Lime, Basil & Mandarin (1991)
by Jo Malone

This fragrance makes me wanna puke. I agree with the comment that this smells like Basil waging a war with Lime. Yuck.

For some reason, I like this fragrance when I am having my period. It's one of the only fragrances I can stand at that time of the month. Otherwise, (at other times of the month) I don't like it!!! Weird, eh?

An earlier incarnation of Nouveau Bowery but with more herbs (basil). Not bad but I'd rather have the Bond.

Opens with a strong Lime then it moves to a herby, grassy aroma. I really like it, its a nice one for the summer. Smells very natural to me.

I've had compliments while I've been wearing it which I haven't had for others I wear that get rave reviews here.Don't write it off before you try it I'd say.

It also layers nicely with another Jo Malone I have in my collection, Pomegranate Noir, another good one from this house.

Above average sillage and longevity for a cologne.

Repulsive yet intriguing, like a car accident. I wouldn't wear this on its own, but it might work layered with another citrus to tame that 500-pound gorilla of a basil note.

EDIT: I gave this a second chance and my feelings have taken a complete 90-degree turn from neutral to positive. The opening lime-basil accord is fresh, brilliant, distinctive, and absolutely perfect for warm weather. Yes, it does smell vaguely like some kind of Thai salad, but Thai salad smells delicious, making this a sort of gourmand fragrance, though one quite different from the usual chocolate and vanilla suspects. It softens and warms considerably during the dry down, where the high quality ingredients get to reveal themselves fully. Surprisingly good longevity, moderate sillage.

I am reminded yet again that one truly needs to live with a fragrance for a while to appreciate its quality (or lack thereof).

If you want to walk around smelling like a "Panini" this is the fragrance for you! i love panini's, but i don't wanna smell like one.