Crown Esterhazy (1874)
by Crown Perfumery

First of all, this rare gem, being essentially an aromatic citrus cologne, despite the Eau de Parfum strength, is entirely unisex. Secondly, you may be reminded of and feel you're smelling like a cough drop, as lemon, melissa (aka lemon balm) and verbena are very prominent. Thirdly, personal preferences aside, I'm floored by the quality of the citrus oils in Crown's fragrances , whether it's the amazing top notes of Imperial or Quinine, the green part of Spiced Limes, the bracing notes of the blenheimesque Town & Country or the refreshing zest of this citrus-centered beauty, which is very subtly framed by light herbal notes and little else. It reflects a real commitment to quality, as well as pre-IFRA-reign-of-terror liberties. Esterhazy is a perfect choice for sweltering heat and humidity, which it will pierce and alleviate with its freshness, but it will cheer you up at any time and perhaps even help heal a winter cough

22nd October, 2011.

Crown Esterhazy is a brilliant Roman candle of fragrance. It first shoots upward with lemon zest and mint, soaring until it explodes, sending sparkling trails of lemon blossom, alba rose, lemon pulp, rosemary, bergamot, galangal and thyme. It rests on the skin, almost effervescent, and then is gone. Alas, like the Roman candle, after its brilliant display, it too quickly fades away. Ah, but those bright moments are worth it.

24th June, 2008.

I have a bottle of this. Sadly, it smells like a lemon, ginger, caramel concoction on my skin. To begin with, I don't like lemons, and I don't care for obvious lemon fragrances. I do love lime though!

I will give the Countess Esterhazy one more try before I boot her onto the auction block.

5th March, 2007.

Crown Esterhazy is a special scent for those of us who are crazy about citrus, and I am so disheartened that it's basically becoming unnattainable as what little supply's left on the market disappears. Boo! This is one of the most inspired hesperides I've ever experienced; scintillating lemon topnotes swirl around a heart of mint, rose, orange blossom and rosemary. If you've ever had homemade lemonade with fresh mint stirred in, then you know how eye-openingly refreshing these two can be together, and this pairing forms the character of Esterhazy. It isn't too tart or brisk either and you don't get any "bracing aftershave" effect, thanks to the rounded qualities of the rose and a little bit of spicy cleanness from the orange blossom. I've never been able to pick up on the rosemary and that's not a problem; this composition is perfect the way it is. Almost splash-like, it's made to be applied liberally and frequently - but sadly, I'm down to hoarding the last little bit of what I have left of mine. Countess Esterhazy, whomever you are, you sahll be missed!

29th September, 2005.