Stirling's new alcohol based splashes

Took delivery a couple days ago of two scents of Stirling's new alcohol-based aftershave splash, Bay Rum and Black Pepper Lime. (Bought before NBJ, natch.) Used one on Tuesday and the other on Wednesday.

The Bay Rum scent is nicely balanced with bay leading the way and light cinnamon, clove and citrus supporting. No rum notes that I detected. Very similar but not identical to their bay rum shaving soap, can't pin down what the difference is though.

The Black Pepper Lime is really interesting, starting out mostly lime with the black pepper wafting up as it dries down. Very refreshing.

Scent strength is not overpowering at all. I'd say they could be a touch stronger for my taste, but half an hour later I was still catching whiffs. Not a problem, but don't expect it to be as strong scented as, say, a Fine aftershave.

The formula feels very high in alcohol as far as how it feels going on and quickly evaporates, but did not burn much nor leave my face tight. Face feel is quite nice actually, though I expect this is not an aftershave I'll use in the winter.

Ingredients: denatured alcohol, witch hazel, essential oil blend, aloe, glycerin, hydrovance.

(I looked up hydrovance; it's a moisturizing ingredient.)

They go for $9 for a 100 ml bottle.

Note, these are my quick first impressions of the product. It's bracing and a bit cooling just from the high alcohol, has enough moisturizing ingredients so that it's not drying, and nice scents that are on the light side. As usual from Stirling, a great value.

 

I have some Sharp Dressed Man waiting to be shipped. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I can't wait to place an order with Stirling in August. Sharp Dressed Man AS & Ben Franklin soap

 

This Roderick is a very good artisan! I have not tried his other stuff, I have only tried his soaps. But this is intriguing =)

 

Nice review! I'll be placing an order next month.

 

I'm gonna order a bottle of this and a bottle of the Wintergreen witch hazel next month.

 

Eagerly anticipating soap samples that should be on their way to me.
Good to know the AS is good as well. I'll have to try them.

 

I ordered a Glacial Wintergreen witch hazel recently and I'm waiting for it to be shipped.

 

I have the Ozark Mountain splash, and love it! I had Rod add menthol to my bottle. That was a great call!

 

I see he has come out with Port au Prince in the alcohol based splash. Very excited about that, though I need to wait a bit for my budget to catch up, spent more than usual in September.

 

I love the scent of sharp dressed man. But I don't wear it on my newly-shaven face—it burns to high heaven! A bit o' splash on the neck & torso does the trick.

 

I can't wait for the Glacial SDM arrives! Rod is releasing a limited edition batch. :hooray:

 

I just had the pleasure of trying the Fine American Blend AS this morning. I have to say, while the Fine AS is very good- Stirling is even better, IMO. The skin conditioning properties in the Stirling alcohol splash are second to none. I have never previously used an alcohol-based splash that moisturizes like the Stirling. I will surely continue to use other brands (because I love the scents). But, if I had to use "unscented" alcohol splashes- and base my opinion solely on formulation, Stirling is tops for me.

 

Anybody tried the Stirling AS Balm?

 

I have not, but I'm interested.

 

Does the Black Pepper Lime have any 'heat' to it, like the Captain's Cat o' Nine Tails?

 

I have the Bay Rum, and I think it's great. It soaks in quickly, and is not greasy or heavy. You do need to shake it before use though, as the witch hazel and aloe tend to separate.

 

I expect that with most "real" product.
But then I drink raw milk and you have to shake that or you will get a big slug or butterfat.

 

Thanks, Rweb. Does it moisturize well?

 

For me, it moisturizes very well! You should pick up a 2oz bottle of it. Try the Ozark Mountain scent. Its fantastic!