Taylor of Old Bond Street #74 A/S Splash....

Another great value from Taylors

I must say this is one of the more interesting scents. It opens with a blast of bergamot and mandarin that is backed up by the floral heart of jasmine, rose, ylang, and lilac, with a base of musk, powder, and light woods. The main complaint people seem to have with the floral component is the indoles. Molecules that cause the dark, stuffy, musty smell associated with flowers such as jasmine and petunia. They deepen the floral scent, but can smell animalic and fecal.

I used to buy this years ago as "Royal Yacht" and was sad to see it disappear from the market. Then one day I called in to TOBS in Jermyn Street to sample a few scents and Immediately recognised the unique scent of No74 original. It was explained to me that TOBS had bought the right to make the scent, but the previous maker would not sell the use of the name. In any event it is a very old scent, as I seem to remember a reference to Lord Curzon ( former Viceroy of India) using "Royal Yacht" and that would probably relate to the end of the 19th century.

As you say a beautiful and unique scent...but an acquired taste.

I found this to be a wonderful aftershave and am very glad I gave it a shot. It seems to be a very controversial scent, not unlike Lilac Vegetal (which I also love).

Price--8--I got mine at West Coast Shaving for $28 for 3.5 ounces. A very good deal. Of course you can find cheaper products, but for the quality this is a steal.

Quality--9--Like all TOBS products, very good. Not the premium packaging of Trumpers, but highly presentable and lasting.

Fights Razor Burn--10--difficult to give a number here, but it worked well for me. I didn't have razor burn but I am confident this would neutralize it.

Cooling Sensation--5--it has menthol in it, but I didn't notice an AV like effect. The alcohol dissipation did provide some coolness--it felt good.

Scent--10--this is where it shines. Completely unique, very strong (at first) floral that will make a statement. It mellows quickly but lingers for hours. Enchanting. It will of course generate controversy--if you don't like florals, you'll hate it.

Efficacy--10--it does exactly what it's supposed to do, perfectly.

Moisturizing--5--it doesn't add moisture really, but I also found it didn't take any away.

No alcohol burn--5--Not sure what to put for this. It does burn quite a bit, but it's supposed to. So I compromised and put a 5 here.

I love this aftershave. And my significant other loves it even more!

Let me say a few things about it...

First of all, its truly an "old world" scent. In this way I see it as being a bit like Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet or Knize Ten. They just don't smell modern. They don't come up with too many new scents that smell like this one. I don't know when it was first produced but it really does smell like a by gone era.

At least on me, it goes on with a stingy sort of burn - much more so, for example, then Aqua Velva. But then it calms quickly and things are fine.

Its staying power is decent, if not good.

Price is also very good.

Again, if you have not tried it, remember what you're getting into. Its an old world scent, perfect for wearing to a very old Church, to a traditional pub, or for a day out on the water, or perhaps to a meeting of that secret society you belong to. But it might not be a scent you'd wear on your first date with someone, or to a trendy nightclub. Get my drift?

Anyway, this - along with a number of other scents from Taylor Of Old Bond Street - is simply outstanding.
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I am really quite fond of Taylor of Old Bond Street colognes and aftershave splashes, as I feel they are every bit as good as Trumper/Truefitt, yet they are much less expensive, and dare I say work more effectively. This concoction in question is a really interesting, one of a kind, old world jasmine like scent, that is really an acquired taste. For me personally, I feel there are fewer a/s splashes that have a more pleasant fragrance, but the gentleman I got it from (Scotto) couldn't stand the stuff.... so opinions will vary, but I feel if you are a fan of, or do not mind jasmine, you'll appreciate/enjoy this splash.

Like all Taylor of Old Bond Street splashes, this is an alcohol based splash with a touch of menthol that provides a touch of "sting" but really does wonders at immediately squelching razor burn, and disinfecting your freshly shaven face. Personally I find this splash to be quite invigorating, and I do not find the sting to be particularly offensive.

Ingredients/Back of bottle....


Conclusion: A really superlative aftershave splash, with a really wonderful, and lasting scent... but certainly an acquired taste.

TO DISCUSS THIS REVIEW, PLEASE SEE THIS THREAD.