ROYAL SERVICE

The bergamot and orange in the opening are beautifully gently refreshing and given and restrained acidic note by the grapefruit. The drydown retains a fresh undertone, which is mainly owed to a rather nice neroli, but here a floral direction is taken: a lovely iris, a soft daffodil - this is always a difficult one - whiffs of magnolia - a delightful combination.

The base is a bit fuller but still bright, mainly adding a lovely white musk and a very faint amber. Even in the base this is a bright scent, albeit the freshness is gone.

The performance gives moderate sillage, adequate projection and seven hours of longevity on my skin.

The hallmark of this composition is discrete elegance. Whilst less floral than Jardin d'Amalfi and richer and more intensive than Original Cologne/Pure White Cologne, it is never in your face.

The most impressive part is the astounding natural quality of the ingredients - sensational! Whilst not exactly breathtakingly original, it is a classic formulation extremely well executed and superbly blended.  Released 2011 on the occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the House of Creed in a luxurious flacon.   3.75/5