So, I blind-requested all five of the Fine aftershave line for Christmas, and Santa (a.k.a. the LOTH) made this a Merry Christmas for me indeed. As a public service announcement, I will present my observations regarding each of the five currently offered Fine aftershaves beginning with the popular American Blend.
This AS, inspired by Yves St. Laurent's Rive Gauche, caught me a bit off guard due to descriptions of it as barbershoppy. I am a 49 year old American and cannot recall any old school barbershop smelling like this. Clubman Original, on the other hand, captures that essence perfectly for me, but I digress. Other pertinent descriptions mention it smelling like Barbasol Original shaving foam, Old Spice AS and lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. To say the least, I was intrigued.
Following an excellent shave with Parker Sandalwood and Shea Butter, I must admit, upon smelling AB for the first time out of the bottle and applying it initially, I was confused and not a little bit disappointed. The scent profile I had in my mind based on the descriptions did not match up with what I was experiencing. It didn't smell like Barbasol, a barber shop, nor Old Spice (Original or Classic). Spiciness (embodied in Star Anise?) dominates upon application and for 30 minutes to an hour afterwards. I was about to write this off as an "Oh well, it's not bad, wearable but not inspiring." I didn't wait long enough apparently.
It wasn't until 2-3 hours in that AB began to come into its own, and I had that moment of epiphany and revelation conveying "Ah, now I understand. Now I get it." It's not that AB smells like either Old Spice, a traditional barbershop, or Barbasol Original individually; rather it smells like all of those rolled into one--spicy, warm, clean, masculine, with a hint of powder. I was elated!
AB is clearly noticeable on my hands five hours later (even after washing them) and my wife can detect it via nuzzle long after that, perhaps 8-9 hours later. I have oily skin, so even in the current cool to cold weather, face feel is silky smooth and not dry at all. Initial application provides a slight, appropriate sting--nothing in the range of CO9T, for example--and just the right amount menthol to cool things down. The menthol sensation is still noticeable 20 minutes later.
In summary, AB threw me for a loop, and, in the end, I am thoroughly pleased having American Blend in my possession. Wife and son like it, and my feelings go well beyond "like." Thrilled to have it in my rotation. Next up, Fine Platinum.
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My review of the Fine Accoutrements Aftershave Line
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