Eau de Cologne
Bourbon French Parfums

EAU DE COLOGNE (Bourbon French)

The classic citrus cologne formula has been with us for centuries, made most famous by Napoleon who practically bathed in it. Every scent house has its own take on the original formula, some have more than one, and it most usually consists of any or all of the citrus family: lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit with a bit of rosemary or petitgrain to anchor it.

Bourbon French's version is very spare, keeping itself to bergamot, lime and rosemary. Due to the dryness of the citrus and herb combination, the resulting product is a simple dry herbal citrus, not at all unctuous, bright or sparkling as are most of the eau de colognes out there. This is perhaps in keeping with the heat and humidity of New Orleans. It may be that a traditional eau de cologne in Louisiana would be cloying.

This eau is certainly original in its austerity and its dryness. It is worn very close to the body and being a cologne, evaporates within half an hour or so, so repeated application is necessary to continue to enjoy this throughout the day. BP makes theirs available in eleven products from after shave to body lotion to soap. Their 4 oz. cologne bottle is less than $30, so it is a real bargain.

Worth a try for those into eau de colognes and looking for the unusual or unique.