Castle Forbes

[Leisureguy]

This is one of those YMMV things, but I just tried Castle Forbes for the first time, and I really like it. It's quite pricey: not only $35 (plus shipping) but you also get what seems to be a somewhat smaller amount. (Tub does not show how much---a bad sign.) OTOH, I got a really terrific, thick lather. So: it seems to be a great thing to get as a present...

[joel]

This is one of those YMMV things, but I just tried Castle Forbes for the first time, and I really like it. It's quite pricey: not only $35 (plus shipping) but you also get what seems to be a somewhat smaller amount. (Tub does not show how much---a bad sign.) OTOH, I got a really terrific, thick lather. So: it seems to be a great thing to get as a present...

Look at the label on the top of the box. It says "200ML e 6.8 Fl. oz" - so it is actually larger than taylors/t&h (150ml) - and the same size as Trumper.

[ada8356]

Michael,

Which scent did you try?

Next time I get a SCAD attach I may have pick up a tub from Charles.

[Leisureguy]

I got the Lavender, and after trying it have ordered the Lime.

The box is long gone. I assumed that the container itself would have all the necessary info. Not so.

It holds more than it looks like: flatter, but wider, than the typical tub of shaving cream.

[rustyblade]

Castle Forbes is one of those YMMV creams, i've had the tub of lavender for awhile now and I don't think I have ever had a "great" shave from it. The last few times I have used it have also resulted in irritation. I use all sorts of other creams and soaps (including 'cheap' ones) with no irritation at all. The scent is definitely fantastic, but it ends there for me. Not worth the price IMHO. When I can get a tub of JM Fraser's and others for literally, a fraction of the cost and I get better results, it is no brainer for me.

[Austin]

I have not used Castle Forbes in quite some time but I did not particularly find it spectacular. I found it qualitywise somewhere between Taylors and T&H. I have been using SaintCharles shave creams lately and find them excellent. The price is quite attractive. I just ordered her Coconut shave cream and look forward to trying it.

[JohnP]

For those of you disappointed with Castle Forbes, send it to me for proper disposal...
I have CF Lime and LOVE it. Can't comment on the lavendar as I've only tried it in a sample.
John P.

[SLider]

I too love the CF lime... it's not far superior to other creams by any means, making the price a little high, but the scent is unmatched in my experience.

John P. I tried the Coconut today and absolutely loved the scent. However my shaving experience was not great. My first batch of lather was way to hydrated and was like soapy water (Went a little wacko with the H20 after seeing Kyle's review). The second batch was much more creamy, but it kind of evaporated on my face somewhat. I need a couple more days playing around with it to get that consistency just right and then hopefully I'll know what everyone is talking about... not hard when the scent makes for such a pleasant failing experience

[TraderJoe]

Michael,

Which scent did you try?

Next time I get a SCAD attach I may have pick up a tub from Charles.

'atta-boy! just backed the truck up for a big haul....and already planning another! :biggrin:

[JohnP]

I too love the CF lime... it's not far superior to other creams by any means, making the price a little high, but the scent is unmatched in my experience.

John P. I tried the Coconut today and absolutely loved the scent. However my shaving experience was not great. My first batch of lather was way to hydrated and was like soapy water (Went a little wacko with the H20 after seeing Kyle's review). The second batch was much more creamy, but it kind of evaporated on my face somewhat. I need a couple more days playing around with it to get that consistency just right and then hopefully I'll know what everyone is talking about... not hard when the scent makes for such a pleasant failing experience
Are you referring to Sue's coconut? I have not tried it yet, although it is on the list. I've only tried Trumper coconut (cream) and like it quite a bit. Right now budget is a little tight so I pull the trigger on new stuff not as often as before.
John P.

[ouch]

There will always be those who will champion the most expensive product, irrespective of its absolute quality: "I, of course, prefer Ch. Latour, and you really must try a Bentley."
I suspect that many who purchase the most expensive products feel compelled to fawn over their magical properties. It must be great, after all, since I spent so much on it, right?

If I've learned anything, it's that the best is always expensive, but it's rarely the most expensive.

[JohnP]

Hmmm.
You can send me YOUR Castle Forbes stuff too....
wouldn't want you to be forced to have anything around you felt was "overpriced"
:biggrin:
CF lime is definitely my favorite lime cream; smells just like a bottle of lime EO I have; I'm not desperate to try the Lavendar version, although I keep hearing rumors about a CF Cedar that might be forthcoming, which I will DEFINITELY try.
YMMV of course...
Oh, and PM me for my address so you can get those unused tubs off your hands....
John P.

[ouch]

I didn't say that I don't use them or enjoy them, just that there are better. I think Harris and AOS beat them with their lavender, and I prefer the T&H lime. That doesn't mean I don't want to use them all! :001_tt2:

[JohnP]

Figures. Had to try....:wink:
For some reason T&H lime didn't work so well for me, but love the CF limes.
I don't have the CF lavender, but do have the AOS version and also like it quite a bit. Actually haven't had a chance to try any Harris stuff yet, but one day.....one day......
John P.

[greendyk]

If I've learned anything, it's that the best is always expensive, but it's rarely the most expensive.


Years of spending way too much money on wines taught me that you are correct, Ouch. And yes, now that I've spent way too much money on brushes, soaps and creams, I can see that the same principle holds. IMO the most expensive stuff I've tried has been very good, but not the best, and really not worth the price. Just two examples would be CF and Simpsons.

Having fun though, just trying to stay sane, objective and free from debt!!!


Regards to all,
John

[SLider]

Are you referring to Sue's coconut? I have not tried it yet, although it is on the list. I've only tried Trumper coconut (cream) and like it quite a bit. Right now budget is a little tight so I pull the trigger on new stuff not as often as before.
John P.


Yes, I was referring to Sue's coconut... it has a much stronger scent then the trumpers, and much more pleasant if you ask me

[ouch]

I should point out that a friend and I plan on sharing a bottle of '61 Latour next weekend. Given my previous post, feel free to chastise me. :001_rolle

Of course, each bottle is different and unique, but the previous examples I've tried were among the very finest I have evet tasted.

[rikrdo]

I should point out that a friend and I plan on sharing a bottle .

Everyone needs more friends...
Dont you agree ?? FRIEND ?:a54:

[ouch]

Everyone needs more friends...
Dont you agree ?? FRIEND ?:a54:

Don't look at me. It's his bottle. I sprang for the last one, a '90 La Chapelle.

[greendyk]

Ouch,

I would venture to say that in the case of '61 Latour we are talking about one of the absolute best Bordeaux in one of the best vintages ever. As to whether it is worth the money, I guess it really boils down to being able and willing to pay.

ENJOY!

(I know this is a shaving thread, but the absolute best wine I've ever had in my 59 years was '69 La Tache).

Regards,
John

[ouch]

Ouch,

I would venture to say that in the case of '61 Latour we are talking about one of the absolute best Bordeaux in one of the best vintages ever. As to whether it is worth the money, I guess it really boils down to being able and willing to pay.

ENJOY!

(I know this is a shaving thread, but the absolute best wine I've ever had in my 59 years was '69 La Tache).

Regards,
John

I know this thread has been hijacked, but.......

My friend is 18 years my senior, and has had the good fortune of amassing a stash of gems when the prices were realistic (actually, quite cheap). I have a pretty nifty collection, but he has a bunch of those storied bottles- '47 Cheval, '45 Mouton and Latour, '61 Petrus, etc. Some of them can make you cry.

BTW, La Tache is my all time favorite burgundy, and the star of the DRC portfolio.


And you thought shaving was an expensive hobby!

[greendyk]

Ouch,

I didn't pay for the La Tache either!

To get back to shaving, I still think CF and Simpsons are in the overrated category.


John

[Scotto]

The scent of the Castle Forbes Lime is divine. The shave, however, is average. For the price I would expect more. The lavender is just OK for me, I'll take many others first.

[Leisureguy]

There will always be those who will champion the most expensive product, irrespective of its absolute quality: "I, of course, prefer Ch. Latour, and you really must try a Bentley."

I suspect that many who purchase the most expensive products feel compelled to fawn over their magical properties. It must be great, after all, since I spent so much on it, right?
Hmmm, Ouch. Was your remark aimed at me? I did think the Castle Forbes was quite nice, though pricey, as I said. And I believe I did say YMMV. No fawning. Of course, maybe I'm being over-sensitive, but I did start the thread.

[JohnP]

Yes, I was referring to Sue's coconut... it has a much stronger scent then the trumpers, and much more pleasant if you ask me
If this is true then her coconut shave cream just moved up the list. I REALLY like the Trumper coconut (its one I don't use much for fear of running out...I'm stingy with my "GOOD" stuff.)
The short list of creams I horde is only about 5 or 6. Generally I use one of many others that I LIKE maybe even just as much, but are much easier or cheaper to replace.
As for people waiting to buy something when it is the right time, I know of an example. When I was a bit younger, there was a guy in the squadron next to mine who drove a Ferarri(sp?) one model up from the Magnum PI version. We always joked that he must've been selling drugs on the side or had a rich Dad... It was funny, when I finally found out. He bought it at a police auction for around 4K. REALLY hated when we found out, because he liked girls at clubs thinking he had money.... :biggrin:
Ahh life
John P.

[guenron]

There will always be those who will champion the most expensive product, irrespective of its absolute quality: "I, of course, prefer Ch. Latour, and you really must try a Bentley."

I suspect that many who purchase the most expensive products feel compelled to fawn over their magical properties. It must be great, after all, since I spent so much on it, right?
Hmmm, Ouch. Was your remark aimed at me? I did think the Castle Forbes was quite nice, though pricey, as I said. And I believe I did say YMMV. No fawning. Of course, maybe I'm being over-sensitive, but I did start the thread.
Michael,
You are being too sensitive. Remeber it's OUCH, our equal opportunity antagonist-irritant. :w00t:
BUT, I agree with him on this one.

[Leisureguy]

I agree, too, in the abstract. I just wanted to be sure it wasn't me he was referring to.

[ouch]

There will always be those who will champion the most expensive product, irrespective of its absolute quality: "I, of course, prefer Ch. Latour, and you really must try a Bentley."

I suspect that many who purchase the most expensive products feel compelled to fawn over their magical properties. It must be great, after all, since I spent so much on it, right?
Hmmm, Ouch. Was your remark aimed at me? I did think the Castle Forbes was quite nice, though pricey, as I said. And I believe I did say YMMV. No fawning. Of course, maybe I'm being over-sensitive, but I did start the thread.

Not at all, Mike. If anything, many of your posts have offered inexpensive suggestions and tips, and I've never detected even a hint of snootiness in any of your commentary, something I can't even say for myself.
I was just making a general statement as to how there will always be those who are swayed by price. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a couple in a wine shop holding two bottles- an amazing $15 bottle and a rather pedestrian $40 bottle. Invariably, one of them will say, "Let's get the good one", and return the cheaper, but superior, one to the rack.
The Castle Forbes is good stuff, and the lime has one of the best scents going, but I think that better can be had, for a whole lot less, by anyone who shops around enough.

[ouch]

Michael,
You are being too sensitive. Remeber it's OUCH, our equal opportunity antagonist-irritant. :w00t:
BUT, I agree with him on this one.


Hmmm. Sounds like sig line material to me.:001_rolle

[Leisureguy]

I remember a story a friend told me---apparently true. He had a friend who was going to pay back a BIG favor and wanted to host a big dinner in an expensive restaurant. So this guy knew that such a dinner would involve wine, and he knew nothing about wine. He turned to my friend for a quick bluffer's guide.

So my friend told him a few guidelines: Beef, red wine, Fish, white wine---and the guy said, no problem, we're going to a fancy steak house.

Okay, my friend said. The waiter will hand you a big wine list. Turn to the reds, look through them, and pick the second most expensive---this will show that you know wines, and are not just buying on price. Point to it, don't try to pronounce it.

Right, right, the guy said.

Then the wine waiter---he's called the "sommelier"---will bring the bottle and show you the label. Look at it and nod. Then he'll uncork it and pour a little in your glass. Swirl it around, hold it up to the light, smell it, taste it, wroosh it around in your mouth, swallow, and nod. Then he'll pour wine for everyone, finishing with you.

Got it, says the guy.

The next day, my friend sees the guy and asks how it went. The guy looks dejected, and said, Terrible!

How so?

Well, I did what you said. Everyone ordered steak, so I took the wine list from the wine guy and looked it over. I pointed to the second most expensive red, and he looked impressed. He went away and came back with the bottle. Like you said, he held it out for me to see the label. I nodded. He uncorked it, and then he put the cork on a little sort of fork and held it in front of me. You didn't tell me about this. I didn't know what to do. I waited, and he just stood there, and people were looking at me. So I bit it.

You what?!

I bit it. I didn't know. Then he tried to pull it back, but I was still biting, and the fork came out. Everyone laughed. And all during dinner, they would start to take a drink of their wine, and then they'd look at me and laugh...

True knowledge---there's no substitute.

[Austin]

Michael, that is too funny. I would have probably done the same thing and then told the sommelier to bring me a shiner bock. :biggrin:

[boboakalfb]

I remember a story a friend told me---apparently true. He had a friend who was going to pay back a BIG favor and wanted to host a big dinner in an expensive restaurant. So this guy knew that such a dinner would involve wine, and he knew nothing about wine. He turned to my friend for a quick bluffer's guide.

So my friend told him a few guidelines: Beef, red wine, Fish, white wine---and the guy said, no problem, we're going to a fancy steak house.

Okay, my friend said. The waiter will hand you a big wine list. Turn to the reds, look through them, and pick the second most expensive---this will show that you know wines, and are not just buying on price. Point to it, don't try to pronounce it.

Right, right, the guy said.

Then the wine waiter---he's called the "sommelier"---will bring the bottle and show you the label. Look at it and nod. Then he'll uncork it and pour a little in your glass. Swirl it around, hold it up to the light, smell it, taste it, wroosh it around in your mouth, swallow, and nod. Then he'll pour wine for everyone, finishing with you.

Got it, says the guy.

The next day, my friend sees the guy and asks how it went. The guy looks dejected, and said, Terrible!

How so?

Well, I did what you said. Everyone ordered steak, so I took the wine list from the wine guy and looked it over. I pointed to the second most expensive red, and he looked impressed. He went away and came back with the bottle. Like you said, he held it out for me to see the label. I nodded. He uncorked it, and then he put the cork on a little sort of fork and held it in front of me. You didn't tell me about this. I didn't know what to do. I waited, and he just stood there, and people were looking at me. So I bit it.

You what?!

I bit it. I didn't know. Then he tried to pull it back, but I was still biting, and the fork came out. Everyone laughed. And all during dinner, they would start to take a drink of their wine, and then they'd look at me and laugh...

True knowledge---there's no substitute.

:lol: