Review by mysticman
Among the original Nine Flags scents, France-Panache is one of the standouts. It is well-balanced and sophisticated, and the individual notes blend in nuanced ways that shift and change over time. The opening is smooth and subtle, a blend of lavender, light citrus and clary sage, which opens into the mid-note accord of cedar, geranium, vetiver and some green hints, which reminds me of Balenciaga's Ho Hang. The drydown is rich sandalwood, patchouli and musk, with echoes of Zizanie by Fragonard. As products of the mid-60's, the Nine Flags fragrances (labelled as "shaving cologne") were not as concentrated as many more modern scents and hence can be splashed more liberally if greater sillage and longevity is desired, but a lighter touch can sometimes be just enough too.
