Sandalwood Cologne

This is a review of the Aftershave which is a old formula and still for sale but more vibrant and intense than the cologne. I've recently found out the cologne version is a new formula and weaker. It pales it comparison and only lasts forty minutes compared to four hours that the aftershave gives you! The first thing that hits you is a blast of medicinal anise which is fresh followed by a big woody cedar note when the blast calms down.In the first half hour when the big cedar note is present you can smell soft slightly powdery spices with that spice note from old spice. Yes it's here as well but does not dominate, smells great. Also the camphor in this makes the cedar smell like those strips from cigar boxes. So if you can imagine a dance of woody soft spices with that old spice note around a highlighted cedar note. And then when the soft Sandalwood appears smelling like soft Japanese incense, everything smells so great. The Sandalwood also smells like the note in Carven Homme, I'm getting that impression. Lovely soft spicy woods. Soon after a light patchouli note can be picked up with the woods. Mixed in with this is a light neroli accord giving the fragrance a earthy woodiness and a light floral freshness. I have to say it smells very very nice. Also the aftershave gives my face a really nice moisturising effect to such a degree that I don't need to apply a balm. Happy days! lol Compared to Trumpers Sandalwood this is dry and earthy with light fresh floral undertones with woody notes which are very masculine and front and centre. Where as the Trumper scent is very sweet and loud. The strength is quite decent that you can wear this as a light cologne, I've been wearing it for about four hours and can still smell gentle wafts from the lovely soft Sandalwood. So all in all it's a very lovely scent that's versatile as you can use it as a aftershave or wear it as a light cologne with the added benefit that it moisturises your skin really well. Big thumbs up from me!

Under the radar, classic English sandalwood cologne. Huge doses of green eucalyptus & menthol camphor upfront give this a fresh spa-like burst right away. It's an invigorating opening ideal post shower or shave. Particularly lovely when stepping out into a crisp morning. As that settles down there's a delicate Oriental sandalwood base that emerges reminiscent of wood chippings, cream, and warm spices (clove, anise). I'd be confident to say there is a touch of dryness from cedar in there too. Compared to the other British cult offering that is the more well known GF Trumper's Sandalwood: GF Trumper's Sandalwood is 'Capital P' powerful, sweet, and very woody-creamy in the dry down. A real performer. Dr Harris by comparison is almost bone dry, lighter, fresher, an oriental sandalwood, and slightly medicinal which leans into the brand's beginnings as a chemist. It doesn't have the same monster projection or duration as Trumper's does, but it lasts long enough. 4-6 hours depending how liberal you are with it, which brings me onto the price point: 100ml £44. 500ml £145. It's stellar value, so you can splash it on with eccentric vigour. Personally, I sprayed this on myself at their store before a day out in the Victoria & Albert museum, and I kept sniffing at my wrist and jumper all day. The menthol notes against the dry sandalwood make it a layered journey for as long as it lasts. There's a matching soap, shower wash, shave cream, AND aftershave splash for the most passionate devotees. 10|10 from me.

High quality, under the radar true sandalwood scent. Of all the english “sandalwood colognes”, like Floris Santal, Geo F. Trumper, Taylor of old Bondstreet, this is the most realistic sandalwood smell. I’m 100% sure they use real sandalwood oil here, and after around 40 min that’s all you’re left with as the other notes fade quickly. To all of you who never smelled real sandalwood, it’s not sweet, sandalwood smells creamy, oriental, woody and is rather dry. The perfumers often add vanilla, tonka or similar sweet notes because it pairs well with sandalwood. Here they don’t do that, you get a real, authentic sandalwood cologne with a slightly medicinal, clean and fresh opening. Very british trough and trough, it’s super dry, formal and clean, not playful at all. The absolute opposite of french perfumery.

A highly invigorating, medicinal, camphorous, eucalyptus opening. I get hints of Sandalwood and cedar in the dry down. It’s very dry, but in a pleasant way, that takes one back in time. J F Trumpers Sandalwood, Being in the same ballpark, would be my first choice, for my shaving routine, (for a super-dose of sandalwood barbershop heaven, that is). However, this is a different experience. I crave the Pleasant experience of Dr Harris sandalwood, from time to time. And in some ways, it gives me more of an ‘old school’ experience. Great stuff!

Dry and somewhat austere but in the best way. I love Trumper's sandalwood and would wear that more often, but would happily punctuate my week with one or two days of this to put on my serious face. A very pleasant woody and herbal fragrance for a super price. Overall: 8.5.