Elisabethan Rose (1984)
by Penhaligon's

This was the very first fragrance I tried from the range (apart from the lily of the valley my mother had, cliched I know) and still holds a special place. I still remember the next day as I went to put on my overcoat that lovely, subtle rosy aroma unexpectedly wafted into my nose. Nowadays however it seems that unless I do smell it without realising it smells very aldehyde-like and sharp, somewhat blocking the rose. It is very fresh and clean, not at all heavy or too heady, just a nice, light watercolour of roses, with a classic, English feel

19th November, 2009.

One of the top five roses IMHO - very lovely scent

11th August, 2009.

A light fresh rose that is a delight in the warmer months. It doesn't stay on my skin long but is a classic beauty.

21st March, 2009.

This is an excellent and powerful tea rose scent. Despite the 8 ingredients listed, my nose can only distinguish this one ingredient. Very feminine and a little goes a very long way. Odd that it is named Elisabethan Rose, in that the tea rose did not arrive in the UK until the late 18th century and didn't flourish there until the mid-late 19th century. The name connotes that it was a scent in existence during the reign of Elizabeth I, but could not have been. Perhaps it's named after another "Elisabeth." Wonderful in any case as soap, lotion, powder, as well as cologne.

Top Notes: Aldehydes; Geranium
Middle Notes: Camomile; Violet; Rose
Base Notes: Musk; Amber; Sandalwood

21st January, 2009.

In many respects, the English cousin of our American Tea Rose (Perfumer's Workshop).

Elegant, understated, soft and sweet. Somewhat powdery in the dry-down, just as I had expected. Never overpowering or soapy, though.

A superb gift for a young lady.

9th January, 2008.

As a rose hater, this is one of the few which are able to please me with its delicate beauty. I agree the previous review that it has a tender and shy character but it is very long lasting also. It starts softly with a lovely sweet note of rose, very transparent and young, but remains to leave a powdery trace when the rose fades, which, somehow, cause me some slightly unpleasant feelings. I would still give it 5 stars, though.

27th February, 2006.