Lime

In the late 60's and early 70's, there seemed to be a lime craze, with every fragrance company putting out some form of "Lime For Men," While it makes a wonderfully refreshing top note, pure lime doesn't last very long, so inevitably other essences are added to round out and prolong the fragrance, and these other notes are the main factors differentiating one Lime from another (although there can be a surprising variety of lime essence, from tart to sweet, depending on the source). Caswell-Massey's take starts with sweet, round lime that smells as though it contains both the oil of the zest or rind and the fruit pulp as well. It quickly makes way for a spicy mid-note, predominantly nutmeg, with some bay, clove, and perhaps allspice. The spices are also promptly joined by a subtle musk base, and it's the musk and spices that linger, although a faint trace of lime does remain with them. This isn't --- nor is it intended to be --- a complex and elaborate fragrance creation. It makes a great after-shower splash or warm weather fragrance, and it's quite distinct from the many other lime splashes I've tried. It's classy and understated, and I like it a lot. It also closely resembles the long-discontinued and much beloved Hawaiian Surf.