Of the categories I feel I have experienced enough variety in: Woodsy soap Proraso Sandalwood Citrusy soap Wolfpac Italian Orchard (my God it smells sweet) Floral soap Haslinger Schafmilch. A mild but addictive scent, I've had to store it away where I can't be "checking" it's scent every time I go past it. It was starting to dry out. Cologne soap Saponificio Varesino 70th anniversary. A strong and addictive scent. I also had to store this one away as it was starting to dry out from me sampling its scent so often.
Click on the picture to view a larger version. My favorite soaps for both scent and performance. The Artisan Soap Shoppe: Arctic started my love of peppermint soaps. I have gone on a bit of a bender with them lately. A lesser known vendor that is actually a really great performer FCSS: Barbershop Taper Fade is my favorite barbershop scent. MWF obviously needs no explanation Renegade Atellier: Ixcacao is from another lesser known Canadian artisan. This one smells like ancient Mayan spiced chocolate. A really rich scent with a hint of spices. Holy Black: Gold Rush is an amazing scent. I have been reluctant to use it because it isn't made any more. B&M Lavanille in the white label base. The new glissant base makes the soap smell different in a way I don;t really like. For me it seems to bring the harsher end notes right to the front.
Jabonman Eufros GEA Tabac PAA Gondolier Bannister & Mann Seville Le Savonnière du Moulin Asylum Colonia by Saponificio Varesino
I bought Pre de Provence No. 63 Soap for my husband and he really like it. It has a warm and spicy aroma, with many notes that make for a classic masculine vibe. It has peppery and citrusy notes, married with the clean and crisp smell of leather and musk. It also smells of cedarwood and juicy plum. Not only that, but this soap also helps to moisturize the skin and make it healthy.
Thought I would update. Here are just some of my favorites but not listed by any type APR - Fenchurch Grooming Dept - Amare The Club - Khalifa PAA - Gondolier Shannon's - Woodlands Gentleman's Nod - Zarahoff Signature Desmond Barrow - Joie de Vétiver Caties Bubbles - Quatre Cent Vingt Noble Otter - Lonestar & Noir et Vanille Nuavia - Rossa Mystic Water - Vétiver & Oakmoss Wickham 1912 - Club Cola
I say 90 to 95% of everything Stirling makes is great that said I now only purchase samples so as to not have them pile up and take too much space.
I think if the goal is the fragrance, best option is a perfume maker soap. My fav is Floris Elite. Just a step behind, Carthusia Uomo.
I really wish more vendors/Artisans would do this as well. Even the ones that do, its a super small sample that costs 3-4 dollars plus shipping while. Stirling at least gives you a nice size sample
#1 by far for me is Castle Forbes 1445. Got the balm and the edt too. Others near the top of the heap: Bath House Spanish Fig and Nutmeg. TFS Zagara Gelsomino. Musgo Real classic. And for a straight citrus, can't beat Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill.
I have to say, my favorite scented soap is Declaration Grooming's Massacre of the Innocents. I also like WCS Oriental and Catie's Bubbles Connecticut Shade.
Tried all the Proraso's and Red is my favorite so far. I'm looking forward to receiving my Captain's Chair sampler. Can't wait for that!