Barrister and Mann - First Snow
Island Bladeworks - "Bullwinkle" | TGN Finest
Mongoose B3 | Kai Captain Titan Mild (1) | Triad 316 Stainless Rolling Hex
Coffee of the night: Hunter Bay's "Praying Monk" (Ethiopian blend)
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I finally got to try B&M's "First Snow". I have to say, when I first heard the description of it, I thought, "leather and fir? okay, I'll bite, but who the hell puts menthol in a Winter seasonal?" I get it.
The clear-bottom jar contrasting with the black lid is a very nice touch. The label artwork is also perfect as one can expect from B&M. The scent off the dry puck is an obnoxious menthol and crushed fir needle assault. Seriously, it made my eyes water. Fortunately, the lathered soap is nothing like that. The "fragrance" of the menthol, when the soap is lathered, accentuates the fir scent perfectly. Being a shower shaver, I believe I have an advantage in fully appreciating First Snow in that the steam carries the fragrance as you inhale. The menthol quite accurately approximates the gentle tingling sensation you feel just inside your nostrils as you take in the crisp winter air. This was a very good use of menthol, and if not for the fragrance, I might not have noticed it on my skin. The fir is present at the same time, and it's a very accurate one at that. I kept looking for the leather, but I really didn't notice it until the first pass was almost over, but then it made a clear presence although remaining at the base.
The performance of the Glissant base remains my benchmark. It lathered easily with my new TGN finest knot in the well-balanced Island Bladeworks' "Bullwinkle" moose antler handle.
It was a very enjoyable three-pass head and face shower shave with the Mongoose that, for some reason, I've been neglecting lately. I don't have another razor that can do for my neck what the Mongoose can.
I finished with the matching First Snow splash, that still only had a hint of menthol, and I did not detect any lingering cooling beyond what I'd normally get with any other alcohol splash. The coniferous fragrance was an excellent continuation from the soap, but the dry-down was a pleasant surprise of a stepped-up leather presence. It's a clean, nubuck leather fragrance that reminds me of a new pair of work gloves.
First Snow, while marketed as a Winter seasonal, is appropriate year round. Additionally, in terms of strength, it's one of the lighter Barrister and Mann offerings, so it's unlikely to interfere with any cologne you may desire.
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It was just the proofreader in me, rearing its ugly head. I’m sure the day will come when you will be able to return the pun.