If, like me, you're wondering what the difference between today's Brut and 60s Brut is, it's spice according to Ariana and Evans. I couldn't begin to tell you what spice it is, but I suspect it is the anise. It's not unpleasant, but it is -strong-. I love Brut off the shelf and I am not old enough to have nostalgia for the original, but good gravy, if this is what people put on in the 60s, I'd hate to have been on a bus with them.
I didn't even notice that spice-forward note until I started building the lather. It was like Brut Powered-Up or something and it is definitely fascinating. I really wanted a soap that would match up with the after shave from the store and while it does pair up well, that spicy overtone will not be denied.
The tub itself is a very soft cream, like the inside of a butter tart, so you definitely don't want to load directly from it except perhaps if your brush is bone-dry. It won't have any problem picking up the stuff. A bowl or face lather will take a little bit of effort, but the end result (with the right amount of water) is extremely generous for a small scoop so don't over-do it.
While this scent might not have been all that I wanted it to be, I am definitely interested in trying more A&E products. Of all the soaps I have used, this tub is the strongest scent that I've encountered and if the rest of their stuff is accordingly strong, I'll have a lot of fun going through their profile.
