Gold Medal by Atkinsons, 1799

Gold Medal is certainly a step up from 4711, but does not meet the quality of other top market eaus such as Lorenzo Villoresi and Acqua di Parma, but at such a low price, who would expect it to? Probably not the same formula that won the Gold Medal, but still very nice. This is a no-nonsense type of cologne with an opening of bergamot and other citruses followed by neroli and orange blossom with a light musk base. A tad sweeter than say Roger & Gallet Extra Vieille, but very similar without the strong herbal qualities. Only available in Italy and to some extent in Britain, so buy some if you can before it is gone forever.

Consider the following things:
- this eau e cologne was released in 1799
- after 100 years (1878) won the Gold Medal as superior EdC in the Universal Paris Expo
..and actually is one of the leading aromas in the perfumery (see the relaunch of 1417 EdC, Mugler Cologne, Creed Original Vetiver, and so on..).
Simply, a must-have.

Looking at these notes I had a good idea of what this would be like -- and I was right. This is a gorgeous, neroli-based scent. It is very simple, a classy version of an EDC. The longevity of such a citrus scent is predictably brief, so splash it on liberally and often. Orange blossom: special.

Superior eau de cologne smell. Sharp yet smooth, clean and fine, an edge of sweetness. Beautifully put together and quite long lasting. Did people really smell this good in 1799?