Extract of Limes (1963)
by Penhaligon's

I am the first person to review this since the recent Anthology Release by Penhaligon’s. One obvious thing that has changed in the current formulation is the absence of base notes. Three of the four previous reviewers call attention to base notes (i.e., sandalwood, leather, musk). The current formulation has no base notes, and that is evident by the drydown (and Penhaligon’s website, as well). The Penhaligon’s website describes the opening as “shattered sherbet”; while I love the picture, this scent doesn’t reach to that point. What starts as a classy lime opening, turns to a neroli heart and then… nothing! I enjoy it for as long as it lasts. It is quite pricey for a traditional lime fragrance. I give it a neutral rating, as I think there are better values out there for this type of cologne. But if money is no object, please don’t let me discourage you!

[B]Extract of Limes[/B] is just sensational. How did such a fabulous cologne get pulled in the first place? It's topnotes are so vivid, so green, so true, so ... lime-y! It's as though I just stuck my nose into a jar of Rose's Lime Marmalade, but without the sticky sweetness. This intial, bracing blast of citrus sticks around for a respectable while, yielding to a soft, musky, soapy, gently white floral base.

This is an uncomplicated, unisex, great quality cologne, which would profit from refrigeration for an extra-uplifting experience.

A great classic lime-lemon of the end of the 19th c. Far better than Trumper's West Indian Lime (very good too, but just like a lemon juice). Here, lime extract is followed by crisp citrus notes of tangerine, petitgrain bigarade and bergamote. At this time, it's very close to the great Creed's 'Bois de Cédrat' (1875). But 'Cédrat' stays crisp and dry with its cedar base, whereas 'Limes' goes sweeter, with a soapy (very Penhaligon's) sandalwood, musc and orange blossom base. A great lemon fragrance, soon relaunched in 2008-2009.

A lime-citrus opening which is very attractive, green, zesty and bright. This gradually changes into a light woody/sandalwood scent which is beautiful and mild. The dry-down is creamy sandalwood and light musk, with a lingering hint of lime; and is charmingly Victorian in style. A lovely scent, a shame that this has been discontinued.

I was watching a lawn tennis match between the young Lord Asquith and Sir Humphrey Caton-Jones from my leather and teakwood recliner, sipping a lime cordial, when inexplicably, the thought came to my mind that I needed to stock up on my cologne. Personally, I prefer Penhaligon’s Extract of Limes. It’s got that fresh, tangy top note which so gracefully settles into a comforting, highly refined leather note - not unlike the one in Creed’s Royal English Leather, mind you, but more restrained, of course, and making for an enchanting dialogue with the citrus. Excellent craftsmanship for you there. Forty Love. Excellent, Sir Humphrey. You wield that racquet like a Dragoon’s sabre. Where was I? Oh yes, was it Reginald Barclay who told me at the club that Penhaligon’s had actually discontinued the Lime? Shocking! Next thing they’ll abolish red double-decker busses and phone booths. Blast, such a thing could only happen under Labour now, could it. I shall have to search the web quickly and see whether they have any stock left on the continent or perhaps in Boston. Oh, here we are now, game, set and match. Well done, Sir Humphrey. I say, Wimbledon will be yours next year, old boy.

This will be the third predominantly lime scent that i have purchased. Like all scents from Penhaligon's it has a very english (sandalwood, leather) undertone to this lime rendition. If you are looking for a lime scent, you cannot go wrong with this one.. if your looking for staying power though.. citrus is very difficult in general, and this is no different.