Another one from the surprise package. The Gentlemens Refinery are a relative newcomer to the scene. Here is their selling proposition:

The Gentlemens Refinery was created to fulfill a purpose: the reintroduction of pure and natural products. Time and care was spent researching and developing a comprehensive personal care line that spans from pre-shave to after-shave as well as facial care. Every product is 100% natural, paraben and alcohol free. The Gentlemens Refinery product line is formulated with no artificial colors or fragrances and uses only the mildest, food grade preservatives when necessary. All ingredients meet BDIH* guidelines for Natural Certification, and Certified Organic ingredients are used where possible. No harmful side products are produced by the organic reactions used to form the ingredients. All ingredients are from renewable plant and mineral sources, and the environment is protected in their production.

Quite a promise. Let us see what happens when marketing meets shaving practice...

Packaging: A nice glass jar, but not as high quality as St James'. The artwork is trendy, and I cannot quite say that I am overly fond of it. 

Texture: Creamy on the sticky side. It is an OK texture, but loading a large brush is a bit of a challenge.

Scent: None at all. Which is quite an achievement, given the amount of ingredients that went into this cream.

Latherability: Not overly impressive. I am not a fan of lather mountains, but even if  wanted to make them, this cream would be a challenge. What lather you get does its job, though.

Cushion: Above average, as is the glide. But other creams out perform this one, sometimes easily, like Castle Forbes, or Caraceni.

Moisturising: More than sufficient. TGR also offer an aftershave balm which I have not tested (and will not, either, because I do not like the cream enough). It is not required, though.

Price: USD 28 for 150ml puts it in the same league as Castle Forbes, and that would be a complete non starter for me. True, you get a nice glass jar, but the cream underperformes by comparison.

Overall impression:  If you need an unscented cream, this one should be high on your list. If you do not, there are other creams around that have a higher price/performance ratio.