Castle Forbes Cedarwood Sandalwood (Aftershave Balm)

I just read the grimly fiendish review of the shaving cream version, a review which has no kind words for the scent and, I must say, I had to pick myself off the floor after smelling my CFCS aftershave balm for the first time and expecting something similar to the only other sandalwood shaving product I'd experienced, Trumper's shaving cream.

At first, I was extremely disappointed and, to tell you the truth, I probably would have thrown it away if it hadn't been so expensive. (Don't get me wrong, completely disregarding the scent, it's a brilliant product, definitely the best I've used.)

I have since come to appreciate this singular aroma (maybe it's some form of Stockholm Syndrome or maybe the olfactory faculties in my brain tried to come to terms with how much bread I dropped on this stuff) but, still, wow. Is there really sandalwood in there? (The best way I can describe it is like being surrounded by all different kinds of fresh cut wood, with a little wood smoke in there. It's OK, really, but, the first time, it was a punch in the gut.)

Anybody else have a strong reaction? Anybody really like it?

Two friends of mine and my father-in-law love it to bits. There is sandalwood in there, but it is drowned in cedar. I am more than happy with the lavendar and lime scents.

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Originally Posted by DerekW

I just read the grimly fiendish review of the shaving cream version, a review which has no kind words for the scent and, I must say, I had to pick myself off the floor after smelling my CFCS aftershave balm for the first time and expecting something similar to the only other sandalwood shaving product I'd experienced, Trumper's shaving cream.

At first, I was extremely disappointed and, to tell you the truth, I probably would have thrown it away if it hadn't been so expensive. (Don't get me wrong, completely disregarding the scent, it's a brilliant product, definitely the best I've used.)

I have since come to appreciate this singular aroma (maybe it's some form of Stockholm Syndrome or maybe the olfactory faculties in my brain tried to come to terms with how much bread I dropped on this stuff) but, still, wow. Is there really sandalwood in there? (The best way I can describe it is like being surrounded by all different kinds of fresh cut wood, with a little wood smoke in there. It's OK, really, but, the first time, it was a punch in the gut.)

Anybody else have a strong reaction? Anybody really like it?

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To my nose, it's all cedar and no sandalwood. Too much cedar scent for my using it regularly, but from time to time and now and then and again it's just fine: its fragrance is mitigated by how well it works.

:beer2:

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Originally Posted by DerekW

Anybody else have a strong reaction? Anybody really like it?

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I love the CF Cedarwood & Sandalwood, but it seems to get lumped into comparisons with sandalwood creams. I wonder if sometimes it gets a bum rap because people expect more sandalwood?

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Originally Posted by Spect

I love the CF Cedarwood & Sandalwood, but it seems to get lumped into comparisons with sandalwood creams. I wonder if sometimes it gets a bum rap because people expect more sandalwood?

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That's what happened in my case. I love a good sandalwood and ordered this expecting something similar.

The latherability and quality are not in question, it performed similar to the CF lime. However I wasn't expecting a nose full of cedar and that colored my initial impression. It's not a negative review, just different.

smells like damp sawdust if you ask me. makes good lather thou.i left mine open for a week and the smell is faint now. i use it for uber lather with dr.harris Marlborough soap