High-End Cologne Samplers?

[ieschwoch]

I'm looking to move beyond the CK Eternity Cologne I've worn since I was 16 and am hoping to find some sample packs of high-end fragrances like Penhaligon's BB, AdP Colonia Intensa, and the like to try out. Does anyone know of some good resources for these type of sampler packs?

I've tried the T&H sampler pack and while I liked many of the scents at first they've started to remind me of my dad's cheap aftershave. Hopefully the "true" colognes from Pen's or AdP won't have this problem.

 

[Coop]

Try Luckyscent and make your own custom sampler pack.

 

[Evbo]

You can write to Penhaligon's asking for samples of their scents. They'll send them for free. Ditto w/Czech & Speake & Diptyque.

Come to that, a member here (Rorschuck) has a side biz selling decants of LOTS of different frags. You can check out his website. And there's always the Perfumed Court. You can buy small (or large) decants of lots of different frags from them too (but they're a lot more expensive than Chuck).

I'd also encourage you to visit basenotes.net & look around. Just about every fragrance that exists (or that used to exist) is listed & reviewed there. LOTS of info.

Good luck!

Evan

 

[Semi-Constant Gardener]

Czech and Speake are well-regarded on this board for their customer service. You can obtain samples of all their scents by simply going to their website at http://www.czechandspeake.com/ and clicking on the "samples" tab at the top of the page for scents. Another thread notes that they are temporarily out of samples, so you may have to be patient for a month -- but they are worth it. Although I love my Pen's English Fern, the C&S scents are very nice and have been elevated higher on my "to buy" list. Very distinctive but not overpowering, and clear -- in the sense that the accord in each knows what it is trying to accomplish.

 

[The National Razor]

You can write to Penhaligon's asking for samples of their scents. They'll send them for free. Ditto w/Czech & Speake & Diptyque.

Come to that, a member here (Rorschuck) has a side biz selling decants of LOTS of different frags. You can check out his website. And there's always the Perfumed Court. You can buy small (or large) decants of lots of different frags from them too (but they're a lot more expensive than Chuck).

I'd also encourage you to visit basenotes.net & look around. Just about every fragrance that exists (or that used to exist) is listed & reviewed there. LOTS of info.

Good luck!

Evan

I just wrote to Pen's asking for Blenheim Bouquet, Hammam Bouquet, and English Fern. Here's hoping they actually send them!

 

[The Nid Hog]

They probably will. I got a better set free than I did when I bought the little tin of sample vials (to share with my wife). GFT, C&S and Caron also all did very nicely by me. I don't know if Creed sends anything by mail, but I got great in-store stuff from them.

For multiple brands and different amounts, you can't beat Rorschuck.

 

[tsmba]

I requested samples from Penhaligon's and was told their policy is to send two vials (they also told me to purchase one of their 'scent libraries which has several perfumes I didn't want). So you might consider your requests. I also wrote to Trumpers and they sent four sample vials.

 

[The National Razor]

I requested samples from Penhaligon's and was told their policy is to send two vials (they also told me to purchase one of their 'scent libraries which has several perfumes I didn't want). So you might consider your requests. I also wrote to Trumpers and they sent four sample vials.

If I can only have 2 then I'd go with the BB (which I listed first in the e-mail) and the English Fern (which in the e-mail I listed second). I'm curious about Hammam Bouquet but not as interested in purchasing it.

 

[theperfectstorm]

Try Luckyscent and make your own custom sampler pack.

Excellent advice. I generally get 1 or 2 small shipments (5 or 6 samples each) from them a month. They are always getting new stuff, they have ridiculously exclusive stuff already, and they offer samples of $150+ stuff (Heeley, for example) you couldn't get any where else.

Also, for something truly unique and exclusive send theenglishscent 5 euros and get the whole Anglia Men's line.

 

[The National Razor]

That was fast. I got an e-mail from Pen's saying they would be mailing the samples out shortly! Awesome

 

[adonnellyr]

That was fast. I got an e-mail from Pen's saying they would be mailing the samples out shortly! Awesome

I wrote them yesterday asking the same thing and still haven't heard back...

When did you email them?

 

[koso]

I have had zero success asking for samples from any of the top companies.

Hopefully, YMMV.

 

[Rudy Vey]

I have had zero success asking for samples from any of the top companies.

Hopefully, YMMV.

+1, not even got a "no"-e-mail back! I always asked very nicely, but I guess I am not lucky enough.

But, I think getting and testing a sample first before you drop major $$$ on a scent you eventually may not like is a good way! Also, go to the better department stores (Bloomys, Neiman Marcus etc) and check what they have around for testing. They should have also a trained person there who can help you with a special scent request. I always do spray it on the little card, wait a while and then narrow it down to two scents: one goes on the left and one on the right wrist. Then I go out of the store and sniff it once in a while. A scent needs time to develop and may smell quite different on you after 30 minutes or an hour. Then make a decision which one you like and buy it (there is always the chance to find some nice stuff here in BST or online in internet stores like Scentiments, which I have only positive experience with).

 

[adonnellyr]

My problem is that no stores close to me (ie: Sears) carry really any colognes I want. They only carry very mainstream stuff like Armani, CK, Lacoste, D&G, etc--no Penhaligon's, Creed, Czech & Speake, T&H, GFT, TOBS, Floris, and so on. Basically, none of any of the colognes I want. It's really annoying...

 

[The National Razor]

I wrote them yesterday asking the same thing and still haven't heard back...

When did you email them?

I wrote this afternoon. Heard back in a few hours.

I told them my name and address, and asked if it was possible to try some samples (and I named 3). I added that I appreciated it even if they couldn't fulfill the request.

Did you write to the USA division?

[email protected]

Edit: I think that e-mail also serves our brothers to the North--

Good luck! I have no idea what I did special--just tried to be refined--I guess somehow it worked)

 

[Thomas]

Consider Ormonde Jayne: when I wrote to them they sent samples (gratis) of Ormonde Man, and Isfarkand which are both exceptionally good scents. Zizan was introduced afterwards and is likewise excellent: a strong vetiver with a light peach note.

 

[Sluggo]

You can head to a Neiman Marcus and get some Creed samples for free!