Basenotes - Reviews by DEF

DEF

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Arlington by D.R. Harris & co.

Forget "light citrus over fern;" as of spring 2009 Arlington has been reformulated into a classic eau de cologne fragrance, with neroli and citronella prominent. What lavender there is sits way down, and there is no citrus to speak of beyond the citronella. Crisp and clean, but ultimately uninspired. I had enjoyed the older formula in the shaving soap and only recently got around to purchasing the cologne, along with a new soap round that carries the new scent instead of the old. The new presentation is classic and reasonably refined -- but is a disappointment compared to the older fragrance, which I now wish I had been able to experience in EDC form. With everything from Trumper's Cologne to 4711 to R&G Extra Vieille already on the market, it is anyone's guess as to why Harris would cede their previous niche to join that crowded segment. Decent longevity throughout the day, and I suspect very little sillage. I will use what I have, but had I known this was the animal, I would have gone with the Extra Vieille, which at least has a discernible citrus bite. Bring back the old stuff!

18th May, 2009.

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Woods of Windsor for Gentleman by Woods of Windsor

Woods of Winsor is a distinctive, classy fragrance that is nicely off the beaten track. Marketed by the company as derivative of a centuries-old recipe originally used for perfuming Spanish leather, Woods of Windsor is indeed evocative of fine leather goods, though still very much its own thing.

To my nose, top notes of lemongrass and verbena are quite forward -- citrus, but more muted than bright. I am not discerning enough to pick out individual middle notes; for me, they coalesce into a stable, earthy, somewhat powdery body that calls to mind white pepper and musk -- all in all a nice platform for the citrus top notes. As the Basenotes description states, the base notes are generally woody, but remain quite recessive under the other components.

On first application, it may seem a pit "perfumey," but it has a classy drydown as the earthy middle notes rise. It also is quite robust, with excellent longevity. (In this regard, the atomizer is a bit overmatched to the fragrance, so apply with care.)

I would call Woods of Windsor a three-season fragrance, best suited to fall and winter, passable in spring, but too thick for summer.

8th March, 2006.

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