That this fragrance is not named after Viscount Halifax, Viceroy of India, proponent of appeasement policy towards Hitler, and Churchill's ambassador in Washington is probably obvious. However, I would bet all my Canadian souvenirs, including the moose T-shirts, that Lehmann was also not thinking of the big city in Nova Scotia, especially since no oranges bloom up there in the rough north.
The last Lehmann, may Buddha bless him, was, as the whispers go in Berlin, a passionate Floridist, and thus he liked to name his citrus fragrances after Floridian cities and regions. This is evident with Miami and Key West, but Naples is certainly not anglicized after Naples, Italy, but rather after the 20,000-inhabitant town Naples, FL. Even with the Lehmann Springfield, which I adore and is a bit older, I believe a location in Bay County is not far-fetched. And with Halifax, a true citrus gem, I am even sure that Halifax Area / Daytona Beach stood for the name of the fragrance.
Halifax is one of Lehmann's last creations; unfortunately, I didn't get to try it during his lifetime and have now ordered a small bottle from the Neo-Lehmanns. I was truly not disappointed. Halifax is a Lehmann as it should be: Straight, wearable, special, linear, and with a Duracell-like longevity.
I perceive the fragrance as related to Springfield, and that is a huge compliment coming from me. Because Springfield is one of my favorite Lehmanns and one of my favorite fragrances overall. It features a striking, radiant citrus at the forefront; however, behind it lie earthy and spicy, almost animalistic depths, with the consequences described in my review of that fragrance.
At first sniff, Halifax impressed me as a scent brother of Springfield; I felt the overall character to be quite similar. As I continued to sniff, and after having put the two fragrances to a double non-blind test against each other, I stand by that, but I also see significant physiological differences between the brothers.
The citrus of Halifax is distinctly neroli-dominated. I would almost go so far as to say that Halifax is the most beautiful neroli fragrance that comes to mind, even more beautiful than Lehmann's monoflor (or monofruct) of that name. Almost equally prominent, I perceive orange blossom, and this also comes across wonderfully radiant (and non-fluffy), although perhaps not as brilliantly as in my "tenner" Azemour les Orangers. The rounding green notes are definitely brighter than in Springfield, and in place of the trace-elemental, abyssal animalic that gives Springfield a barely perceptible erotic note, Halifax features light, hard, precise, precious woody notes.
In summary, a highly summery, very masculine, well-lasting and projecting, exceedingly self-confidently bright neroli fragrance with light green and wonderfully integrated slightly woody notes. The 9 that I award is tight but thoroughly justified. Springfield, which I once raised from 8.5 to 9, I might now rather rate at 9.5.
Hitler, Buddha, and Lehmann in one review, that's quite the feat! ;-) I was able to test the scent with Lutz, but it wasn't for me (Neroli). Still, it's great that it inspired you to write!
Wonderful direction, I think I would really like it.
Your nose is quite finely tuned to pick up the subtle differences between neroli and orange blossom.
Bravo!
Daytona Beach wouldn’t be my dream destination, but hey, it’s better than Nova Scotia.
With Azemour les Orangers, I'm leaning towards giving it a higher rating.
How wonderful that after your long absence (probably exploring perfume names through the northernmost and southernmost regions of America??) you're back to writing and presenting us with late Lehmann and post-Lehmann new scents. Lovely!
I’m usually known as an anti-citrus person and can only appreciate bergamot, lemons, mandarins, and oranges (feel free to add any other citrus fruits you trust) when they make a brief appearance in the top notes. However, I must admit that your holy Springfield grail (thanks again for the sample) has a really pleasant - refreshingly natural - citrus note that I found quite appealing. I'm even more pleased that the tested Halifax excites you (almost) just as much. I’m really looking forward to more Lehmann reviews.
As you wrote yesterday, there is a website. I will look into it. A few years ago, I had some samples passed on to me for testing. But apart from a rather "distinct" linden scent (could that be?), I vaguely remember some very expressive barbershop fragrances. I assume, or at least hope, that you will first focus on the mainstream scents and hopefully share that with us.
A big shoutout for Lutz's latest fragrance and his legacy. You know I think Springfield is really well done, and the big bottle I bought while its creator was still alive is already more than half empty-it's used a lot and enjoyed.
My curiosity about Halifax is now more than just a little piqued.
Well, wonderful: Just yesterday I was happy that Lehmann has risen again, but today I'm already anxious: new price list and so much to try. Well, no choice, the wallet has to take it.
Your nose is quite finely tuned to pick up the subtle differences between neroli and orange blossom.
Bravo!
Daytona Beach wouldn’t be my dream destination, but hey, it’s better than Nova Scotia.
With Azemour les Orangers, I'm leaning towards giving it a higher rating.
My curiosity about Halifax is now more than just a little piqued.