FRAGRANCE FAMILY: WOODY
Top notes: ginger, cardamom, lemon, bergamot
Heart notes: cedarwood, nuts, cistus, guaiac wood
Base notes: patchouli, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla
The quintessential scent of a man comfortable in his own skin and fully aware of how handsome he is without feeling the need to shout about it, Eight & Bob is redolent of summers spent skinny-dipping in natural springs, fresh mountain air, crisply pressed linen shirts before they rumple – and the seemingly careless insouciance of a Panama hat worn at a rakish angle.
The fragrance’s enlivening top notes slowly fade to a still-sparkling lightly spiced woodiness that’s at ease for any social function and with a truly timeless appeal.
History has it that when young Parisian aristocrat and fragrance connoisseur Albert Fouquet wanted a bespoke scent, he decided to whip up his own blend (aided by the family butler, Philippe, so we’re told) on the top floor of the family’s chateau.
Some years later, while partying the night away on the French Riviera, a suave American student touring France suddenly joined the throng, asking Albert who made his captivating Cologne and eventually persuading him to leave a sample of it at his hotel.
The accompanying note apparently teased: ‘In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks…’ And the name of that America student? One John F. Kennedy…
Eight & Bob Original from £125 for 100ml eau de parfum
Buy it at Harvey Nichols
SMELLING NOTES: EXPLORE EIGHT & BOB
- As the scent settles and warms on your skin, at what point do the woody heart notes emerge?
- Without knowing the intriguing story behind the brand, which era of history would you place this in, and why?
- James Stewart and Cary Grant were reportedly among fans of the fragrance – who else might you assume would wear it?
- If you created your own bespoke scent, what favourite ingredients would you include?
Which three words best sum up Eight & Bob to you? Aristocratic? Vibrant? Suave? Over to you…
