Review - Bootlegger's El Dorado
Bootlegger's Aftershaves are a product of the good members of the Badger and Blade Forum community, with the initiative spearheaded by
@OkieStubble, who I am delighted to see has joined our Aussie Forum.
The Bootlegger's concept is to blend together a combination of drug-store aftershaves to produce a derivative product, hopefully with synergy such the blend results in a final product that is superior to the sum of its parts.
Recipe
- 2 Parts Pinaud Special Reserve
- 2 Parts Pinaud Classic Vanilla
- 1 Part Dana English Leather
Scent and Performance
This is the first Bootlegger's blend that I put together a little over a year ago. At the time, it was the only blend that I could obtain ingredients for. There are no Bay Rum elements in this blend - it is a bare-chested tribute to the Wild West. The ultra-masculine leather notes of the Special Reserve are rounded out and lifted by the Classic Vanilla and English Leather. Whilst maintaining its rugged character, it is surprisingly sophisticated.
The face feel is good with this blend, but it is all about that wonderful scent. I would rate the longevity of El Dorado as medium-strong for an aftershave.
On a tangent, I experimented with the addition of menthol crystals after a few weeks, as it was late summer at the time. This works just fine, due to the potent nature of the scent can handle the menthol without being overpowered. I juiced it up pretty good - probably colder than the Green Freeze or Arctic Lime blends. The menthol note is present in the first 5-10 minutes, then fades, leaving the original scent to power on.
Summary
A screamer from
@OkieStubble. The elements blend together fantastically well - it has stood the test of time, and remains my favourite Bootlegger's blend, and indeed has become one of my favourite aftershaves.
This will always be in my rotation. As I remarked to the creator, Rob, this scent evokes Clint Eastwood entering the saloon in the Wild West after several weeks on the trail. He saunters upstairs, has a quick bath and shave, then splashes on plenty of El Dorado before heading downstairs for a drink and some company.