Cognac is made by distilling fermented grapes (known here in the US as "wine") and aging the resulting liquor for at least two years in barrels of a certain origin (exactly where depends on the type of cognac). After the distillation has completed, a precipitate, known as lie de vin, remains, from which a product called "cognac oil" is distilled. The compound has a powerfully fruity, alcoholic aroma and, frankly, smells so much like its beverage cousin that most people would be unlikely to tell them apart. It seemed logical that a shaving soap made with the oil would be a remarkable thing indeed.

Thus, we blended cognac oil, cedar, lime, and touches of vanilla and sweet fennel to produce a scent incredibly reminiscent of the real thing. In fact, it smells so accurate that we decided not to produce an aftershave out of concern that the lingering nature of an aftershave would cause people to walk around smelling like cognac (which seemed ill-advised). Fireside is the Winter seasonal soap and will be available until March, and you can also purchase it from Maggard Razors, Italian Barber, MenEssentials Toronto, Badger Shaving Co., Merchant & Rhoades, ShaveRevolution, and Elite Edge Shaving (search for Barrister and Mann on Amazon.com).

Also, don't forget that Vetyver Santal is being discontinued! We only have 15 jars left, so get it before it's gone!

Check it out here. Happy holidays everyone!