Clubman Special Reserve Shave Cologne, After Shave Macho Fragrance, 6 fl oz

I have been a long time clubman aftershave fan the past 13 years. While I only used the pinaud clubman shave lotion exclusively until the past couple years - then tried and still use their Bay Rum splash and made part of my weekly rotation, I had not tried any others. So recently bought some others to try like this Special Reserve. So here is the breakdown: It's an Aftershave Cologne, so it will be a little different than the Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Lotion. BLUF: It works. The smell is spicy, kinda in a small way smokey but kinda leather. It's very masculine and is what you want in your aftershave rotation. You could also just use as a cologne as well. For example, first use I later went outside and all the women came out and chased me down the street and now they are claiming child support. Its that powerful. and has the old time mens barber shop smell for those old enough to remember it last century. Because it's a cologne, the smell is more heavy and will stick around until you shower the next day. While Clubman's Pinaud is the best aftershave lotion you can buy, you need to have the Bay Rum splash for the light shaving or on the go days and the Special Reserve for when you need everyone focused on you. Bottle came secure and had no leakage, is effective and long lasting and though a cologne, leaves the skin soft. While some may call the smell older man or old timey, its for anyone old enough to shave.

I usually get the original for that Barbershop scent that brings back memories. This is like the original with a deeper scent that is very nice. Not sweet, ot spicy, not too strong. Definitely a repeat.

I had never smelled it so, I bought the smallest bottle I could. I was positive on it, barely. My wife was not. The scent profile is a rich blend of wood, musk, leather, citrus and traditional fragrances, it exudes a strong scent initially , but fades quickly without any floral or light undertones. Would I buy again... Not likely. It's just not a scent for me. One star removed for how fast it fades. Considering tinkering a bit by adding a touch of vetiver and maybe a touch of amber.

Pleasant smell.

You either love Pinaud or hate it, there is no middle ground it seems. I've tried the Virgin Island Bay Rum, Classic Clubman, and the Vanilla, and enjoyed them all (especially the Vanilla, that stuff is great). So I gave this one a try after reading the favorable reviews. For about $6 a bottle, the risk on investment was small. Upon opening the plastic bottle and smelling it I feared that this was the first Pinaud that I would regret buying. Then, I decanted about 5 ounces into a glass bottle with shaker top that Amazon sells for those folks who make and bottle their own hot sauce. These are great for decanting "drug store" after shaves out of their plastic bottles to remove that plastic funkiness that all Pinaud's seem to have at first. A few days later I took the plunge and splashed some Special Reserve on after a shave. It instantly reminded me of Aramis, only a bit different (much like the Classic reminds me of Brut, only different). It's strong at first, much like the Classic, so be a bit conservative with your "splash". Leather, tobacco, some other spices which I can't pinpoint, but the overall scent is warm and manly. It definitely has lasting power, but the scent is clean, masculine, not at all floral or sweet. I can smell this stuff from the time I splash it on, through the rest of my morning routine, getting dressed, making coffee, and then during my drive to work in the car. About an hour or so. Then, it starts to fade, to the point where I no longer perceive it but I get whiffs of it throughout the day. This is a good winter time after shave. The scent and feel just seem to "go" with colder temps as opposed to the menthol after shaves like Floid Blue which are definitely warm weather after shaves. While there are no obvious moisturizing or healing ingredients that I can see on the label, but my face doesn't feel dried out or overly tight when using this. I get a kind of matte feeling to my skin which is rather pleasant. Overall, this has become part of my rotation, especially in the colder weather now. The Vanilla is still my favorite Pinaud, but this is a close second.

It is hard to place the elements of this aftershave, some say it is STRONG but I did not find it so. Their Virgin Island Bay Rum leaps out of the bottle and in the first minutes shouts to the world, I AM HERE, not the Special Reserve. It is subdued, but you can tell you are wearing it. Soft tones of leather, a bit of soap...not flowery, just hard to place. It is unique, it does smell nice. It will not be my go to aftershave just something to change up with or perhaps after-splash late in the day before going out for the evening. I applied to my face right after a cold water cool down from my double edge shave. It had a slight sting, very quick, nothing to note actually but it does have alcohol so expect a bit of this after a shave. I keep my blade sharp and shave well so nick cuts and abrasions are minimal and perhaps that is why no big slap in the face experience using this for me. For me...not STRONG, it is detectable, it is 'soft' ins scent, bit of leather but not musk, a sweetness smell to it. Is that "manly" ? Well, not to me but it is pleasant, will not offend due to strong odor those around you. It may be perfect for you, not strong enough for you, depends on your tastes. For me, I will keep it around and use it up, but it will not be my signature scent. That is my review part - now, my question on the name which has nothing to do perhaps with the product. Companies and products historically reserve the phrases "Reserve" and "Special Reserve" to denote that it is a limited release and availability, commands a higher price due to this AND that there indeed is something special about it. I have Clubman product, as this is a stand alone release, what is it supposed to be a "Special Reserve" of, which of the other products is the parent scent? I find nothing Special about it, and as there is an unlimited supply and available to non-insiders of Clubman, why is it a reserve? Reserved for who ? OK, end of questions.

I was more than hesitant about buying this than most purchases I've made on amazon due to some less than positive reviews about it on here. At this price, I was more curious/intrigued than anything else. After about a week, I received it today. My typical scent choices are some of the usual mid priced suspects; Curves, Tommy Hilfiger, AquaDigio to name a few. After getting into DE shaving (safety razors), I find myself getting all retro with other products such as Pinaud products. I like Clubman after shave for instance. It's old time and unique. I expected this to be one of those "stink" smells that we all are repulsed by that some old folks or people with bad taste wear or should I say shower in. To cut to the chase, I immediately opened and took a big sniff a few hours ago and was surprised that it smelled nice right at the bottle opening. Other reviews basically said it smelled bad. It does have a strong complex scent initially but with less clove and heavey spice as the Bay Rum i last ordered. I don't dislike Bay Rum but it's not like a nice cologne, more a spicey after shave. This special reserve is the essence of an expensive cologne, even by today's high standards. I wasn't sure if Pinaud was really the type of company that puts out this level of "cologne" premium level toiletries but now I know. To me it's big, in your face but fresh and dark in a warm comfortable way. I for one do have a problem with wierd loud stink fragrances but this is not one. It's Special reserve, it's cheap and very Rich. I'm surprised this isn't sold everywhere at a primo price. I'm like Mikey on the old Life commercial, but I love this...A last note; this is a polarizing scent, folks like it or not at all. It’s definately not for everyone. The original is more for the masses in my opinion.

Great scent. It feels good on my face and my girl likes it. win win!