Gold Medal
Atkinsons (1799)

This is a truly superior eau de cologne, first launched in London in 1799/1800. It became the favorite of such historical luminaries as Napoleon, The Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. King George IV named Atkinsons the official scent purveyor to the Court of England in 1823 and Gold Medal actually won such an award at a competition later in the 19th century.

Top notes: Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Tangerine Blossom, Lemon
Heart notes: Lavender, Rosemary, Rose
Base notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Cedar

The combination of citrus, lavender and rosemary are part of the classic eau de cologne compositions from Italy and France in the 18th century. Atkinsons adds musk and sandalwood notes to boost the freshness and the dryness of the bouquet to a height of sophistication.

One of the very best eau de colognes ever created. I am lucky enough to have purchased an unopened bottle circa 1910.

Gold Medal is a true treasure to be sought out by every lover of citrus eau de colognes.

Pros: A timless classic. Pure and fresh.
Cons: Very low sillage.

A tribute to the bergamot/orange blossoms combo.Effectively this glorious recipe still deserves attention nowadays as widely demonstrated by the launch/re-launch of several similar more modern "eau de cologne" (some Acqua di Parma or effectively the notorious 4711 or some Roger&Gallet) with a really similar traditional vibe. This fragrance is a tribute to the bergamot/orange blossoms combo in a musky/aromatic way. I feel the supreme neroli anyway surrounded by a really notable rosemary presence, by the lemony vibe all over a final musky cushion. The aroma is cool, aromatic, discreet and dignified. A really simple but stout (i mean timeless) "gentlemanly" aroma which will always be worshipped by thousands admirers. The duration is not bad on my skin.Pros: A glorious recipe.Cons: Any."

Gold Medal is certainly a step up from 4711, but does not meet the quality of other top market eaus such as Lorenzo Villoresi and Acqua di Parma, but at such a low price, who would expect it to? Probably not the same formula that won the Gold Medal, but still very nice. This is a no-nonsense type of cologne with an opening of bergamot and other citruses followed by neroli and orange blossom with a light musk base. A tad sweeter than say Roger & Gallet Extra Vieille, but very similar without the strong herbal qualities. Only available in Italy and to some extent in Britain, so buy some if you can before it is gone forever.

Consider the following things: - this eau e cologne was released in 1799- after 100 years (1878) won the Gold Medal as superior EdC in the Universal Paris Expo..and actually is one of the leading aromas in the perfumery (see the relaunch of 1417 EdC, Mugler Cologne, Creed Original Vetiver, and so on..).Simply, a must-have.

Looking at these notes I had a good idea of what this would be like -- and I was right. This is a gorgeous, neroli-based scent. It is very simple, a classy version of an EDC. The longevity of such a citrus scent is predictably brief, so splash it on liberally and often. Orange blossom: special.