Yardley Original (1992)
by Yardley

Yardley Original is an edt that - though apparently discontinued - is still sold in some international markets, at least in the Middle East (and I believe in India.) YO belongs to the powerhouse school of perfumery, so it was a little late to the game when it was launched in 1992.

Yardley Original smells exactly like the talc of the same line: Drakkar Noir sandwiched between extra juniper and powder. (I prefer the talc.)

Longevity and sillage: Very good

I can think of a few fragrances that do the job better (Drakkar Noir, Kouros, and Ferre for Men), hence the neutral rating. But if powerhouses are your thing and you want something good and cheap, this may be a thumbs up for you.

22nd November, 2011.

When I was younger I had the opportunity to perform with Duke Ellington. My dad (my hero) was so excited to meet him. I'd never seen him so animated. When I met Duke, he was busy, moving around, had no time to talk to a 10 year old, but I distinctly remember his hair (slicked/pomaded) and a huge bottle of Yardley Black Label on his dressing room table. I remember the smell from that week. My dad bought a bottle and had it for years. I think I used the last of it sometime in 1976.

It needs to be brought back. It's a fragrance that evokes not only an era, but the giants that occupied it.

3rd May, 2011.

This is the essence of 60's London in a bottle --- the British Invasion of smell instead of sound. The after shave and cologne have slightly different formulas --- the After Shave is mostly lavender, with touches of bergamot, woods and vanilla, but very unobtrusive. The cologne opens with a sparkling mixture of lavender, bergamot and orange blossom, settling down through touches of amber, sandalwood and spices, all tied together with vanilla. It's a light, fresh fragrance, with none of the artificial chemical "fresh" notes that seem to be used so heavily in modern scents. I'm guessing the composition is mostly natural ingredients, and being from 60's England, it's somewhat reserved and polite, but with a cheeky sense of fun about it too. An absolute classic, and a shame it's no longer available!

14th March, 2010.

I see that the launch date is 1992 for Yardley Original. Hm. I had a bottle of "Yardley" in the 1960s and it was among my first "real" colognes. It was spicy amber with a bit of sharpness to it that softened sweetly after 10 minutes. Not long after that I received a bottle of Yardley "Black Label" and that was a whole new world; much more complex and refined. But I am a loyal sort and the Original Yardley remained in front on the dresser. It was (and may still be) a wonderful masculine fragrance without being overpowering or cloying. Very fine; top marks.

10th March, 2006.