Jubilee Bouquet Penhaligon's 2010

Probably the two most famous English perfume houses - Penhaligon's and Floris - are in a nearly permanent competition to create fragrances for or around the English royal family. Floris has shone with three new creations based on ancient recipes, such as Wedding Bouquet, Victorious EdP, and the Royal Arms Diamond Edition, which is also available as pure perfume for just under €20,000.

Penhaligon's Jubilee Bouquet was created in 1977 on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's silver wedding anniversary and is, in my opinion, very special.

The top note does not come across as harsh and bitter as I expected, as the bergamot is kept in check by chamomile. I cannot perceive any clove in this.

Then it becomes floral; I would confirm jasmine and violet, with rose only in minimal dosage. The iris comes with its powderiness only later. Ylang has simply been forgotten. I would rather lean towards a tiny bit of lavender, as the whole fragrance has, in my feeling, something old-fashioned about it. And yes, it also has a certain soapiness, but not the fresh soapiness I would have actually expected, rather - as already mentioned - something old-fashioned.

In the end, the Jubilee Bouquet becomes powdery and woody, still containing the few flowers, but I cannot perceive anything from amber and musk, at most a minimal dose of sweetness in the background on a dry, herbaceous base.

It may be that the scent corresponds to the Queen's taste, but definitely not mine. I certainly do not want to smell like this for my silver wedding anniversary!