sok's Certified Fair Trade aftershave

Tonight I mixed the 2nd generation of my elixirs. My first attempt is transcribed here. 

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 v2, my attempt to capture the soul of a proper barber shop: 1 c white rum, 6 whole allspice, 1 stick cinnamon, 5 drops of orange essence. 

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. 

First Generation

Maggie gave me a wonderful Christmas present a few years back: Portland General Store Whiskey Aftershave. It is truly lovely.

Being a full-time tweaker, I've ventured into the world of homemade aftershave, and am introducing sok’s Made in the USA, never tested on animals, GMO-free aftershave products. Introducing them, actually, on unsuspecting male family members and a few close friends this Christmas. My adoring wife Maggie has signed off on their quality; a sign of her affection for me or quite possibly her appreciation for their bouquet.

Introducing the following first generation products (with anticipated future changes in red):

The Shop, my attempt to capture the soul of a proper barber shop: 2 c vodka, 8 tsp dark rum, ½ tsp ground Allspice, 2 sticks cinnamon, 2 orange zests.

Open Field: 2 c vodka, 1 c witch hazel, ¼ c glycerin, 20 10 drops of peppermint, 20 drops of eucalyptus, 30 drops of lavender.  

Mint Tea: 1 ½ c white rum, ¾ c witch hazel, 3 tsp glycerin, 20 10 drops of peppermint, 30 drops of tea leaves.

Old Town: 6 tbl apple cider vinegar, 3 tbl witch havel, 1 tbl glycerin, 1 stick cinnamon, 6 whole allspice, 10 drops of orange essence. This went putrid towards the end, and was never bottled.

My muse, Whiskey Jack: ½ c Kentucky Whiskey, ¼ ½ c witch hazel, 1 tsp glycerin, 5 3 cloves, 5 3 whole allspice, 1 stick cinnamon, 10 5 drops of orange essence.

Mix in Mason jar, stirring daily for two weeks, while keeping in the dark. Not sure why in the dark; I think it has something to do with cutting off then end of the Christmas ham the way my grandma always did it.