Number One
Caldey Abbey Perfumes

Ok, I've been wearing Island No1 every day for a week, and need to completely re-write my review. My first review was after one day wearing, when I felt No1 was extremely similar to Island Gorse - to the extent that they were basically the same fragrance.

After wearing No1 (in the pure perfume strength) for a week, it still reminds me of Island Gorse (which in turn reminds me of Caron's Fleurs de Rocaille), though I've realised it's definitely a more complex fragrance. Bittersweet gorse still dominates, but the fragrance is softened and sweetened with subtle rose and jasmine; there might also be the slightest touch of aldehyde. No1 doesn't remind me of Fleurs de Rocaille (so there must be quite a difference to Island Gorse); if anything Guerlain's Apres L'ondee comes to mind, though I could imagine it turning into something similar to Chanel No5 on some people's skin.


I've come to realise that the Caldey perfumes take time, and more than one wearing, to be fully appreciated.

No1 really is a very lovely fragrance; as with all the Caldey perfumes, it is a very natural smelling scent, and a very refreshing change from today's ubiquitous vanilla dominated gourmands.


The longevity of this fragrance (I've only tried the pure perfume) is phenomenal, and a very small amount easily lasts 12 hours on my skin. The pure perfume would probably be too heavy for warm/hot weather, but is lovely for cooler days. The matching bath essence and hand lotion are beautiful quality, and well worth buying. There is also an eau de cologne (in 50ml and 100ml) and eau de toilette (strangely called Skin Perfume, and only sold in a 5ml bottle).