Cognac has been regarded for many years as a drink of gentlemanly refinement. When powerful people with powerful agendas get together to talk business (powerfully, we would guess), they often do so over a fine cigar and a glass of this esteemed brandy. Cognac is made by distilling fermented grapes (known here in the US as "wine") and aging the resulting liquor for at least two years in barrels of a certain origin. After the distillation has completed, a precipitate, known as lie de vin, remains, from which a product called "cognac oil" is distilled. The compound has a powerfully fruity, alcoholic aroma and, frankly, smells so much like its beverage cousin that most people would be unlikely to tell them apart. It seemed logical that a shaving soap made with the oil would be a remarkable thing indeed. Because green cognac oil (the green comes from the copper stills traditionally used to make it) carries anise and vanilla facets as well as a woody undertone, we blended fennel (which has an herbal, anisic character), vanillin (a perfumery material of legendary power and versatility) and Virginia cedar oil with a healthy dose of the genuine article. Still not satisfied, we added lime oil as well to bring out the fruitier notes in the cognac. A few further adjustments and we had what we wanted: a soap that smells very much like a glass of fine brandy, smoothly herbal and fruity, with undertones of vanilla, anise (very light), and wood. Velvety and rich, we know you'll enjoy shaving with it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Barrister & Mann proudly presents Fireside.