Crown Fougère Crown Perfumery 1880

Unfortunately, the perfumes of Crown Perfumery are no longer produced. As far as I know, Clive Christian bought this traditional English perfumery and discontinued all products. Only the fragrances sold under his name represent the current repertoire of the company.

I managed to get a bottle of Crown Fougère, well aware that the fragrance direction probably wouldn't suit my taste. Nevertheless, I wanted to have such a treasure in my collection, and of course, I tested it as well.

At first, I felt overwhelmed by the scent of a strong bronchial tea. I primarily perceived spices, but also something floral in the background that carried the spices. That was probably the lavender. After a short while, I sensed a fresh note, similar to menthol or mint. Perhaps that was the geranium (I’m not very familiar with it, but I looked it up in a dictionary to see how geranium is supposed to smell). I can also distinctly smell green fern (without the fragrance pyramid, I wouldn't have been able to make that connection). I don't perceive any wood notes here yet, except that something seems to be present that harmonizes or homogenizes the quite different fragrance notes. Once the top note has faded, I also perceive the spices less intensely, but they remain present and blend with the ferns. The wood notes then gradually develop and add a certain dryness without becoming too harsh.

I'm not a fan of green fragrances, and I would classify this perfume as green. However, not grassy or mossy, but dark green, which works in my favor. I imagine harvesting the spice herbs in a herb garden amidst a dense forest, with ferns growing wildly below. However, I must be very sparing with the spray next time, as I find the intensity gigantic. And with an overdose, I get the impression that I am inhaling bronchial tea. Less is definitely more here, and a perfume that is no longer available can also afford to be used up more slowly.