Marlborough Cologne

hmmmm... Odd notes here? I'd say this is a fresh, citrus, cologne type scent that morphs lower down into lavender and base leather hum. The citrus opening is misty, and coupled well with a powdery texture which could be the geranium but Marborough Cologne doesn't scream geranium in the way the notes here might suggest it should. I'm in awe of it though for some reason? It's just a soft and likeable version of your standard men's stuff from the 1960's to 90's (although this is from 1877!!!) I can't believe I've never tried it until now it's super. Actually that might be going a bit far but if I can get it really cheap, I'd consider it a bargain.

Today I am briefly testing Trumper's drier, more leathery offerings Astor, Curzon, Eucris and Marlborough together. It took me a few tries to distinguish them. Marlborough is different...cleaner and floral without getting too sweet, but somewhat powdery and with a bathroom cleaner spray aura. Drydown is masculine, slightly leathery florals like a much lighter VC+A or the floral side of Aramis.

When I first put this on I thought the cedarwood was too acrid - I almost wanted to wash it off. By the end of the day it had dried down to the warmest, muskiest, most golden of scents - it is absolutely gorgeous and envelops me well into the evening after splashing it on (pretty lavishly) at 9 am. Perfect for the colder half of the year.

I like Marlborough a lot. The opening is very reminiscent of Aramis, although Marlborough is lighter. I hesitate to say Aramis is more complex, although it certainly is in terms of the number of ingredients used. Anyone who feels Aramis is a bit heavy or animalic ought to try Marlborough is my verdict. It is hard to imagine that Bernard Chant had never tried it before Aramis was made, but it could of course be the case. Geo. F. Trumper was not a well known house internationally neither in 1966 nor today. The dry down is woodier and more cedar driven, though. A well composed and classic cologne I recommend men of all ages to try.

When I first sniffed Marlborough it instantly reminded me of a 70s fragrance but I could not quite place it. And then it came to me: Aramis. Very close to Aramis but much lighter, without some of the cloying aspects of that cologne. Like a lot of Trumper fragrances, this one - in my humble opinion - is better thought of as a very nice after shave rather than a long lasting cologne. Sillage and longevity are typically quite modest. But if you think that you would like a less imposing version of Aramis, this one is worth checking out.