Royall Rugby by Royall Lyme of Bermuda, 2011

Royall's Rugby features a strident geranium note right from the gate. Those who don't like such a provocation would be advised to wait - time pumices the hard edges and leaves a polished woodiness when the vetiver joins the geranium. On the other hand, those such as myself who like the peppery, astringent opening will be a tad nonplussed when, seemingly on a dime, Rugby's initial potency beats a hasty retreat to shyness. Longevity is relatively good for such a simple duet, but the projection and sillage are chaste. Smells good, though.

Rugby opens with hint of blackcurrant which fades away into a verdant geranium note. The patchouli adds an earthy note. The vetiver softens and balances these two notes. Rugby reminds me of a fantasized version of the sport after which it was named. It brings to mind a dew covered pitch at dawn. Rugby may not be terribly complex, or very interesting, but it is still a beautiful scent.