I am also wanting to try A & E next. I have read a lot about how good those soaps are.
I’ve only tried the milksteak base from DG. While it is a good soap with a really excellent post shave. I find the soap has an almost off/rotten scent after opening. This disappears when lathered. I also find this base to appear to be very thirsty but if you are not careful it will suddenly be too hydrated and lather is no good. Other bases I prefer better have much better and forgiving hydration tolerances. Lastly, I think the soap is just a little overpriced, not totally unreasonable. I like the soap ok, but knowing the cost for one tub, I can find dozens upon dozens of other soaps that edge it out for a little less than DG.
I am pretty much hooked on the A&E bases. My opinion above is one I have held pre Kaizen as well as the pre Asian pear base 1.1. Once I thin out my inventory a bit, I’d like to try a few other artisans just to say I have, but I don’t expect I’ll be converted to another product line exclusively.