Finally Got My Hands On The New Windsor!

[Optometrist]

Well, I was just leaving my hotel this morning when a parcel arrived from D.R. Harris. Yes....the new Windsor soap had arrived! And all I can say is that it is everything I was expecting. The scent is identical to the cream, and a test lather this afternoon(see pic) gave an identical quality lather to the other tallow soaps from this English(my favourite) brand. A full shave with this new soap will be tomorrow morning, and I have no reason to doubt it will provide any less a superb shave than I get from Arlington and Marlborough soaps. For me, Arlington now has a serious contender for top spot in my soap collection, and dare I say it, but I believe this new Windsor soap HAS finally removed the Arlington from that position.

The following pic of the lather was after approx 3 minutes of settling. That was how long it took me to get the picture right!

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[cryhavoc]

Can't wait to get the full report!

 

[bastimret]

Fantastic! Been loving my sample of the cream and now have some of the AS and EdT coming, as it's the first scent that my wife has really enjoyed on me.

 

[Galengwath]

I'm jealous. Unfortunately it is not in stock yet on this side of the pond. Still, it's nice to know that its performance should be on par with other Harris soaps.

 

[Marco]

Wonderful David! What are your first impressions? And how does it compare in performance to your beloved Arlington?

 

[Optometrist]

Wonderful David! What are your first impressions? And how does it compare in performance to your beloved Arlington?

Marco, I have only face lathered to get an "understanding" of this new soap, not shaved with it yet, but my first impressions are of another superb tallow soap from Harris, with identical properties to the other 4 scents available. The lather is long lasting, unlike some others I shall not mention, but it's the scent of Windsor I absolutely love.

 

[Niles]

Thanks for the report, David! I eagerly await a chance to try this soap for myself.

 

[cluelessdude]

Marco, I have only face lathered to get an "understanding" of this new soap, not shaved with it yet, but my first impressions are of another superb tallow soap from Harris, with identical properties to the other 4 scents available. The lather is long lasting, unlike some others I shall not mention, but it's the scent of Windsor I absolutely love.

Can you describe the scent of Windsor? I really love the scent and performance of Arlington.

 

[VT_Hokie]

+1 for a scent description!

Looks very nice, congratulations David.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

Can you describe the scent of Windsor? I really love the scent and performance of Arlington.

Take an orange and leave it in the sun for a week

 

[Optometrist]

I've never been one to be able to describe scents accurately. I only have to browse the Fragrance forum to realise how incapable I am of that. However, from the very first time I smelled the Windsor cream, it came across as being not too dissimilar to Pen's Blenheim Bouquet, only subtler with less pepper to it. Harris describes it as having citrus overtones, turning to a leather scent with pepper and vetiver. I have to entirely agree!
Arlington is a much more in your face scent to me. I love it, I use it all year round, but it is definitely more suited to the summer months. The Windsor, to me, is an all year scent. Only my opinion, obviously.

 

[jpipes3]

I have the Molton Brown Fresh Bushukan Citrus Splash that I picked up at Marshalls. The Windsor cologne towelettes that I was sent smell just like it to my nose. Here is MB's description of their splash...

Top notes: bergamot, clary sage and elemi
Middle notes: black pepper and tolu absolute
Base notes: cedarwood, patchouli and vetiver

Maybe that will help a little.

 

[Optometrist]

OMG, it's bad news! Arlington is no longer my favourite Harris soap! And that says it all, doesn't it? Today's shave was simply divine. Taking a wet brush to the Windsor soap, and approx 1 minute of loading, I then proceeded to face lather. This lather is definitely what we have come to expect from Harris. It builds so easily, has excellent stability, and provides plenty of protection and cushion/glide for a straight razor shave. After feel is also typical Harris too. The scent, whilst restrained compared to the Arlington, is nevertheless present throughout the shave. I adore this scent which is why I began this post in the way I did. With all the reformulations of other English brands, most to the detriment of such, how refreshing it is to have Harris refuse to follow in their footsteps. Well done, Harris...you have another winner for me!!

 

[bastimret]

I do really like the scent of the cream. It's a nice and clean scent to me, masculine without being musky or overpowering. Can't wait to get my samples of the AS and EdT from Garry!

 

[cluelessdude]

Harris and MWF are the two English brands I use! Don't know if I need another orange scent though.

 

[mhdena]

Well, I was just leaving my hotel this morning when a parcel arrived from D.R. Harris. Yes....the new Windsor soap had arrived! And all I can say is that it is everything I was expecting. The scent is identical to the cream, and a test lather this afternoon(see pic) gave an identical quality lather to the other tallow soaps from this English(my favourite) brand. A full shave with this new soap will be tomorrow morning, and I have no reason to doubt it will provide any less a superb shave than I get from Arlington and Marlborough soaps. For me, Arlington now has a serious contender for top spot in my soap collection, and dare I say it, but I believe this new Windsor soap HAS finally removed the Arlington from that position.

The following pic of the lather was after approx 3 minutes of settling. That was how long it took me to get the picture right!

​

Was the actual shave lather more dense than this picture?

I like yogurty dense lather myself.

 

[Optometrist]

Was the actual shave lather more dense than this picture?

I like yogurty dense lather myself.

The lather in the pic was drying out as I had let it settle to test stability, and it took ages to get the pic also! This morning's shave was more typical of what I am used to with Harris lather, and yes, that is more "yogurty" and creamier.

 

[mhdena]

Good to hear.

 

[bastimret]

Ok, shaved with the cream today and used the AS and EdT. Love this scent! So when is WCS or BGS going to get the soap in so I can place and order for all 3!?!

 

[Optometrist]

Ok, shaved with the cream today and used the AS and EdT. Love this scent! So when is WCS or BGS going to get the soap in so I can place and order for all 3!?!

I can't speak for the US market, but whereas the cream/AS/EdT became quickly available through other UK vendors besides Harris themselves, the soap is taking its time here.