Esterel Harry Lehmann

We are in the year 1778. A stagecoach is traveling on the Malpey road ("Miserable Area") through the Esterel mountains in southeastern France. The coach is running late. The travelers, a young couple with a chambermaid, a portly clergyman, and a merchant, hope to reach the inn soon. The coachman urges the horses to run faster. Suddenly, robbers jump out of the underbrush at the side of the road. The robbers immediately draw their weapons, flintlock pistols and long knives. It is Gaspard de Besse, the Robin Hood of Provence, with his men. The coachman comes to a halt. Gaspard de Besse is a picturesque figure, dressed like a nobleman. He has never killed or even injured anyone. His men approach the coach and open the door. The travelers have huddled trembling in a corner. The husband steps protectively in front of his two companions. Gaspard de Besse steps forward, inviting the travelers to dine with him at the inn. No one dares to disagree. The robbers jump on their horses and accompany the coach, where a heated discussion ensues about how to proceed. Whether to comply or if a sudden escape would be an option. In the end, however, no one dares to oppose Gaspard de Besse. Upon arriving at the inn, the travelers are led by the robbers into the guest room. Aside from the usual fare-bread, meat, and soup-there are citrus fruits from nearby Italy. After the meal, Gaspard de Besse takes a portion of the travelers' money and jewelry. While he relieves the young wife of her jewelry, he praises her beauty and grace, and as the woman blushes with shame and delight, the husband feels his honor wounded. He had to leave his weapons at the entrance, so he is left with no choice but to punch the cheeky bandit in the face. A small scuffle breaks out, during which only the husband's pride is hurt. He is sulkily pushed back onto the polished wooden bench. Then the robbers take their leave. Gaspard de Besse bows and waves his hat in the air. Shortly thereafter, he and his men disappear into the underbrush.

As for scent notes, I can definitely detect lemons. Perhaps there are other citrus fruits and a bit of orange blossom as well. It seems to me that something woody is involved later on, maybe sandalwood. I am reluctant to stick my neck out.

The lemon reminds me-like so often-of Ata cleaning powder-I have simply spent too long polishing castles with prehistoric means. Towards the base, the scent becomes creamier and more flattering. I don’t quite understand why Mr. Lehmann calls Esterel "green, herb." I had a brief impression of green, but that might also be because I was expecting something green. So far (for an hour), Esterel has been almost exclusively citrusy. The price-performance ratio is fantastic, as with all Lehmanns.

Family tester M announces, after I tell him what it smells like: "Sandalwood and cleaning powder."

Esterel can be worn well in summer, certainly also for sports (how terrifying), when robbing people and hosting banquets. Esterel keeps you fresh when you deliver long speeches and wear exotic clothes. Esterel is suitable for robbers and noblewomen alike.