Bourbon Jungle
Aftershave: Floid Blue
Bowl: Tom White Nylon 3 D printer bowl.

Razor: Command 13/16
Strop: Mastro Livi
Brush: Simpson Persian Jar 2 super
Pre-shave: Castle Forbes
Soap: Phoenix Alt-Eleven
Balm: Institute Karite
Finish: Woods of Windsor

SOTD SATURDAY

[Image: hJgVyl.jpg]

SOTD-25mar17:
Colonial The General Silver w/RR HALO Handle / KAI Captain Titan Mild
Stirling Soap Co. 24mm Finest
L&L Grooming Harmony Shaving Soap
Chatillon Lux Unconditional Surrender Aftershave