Woot - nice acquistion day yesterday! Not only did Scotto's cream samples arrive but so did some Penhaligon's samples. I still am waiting on samples from Floris, T&H, and Trumpers to show up. I am quite new at this cologne thing. I have the usuals (Polo, Obsession, Colors whatnot) that must be 20+ years old by now but I haven't worn them since college or before. I am looking for something subtle, pleasant and gentlemanly (if that is a word) and I want my wife to like it as well (obviously...). I had not even thought about wearing cologne until I started wetshaving - whouda thunk it.
Penhaligon's gives nice size samples too - about 1.5 ml.
English Fern - This is the first one I tried - outstanding stuff! I shaved with Taylor's Avocado this morning and followed up with this and it just seems like a natural pair. Although labeled as gender neutral, it seems quite masculine. I like the scent out of the bottle - it is just a touch floral and green and a bit strong, but after having it on for a couple hours, this has settled into a nice, warm and pleasant scent that is clean smelling and not at all overpowering. This one is a definite winner and feels perfect for today - rainy and in the 50s F.
The rest of the impressions are from sniffing off the tube...
Douro - Not bad. Smells strikingly to me like Old Spice with a hint of lemon.
Hammam Bouquet - Wow - nice. It was a toss up between this and the English Fern this morning but it seemed like this is more of a warm weather scent. Light rose smell with maybe something a little spicy but not overly strong and still masculine. Definitely will try this one when the sun comes out next week.
Endymion - Strong, nice. This seemed a bit "heavy" to me. I can definitely see this is a fall or winter scent. Reminded me of Obsession a little bit. I have some Santal on the way and think it will be similar to this.
Quercus - When I did the initial sniffs, this one impressed me the least. On second and third sniffs though, the scent is clean and light and maybe a bit citrusy. I'll see how it goes.
Like I said, these are my first colognes in must be 20 years and my only experience prior is with the type of stuff mentioned above.
Dennis
Penhaligon's gives nice size samples too - about 1.5 ml.
English Fern - This is the first one I tried - outstanding stuff! I shaved with Taylor's Avocado this morning and followed up with this and it just seems like a natural pair. Although labeled as gender neutral, it seems quite masculine. I like the scent out of the bottle - it is just a touch floral and green and a bit strong, but after having it on for a couple hours, this has settled into a nice, warm and pleasant scent that is clean smelling and not at all overpowering. This one is a definite winner and feels perfect for today - rainy and in the 50s F.
The rest of the impressions are from sniffing off the tube...
Douro - Not bad. Smells strikingly to me like Old Spice with a hint of lemon.
Hammam Bouquet - Wow - nice. It was a toss up between this and the English Fern this morning but it seemed like this is more of a warm weather scent. Light rose smell with maybe something a little spicy but not overly strong and still masculine. Definitely will try this one when the sun comes out next week.
Endymion - Strong, nice. This seemed a bit "heavy" to me. I can definitely see this is a fall or winter scent. Reminded me of Obsession a little bit. I have some Santal on the way and think it will be similar to this.
Quercus - When I did the initial sniffs, this one impressed me the least. On second and third sniffs though, the scent is clean and light and maybe a bit citrusy. I'll see how it goes.
Like I said, these are my first colognes in must be 20 years and my only experience prior is with the type of stuff mentioned above.
Dennis
I'll also plug the 
