Two scents jump out at me as head and shoulders above everything else:
Barrister and Mann - Beaudelaire
Chatillon Lux - Yuzu / Rose / Patchouli
Barrister and Mann - Beaudelaire
Chatillon Lux - Yuzu / Rose / Patchouli
Don't you just love the sense of smell?In the 1950's and early 60's, I stayed at my grandmother's place a lot, which always smelled of clove. She chewed (rather gummed) Bazooka Gum and clove sticks all day while rolling and chain smoking cigs. I loved staying there, which is why I find the scent of clove calming. I keep a puck (or two) of Ogallala Bay Rum shave soap on hand, sometimes for shaving and sometimes for showering.
MdC Fougere, because it's invigorating, lively and not overpowering.
Vintage Old Spice, if you can find a puck which still has its scent, because it's Old Spice.
From the top 6, 5 are fragrances developed in France. No surprise there.
I think I that is something that is also pretty evident in the fragrance world, as well. Take a look at the most iconic niche and designer fragrances and a large number of what is considered "masterpiece" fragrances are frags from France. Just so much history of perfumery there. I think the UK is right behind France and then there is a gaping gulf until we get to US/Asia/rest of Europe.From the top 6, 5 are fragrances developed in France. No surprise there.
Here's the "masterpiece" score so far - number of mentions if you're contemplating a purchase:
8
Nuavia Blue
6
MdC Fougere
4
WK King of Oud
Nuavia Red
3
PdP 63
MdC Rose
TOBS Sandalwood
B&M Seville
B&M Baudelaire
AOS Sandalwood
2
Eufros Gea
Tabac
T&H Sandalwood
SV Dolomiti
SV Felce
SV Colonia
Penhaligon Blenheim Bouquet
Dr Harris Windsor
DG Yuzu Rose Patchouli
B&M Lavanille