Catie's Bubbles / Carnavis & Richardson "Porch Drinks"
Ever-Ready 100T | Elite Razor Manchurian
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE (1)
Chatillon Lux / Carnavis & Richardson "Les Boissons sur le Porche"
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So, the story is that some very talented artisans got together over drinks, and "Porch Drinks" is what distilled out of that encounter. Haphazard as that may sound, the result is anything but. As I understand it, the scent profile as proposed by Eighchops was left to the independent interpretation of the separate artisans. As one might expect, their respective interpretations hit all the notes, but are fairly different, complementing each other instead of matching. This is not a bad thing, by any means, but rather a direction I've wanted to see the wet shaving artisan world take for some time.
Off the puck, Catie's Bubbles' soap releases a bold sweet pipe tobacco fragrance, but when the damp knot hits it, orange and spicy cardamom steps up front. I can't explain it, but despite the orange notes, it never attains citrus status to my nose. Instead, as the shave progressed, it mellowed and almost smoldered without being smoky and then gently introduced an understated coffee note. Bourbon was late to the scene, and intermittent until the end of the shave. I've lauded the performance of Catie's Bubbles at length in the past, so I'll just stipulate here that I can't find a mark against it.
The complementary alcohol splash courtesy of Chatillon Lux uses the same paint, but creates a different picture. Blood orange is the dominant initial scent but it almost relents to the bourbon for a good 20 minutes or so. At this point, the fragrance stabilizes to a very pleasant pipe tobacco. Again, the performance of Chatillon Lux's alcohol splash is beyond reproach providing a bracing sear and silky smooth finish.
Needless to say, I'm quite pleased with this set. In fact I may be enamored with it, which is why I'm compelled speak my mind about its 3 glaring detractions. First off, I don't like the fact that the soap is only 2 oz. It's in the usual Catie's Bubbles 4 oz. jars, but only half full. There was no deception, mind you, because it is clearly labeled as having 2 oz. I still think it should be 4 oz. Secondly, the splash needs to have the upgraded Chatillon Lux jars and labels. This presentation is akin to drinking a single-malt scotch from a Dixie cup. And finally, if the aforementioned changes are implemented, this set deserves a permanent offering. I really don't see the point in limiting this release. I know, I have no idea what's involved, but frankly, I don't care. It's Carnavis & Richardson, Catie's Bubbles, and Chatillon Lux doing a tobacco/bourbon/coffee offering---in what world does that not sell?
I'm feeling a little punchy tonight. It's probably the rye. G'nite, gentlemen.
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