A few things you might be wondering.
We make a lot of different things at BAR TEN 1869, and we know that sometimes a little more information helps. Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about our products, our process, and who we are.
Are BAR TEN products really handmade?
Yes. Our products are handcrafted by us in small batches in Leesburg, Virginia.
From developing and testing our formulations to making, pouring, cutting, labeling, and packaging, we are closely involved with what we create. Small-batch production allows us to pay attention to the details and continually refine what we make.
What does BAR TEN 1869 mean?
BAR TEN grew from our original business, Ten Inch Smile Soap Works.
“BAR” celebrates both the soap bar and the craft beverage culture that has long inspired our products. “TEN” carries a piece of Ten Inch Smile forward, and 1869 is the year our historic home in downtown Leesburg was built—the place where BAR TEN products are handcrafted today.
Do you really make soap with beer?
We do!
Craft beer has been part of our soapmaking story for years. In our beer soaps, beer replaces some or all of the liquid normally used to make soap and becomes part of the soapmaking process.
We also enjoy collaborating with local breweries and creating soaps using their beer.
Does beer soap smell like beer?
No, the finished soap does not simply smell like the beer that went into it.
Depending on the soap, we may leave it fragrance-free or create a scent profile that complements the beer's character and inspiration. Each recipe is developed as a finished product in its own right rather than simply trying to reproduce the smell of what's in the glass.
Do you use natural ingredients?
We use many plant-derived oils, butters, waxes, clays, salts, botanical extracts, essential oils, and other naturally derived ingredients—but we don't believe natural is the only measure of a good ingredient.
We choose ingredients based on quality, performance, suitability, and responsible sourcing. You can learn more about how we make those decisions on our Ingredients page.
Do you use essential oils or fragrance oils?
Both.
Some products are best suited to essential oils, while others allow us to create a much broader and more sophisticated scent experience with high-quality fragrance oils. We select each one based on the product, formulation, and scent we want to create.
Specific ingredients are listed with each product so you can know what you're purchasing.
Why doesn't my handmade product look exactly like the photograph?
That's part of small-batch making.
Colors, swirls, textures, shapes, botanical ingredients, and other details may vary slightly from batch to batch. Even products made from the same recipe can have subtle differences.
Those variations aren't flaws—they're part of the character of something made by hand rather than on a mass-production line.
Where can I find BAR TEN in person?
You'll find us throughout the year at farmers markets, artisan markets, wineries, breweries, community events, and other gatherings, primarily in Northern Virginia and the surrounding region.
Because our schedule changes throughout the year, the best way to see where we're headed next is to follow @bar.10.1869 on Instagram and BAR TEN 1869 on Facebook.
You can also visit our Markets & Events page to learn more.
Do you offer wholesale or custom products?
Yes.
We welcome conversations with independent retailers, boutiques, gift shops, wineries, breweries, distilleries, inns, and other established businesses interested in carrying BAR TEN products.
We also consider custom collaborations, including products created around a brewery, winery, distillery, business, event, or other special project.
Visit our Wholesale page for more information.
Where is BAR TEN 1869 located?
BAR TEN 1869 is based in historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine, beer, and craft beverage region.
Our 1869 home is where much of the making happens—and where our name comes from.
Still have a question?
We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you have a question about a product, an existing order, wholesale, a custom collaboration, or simply want to know more about BAR TEN, please get in touch through our Contact Us page or by email.
You can also find us on:
Instagram: @bar.10.1869
Facebook: BAR TEN 1869
We'll be happy to help.