Soap Comparison: Barrister and Mann's Rhapsody vs Noble Otter's Neon Sun
These soaps will complement your mullet perfectly.
Christmas is over, so now we can start thinking about Spring, right?! While I despise that mindset, I suppose there is some usefulness in prepping for the Spring as I try to get my hands on new soaps for 2023. This is a comparative review of two 80s-inspired soaps that I've been meaning to do for a while, and while Rhapsody hasn't been made since Barrister and Mann reintroduced it under their "Soft Hearts" series, Neon Sun appears to be a mainstay in Noble Otter's lineup. Let's dive in!
Rhapsody Scent Notes Sourced from Try That Soap, the scent notes are:
Pear Blossom, Apple Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Vanilla, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk, Lavender, Lemon, Bay
Neon Sun Scent Notes Source from Noble Otter
Lime, Bergamot, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Musk
Scent of Rhapsody
As I recall from the release of Rhapsody (that was a few years ago, so I may be misremembering), Will intended to create an 80's inspired scent that was inspired by New York. In typical BaM fashion, the scent isn't simply "blossoms and fruit," as that would be too simple. I'm a huge fan of the complexity of Will's brain/nose and this is no surprise to those who are familiar with my reviews. Rhapsody has a stank to it.
That stank is pear blossom and I'm intimately familiar with it since there was an ornamental pear tree in my front yard growing up. Some people (simpletons) describe this scent as either "pee" or "poop," both of which really don't do it any justice... nor does this vice article... that compares it to... semen. It is a chlorine musk smell and I actually find it pleasant, albeit heavy, and easily dominant in an accord. For the record though, no, the soap does not smell anything like semen.
The accord here balances the "stank" incredibly with other softer blossom scents and bright citrus fruit notes that sit on a warm and smooth nearly-gourmand base.
The soap fragrance strength is average for Barrister and Mann and due to the pear blossom note, is noticeable for longer than anticipated, pleasantly for me. Lathering brings out a lot of the other blossom and fruit notes, so this is a soap you can't judge based on first whiff alone.
Scent of Neon Sun
Neon Sun is comparatively much simpler than Rhapsody, but honestly, many of the same ideas and scent notes are present. The scent strength is lighter and much more palatable for most shavers. Oakmoss, patchouli, and musk are a traditional combination that is approachable, and topped off with lime, while bergamot provides more depth with floral and almost herbal notes.
The complexity of Neon Sun is much lighter and approachable than Rhapsody, in a running theme that I've noticed from Noble Otter. The scent on the tub is very nearly the same as during shaving and the scent lasts on my face about as long as expected from a lighter scented soap.
Soap Base Comparison
Honestly, I don't feel that its worth my time to compare soap bases. Regardless of what soap base iteration of Barrister and Mann or Noble Otter that you're using, you're going to have an incredible shave. They're both top-tier artisans with tons of soap base reviews that are easy to find. I will post more soap base reviews in due time.
Overall
Barrister and Mann has a track record of creating incredibly detailed scents that are often polarizing. Noble Otter has a track record of creating scents that are well-designed, but don't require deep thought or analysis.
I'll sit and smell a Barrister and Mann scent for 5-10 minutes sometimes, yet with Noble Otter, the first whiff is about all that's necessary for many, if not most of their scent offerings. That's not to say that one is more pleasant than the other. Barrister and Mann's deft use of interesting floral notes is what draws my attention most in this scent comparison. Instead of being afraid of the "stank," Will embraces it and makes it elegant. Cody's perfuming is safe, and that means that buying his products will never be a risk. I love that both scents are distinctly 80s inspired and effectively characterize the fragrances of the time from two similar, yet distinctly different mindsets.
The floral notes in Barrister and Mann's offering are much more prominent and offer almost a limeade-note similar to "Adagio," a cherry-limeade soap that Barrister and Mann also discontinued. The citrus is brighter in Rhapsody and the musk in Rhapsody is also stronger than that in Neon Sun.
I prefer Rhapsody, and I know that there are plenty of people who would prefer it as well because of the complexity and uniqueness of the scent accord. However, there are probably an equal or greater number shavers who won't appreciate any form of "stank," be it from the musk or the pear blossom. I honestly expected that my girlfriend wouldn't like Rhapsody, but she actually found it to be pleasant and interesting... and would consider it for her own personal use.
The Verdict
So would I buy a new tub of either? Considering that Rhapsody is currently not a mainstay in Barrister and Mann's lineup and was last released in the "Soft Hearts" series, it is technically not possible. I have no idea if/when Rhapsody will be re-released by Barrister and Mann. If I were to finish this tub, I would definitely buy a new tub.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Neon Sun simply because the scent doesn't "engage me." While probably suitable for more casual shavers, this scent does not prompt me to dig for it from under the bathroom cabinet just to think about it.
This end result is predictable, but indicative of an incredibly diverse wetshaving market. We are currently benefiting from myriad artisan offerings that cater to the entirety of the wetshaving market, whether you're looking for insanely complex scents to ponder throughout the day, or just nice-smelling soap to use before work or bed.
Note: This Review was originally posted to Reddit on 30 Dec 2022
I purchased all reviewed items with my own money. I have not been paid/compensated/reimbursed in any way for discussing any product or for posting product links.
