Lime by Caswell-Massey

In the late 60's and early 70's, there seemed to be a lime craze, with every fragrance company putting out some form of "Lime For Men," While it makes a wonderfully refreshing top note, pure lime doesn't last very long, so inevitably other essences are added to round out and prolong the fragrance, and these other notes are the main factors differentiating one Lime from another (although there can be a surprising variety of lime essence, from tart to sweet, depending on the source).

Caswell-Massey's take starts with sweet, round lime that smells as though it contains both the oil of the zest or rind and the fruit pulp as well. It quickly makes way for a spicy mid-note, predominantly nutmeg, with some bay, clove, and perhaps allspice. The spices are also promptly joined by a subtle musk base, and it's the musk and spices that linger, although a faint trace of lime does remain with them.

This isn't --- nor is it intended to be --- a complex and elaborate fragrance creation. It makes a great after-shower splash or warm weather fragrance, and it's quite distinct from the many other lime splashes I've tried. It's classy and understated, and I like it a lot.

A boring, run-of-the-mill lime frag. Quality ingredients? Yes. Reasonably priced? Yes sir. Wears close to the skin/is appropriate for the office? But of course. A fragrance to pine for? Hardly.

This is about Caswell-Massey's "Lemony Lime" since there was no category for it. The Lemony-Lime starts off with a blast, similar to Royall Lime - fresh citrus with a whiff of hard candy flavor. But that quickly dries off and what is left is a very charming, subtle fragrance. As with many of C-M's fragrances, this is barely a whisper on the skin, but it's great. Also, there are the subtler, warmer notes of C-M's Number 6 in the bottom register and the provide good balance to this nice warm-weather scent.