Stirling simply has stuff no one else has. A black cherry shave soap with a matching aftershave is 110% unique. I love the shave soap for its natural smelling aroma and performance. The aftershave was a bit of a leap of faith for me, but glad I took it. I had visions of smelling like cough syrup or the lip balms teenage girls wear. Please note, I have no menthol in mine. When you first apply the aftershave the stronger cherry and alcohol note may make you feel like you just dove headfirst into a cherry cordial. The drying down is where it settles down and to me smells very natural, clean, & adult. It really doesn't scream "CHERRY". It is not cloying, but it doesn't exactly fade into the background of one's palette either. I could see it interfering if one wanted to apply an EDC later. The soda comparison is definitely there for me, but it lacks soda sweetness which is good. Fruitiness is there, but not like strongly feminine scents. I believe it could be an all-weather, unisex scent. That being said, I think for some it could be divisive. it is noticeable, unique, and without comparison. I can't say "It smells like X cologne." Feedback from family and bystanders has been positive. If you don't want your fragrance to be a convo. starter or think your body chem won't like such scent profile, you may wanna pass - but really consider giving a sample a shot. You just may really, really like it. Finally, if you are over 45 and were born in Philly, you will most likely remember Frank's Black Cherry Wishniak. Many consider it the best black cherry soda of all time. After I shave with the black cherry soap, and the matching aftershave dries down, I sense the essence of that childhood beverage that I find very comforting. YMMV.