Quercus (1996)
by Penhaligon's

The top notes of Lemon, Lime and Mandarin combined with Bergamot create a very slight citric opening which feels too meek for comfort. It reminds me of Nivea Shaving Balm in the early stages, which for a fragrance of this pedigree is highly disappointing. However, the drydown is far more refined and closer to what I had hoped for from the outset. The base of Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Galbanum, Musk and Amber are olfactory stalwarts which ensure that Quercus finishes very well. If the opening had been more enterprising I would have loved this, as it is, this is an unbalanced let down.

no no no
why would you want to buy a 100ml for £70 of this when you could just go and a 200ml bottle for £20 from ck one,
ok its not a bad smell light fresh and easy to wear, but i think they are just to much of a likness for me

A faint herbal-citrus cologne that doesn't last long. I’d rather spend my hard-earned cash on something else, thanks.

I really wanted to like Quercus more than I did. I am a sucker for traditonal, luxury items of quality and adore the classically stylish Penhaligon's bottles. My favorite genre of perfume is probably citrus.

But, Quercus, was just ho hum. It was a thin citrus fragrance with musky notes, none of which had much depth or complexity. It seemed watery and weak, and needless to say it did not last long on my skin. Smell-wise, Quercus reminded me a lot of CKOne and who wants to remember that?

I think the biggest obstacle Quercus faces is strong competition from fellow colognes. Its own sister Blenheim Bouquet is a wonderfully sunny floral chyprel that leaves Quercus in the shade and raises the question as to why Penhaligon's feels the need to carry both fragrances. Also easily outclassing Quercus are Parfums de Nicolai's Balle de Match, Chanel Eau de Cologne, Eau de Rochas and Bulgari's The Vert Extreme.

Here are the notes from Pehhaligon's website: Top- Cardamom, Galbanum, Lime, Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin; Middle- Jasmine, Muguet; Base- Sandalwood, Treemoss, Musk.

Upon application, Quercus seems like a nice, if rather bland, light, refreshing citrus fragrance for summer. Unfortunately, the citrus topnote evaporates quickly, leaving a nondescript, generic, and extremely faint synthetically "fresh" and "cool" man's cologne type scent.

The other day, while walking past The Help's room, I noticed a strangely familiar fragrance emanating from within (much too strongly, I might add). "That's strange..." I thought, "has she gone into my wardrobe and doused herself with my Quercus?" A bit later I tracked her down and commented on the loveliness of her scent. "It's ck one's...been wearing it for years." Crushing blow delivered. I gave her what was left of my bottle of the Penhaligans...she's a good worker.