I have both learned lessons from the previous efforts, and been guided by my enduring need to mettle with recipes. For posterity (and to serve as an easy way to find my recipes), I introduce:
The Shop v3, in my controlled experiment, I added 5 drops of Bay Rum Leaf essence to the above. Traveling to the Caribbean and finding out the historical connection between Pimenta racemosa and Barber Shops in their 1920's glory is what started me on this adventure. This recipe mimics one published in a circa 1860's book and mentioned on the Art of Manliness.
I should be using orange zest, but I was too lazy to go to the grocer's.
Whiskey Jack v1: ½ c Kentucky Whiskey, ½ c witch hazel, 1 tsp glycerin, 3 cloves, 3 whole allspice, 1 stick cinnamon, 5 drops of orange essence.
Whiskey Jack v2: the above, with 2 pinches of black pipe tobacco. If it works, I shall name it "Grandpa Jack"
Mint Tea v2: ½ c white rum, ½ c witch hazel, 1 tsp glycerin, 5 drops of peppermint essence, 10 drops of tea leaf essence.
I shall cover with a rag and shake daily for a few weeks. Then I shall bottle and attempt to pawn them off on unsuspecting relatives.