Featured Aftershave - Aqua Velva

**DogHair** · 07-28-2011, 08:29 AM

Yes, it started out as a mouth wash in 1929. Yes, rumor has it sailors drank it for alcohol in WW2. And yes, sadly, it now comes in plastic bottles. Aqua Velva needs no introduction, it’s a classic. Launched as an aftershave in 1935 by Williams, AV has had a few owners over the years and is now marketed by Combe Inc., who, on Feburary 1st 2010 switched to plastic bottles. A sad day for all. Used liberally by Pete Rose, Dick Butkus the Lone Ranger, Tonto and maybe even Silver, who knows? If it’s available in your area this is definitely an aftershave you should have in your stable.

Although not a seasonal scent I find the menthol in AV makes is more appealing during the hotter months. Since it is alcohol based you may get some sting if you’ve been a little rough but the menthol quickly overwhelms the burn and the glycerin keeps your skin soft.

The scent is clean, fresh and masculine. On me if fades in about an hour so. There is little danger of offending anyone and personally I’ve never had a complaint.

Basenotes lists the scent as follows:
Top Notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Lemon
Middle Notes: Clary Sage, Jasmin, Vetiver, Sandal, Cedarwood
Base Notes: Labdanum, Musk, Amber, Moss, Leather

As with all aftershaves the scent is very subjective. Overall I find the scent, menthol and skin condition to be very good. One of my favorite summer splashes. Considering the cost this is a great buy. If you haven’t tried it I recommend doing so immediately. I you have it wear it.

Don't forget to checkout the reviews section for more opinions.

Ingredients: SD Alcohol 40-B, Water, Glycerin, Fragrance, Menthol, Benzophenone 1, Ext. Violet 2, Blue 1

**Greyfox** · 07-28-2011, 09:31 AM

A staple on my shelf and has been for years.

**coolbluewater** · 07-28-2011, 09:53 AM

I've used this regularly since the 60s but these days only on weekends, as it has all the subtlety of a marching band.

**jkh** · 07-28-2011, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by coolbluewater

it has all the subtlety of a marching band.

Well said!

Aqua Velva is just an all around amazing aftershave and dirt cheap to boot. I used to really loved the scent, but it is just too over the top (for me) for everyday use. If you haven't tried it, you should.

**WoodfordReserve-Neat** · 07-28-2011, 10:21 AM

I love the big freeze AV affords !
I prefer Spanish Floid...I just about bathe in that stuff, but I always have some AV on hand..even a vintage NIB glass bottle full.

**DogHair** · 07-28-2011, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by coolbluewater

as it has all the subtlety of a marching band.

Agreed! Some days you just need the band...

**HoosierTrooper** · 07-29-2011, 04:04 AM

Slapped some on this morning after using vintage Williams soap and a 1914 Ever-Ready for the shave. It's great stuff!

**Sullivan** · 07-29-2011, 04:12 AM

Aqua Velva: One of my all time favorites.

**rearviewmirror** · 07-29-2011, 04:57 AM

I put a dollop of 444 in my palm and then a shake of AV for a nice chilly face freeze.

**njpaddy** · 07-29-2011, 05:38 AM

Not much of an aftershave user here, so I only have a couple. Being retired and shaving in late afternoon or night, I don't see much point in wearing it. One of those I do use if I have a morning shave is AV. My wife likes the scent. It's the only aftershave I get a comment on.

**rafikz** · 07-29-2011, 05:01 PM

I prefer Aqua Velva GREEN, Original Sport

I use it only as a cooling body splash though

Great scent

**ahoiberg** · 07-29-2011, 05:47 PM

love the AV. and, as luck would have it, a local grocery store still has some glass bottles in stock.

**DogHair** · 07-29-2011, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by rafikz

I prefer Aqua Velva GREEN, Original Sport

I use it only as a cooling body splash though

Great scent

Original Sport is great. Unfortunately my bottle is almost gone. I've found it's very similiar to Irisch Moos.

**Vlad** · 07-29-2011, 08:31 PM

AV was 'dad's' aftershave, and I didn't care for it (or any alcohol splash) before I came to B&B. But I would never be without it, and find it can stand toe to toe with the much-venerated Floid Blue. I love the stuff.

**binowatch** · 07-29-2011, 09:02 PM

When I have a morning migraine I love using Proraso preshave cream, Proraso shave cream followed by AV! It helps ease the pain and gives a great shave experience.

**noahpictures** · 07-29-2011, 09:09 PM

Great thread. AV Ice is very nice.

**rafikz** · 07-30-2011, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by DogHair

Original Sport is great. Unfortunately my bottle is almost gone. I've found it's very similiar to Irisch Moos.

It sucks that an American product is not available in the U.S

Maybe they thought that Americans are more familar with the classic Ice Blue, as opposed to Canadians

Just a guess :-)

**Foyle** · 08-02-2011, 08:46 PM

I've got the Ice Sport right now and I'm really enjoying it.

**BeeSeeDub** · 08-03-2011, 06:21 AM

Any reports on this scent changing over the years?

**WoodfordReserve-Neat** · 08-03-2011, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by binowatch

When I have a morning migraine I love using Proraso preshave cream, Proraso shave cream followed by AV! It helps ease the pain and gives a great shave experience.

Migraine sufferer here,too.
The only thing that will relieve my migraines is Imitrex (Generic) The worst migraines are gone in usually 45 min to an hr....Sometimes the side effects are pretty unpleasant ( tingling chest and arms) but better than the migraine...