Crabtree & Evelyn Heritage Collection Recaptures Old-World Charm (2013) {New Perfumes}

To fête their 40th anniversary, Crabtree & Evelyn are launching a collection of 7 fragrances, including a revised version of their Hungary Water, the earliest known European alcohol-based fragrance dating back to the 14th century. The Heritage Collection offers a geographic and cultural focus on the Mediterranean and ancient European cities with perfumes named Sevillian Neroli Eau de Cologne, Old Windsor Eau de Cologne, Hungary Water Eau de Cologne, Neapolitan Bergamot Eau de Cologne, Florentine Freesia Flower Water, Venetian Violet Flower Water, and Old World Jasmine Flower Water...

The brand aim to bring attention to the genres in particular of floral waters and Eaux de Cologne which still sound quaint enough, especially in this context, although they have been modernized in the few past years thanks to a new level of interest in the tradition of eaux de Cologne but also floral waters if you keep in mind that Chloé called one of their ongoing collections Eaux de Fleurs,

"Since its inception, Crabtree & Evelyn has been telling stories through scent, not just with the finished perfume, lotion or soap but also with carefully chosen ingredients sourced from around the world. [...]

The Heritage Collection is infused with 40 years of expertise in fragrance foraging and draws on the knowledge of where to source the most beautifully scented botanicals. The resulting seven compositions exalt the classic aromas of the Mediterranean coastline and Europe's ancient cities, expressed as exquisite Flower Waters and Eau de Colognes."

Sevillian Neroli Eau de Cologne 

The house sees neroli as "...the scented signature of Seville". Spanish neroli is showcased with notes of grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, white tea, cedarwood and clove.

Old Windsor Eau de Cologne

"Old Windsor Eau de Cologne exudes English refinement and luxury" blending notes of bergamot, bitter orange, verbena, English lavender and sandalwood.

Hungary Water Eau de Cologne

"In the 14th Century, tales were told of a unique scented tonic, presented to Budapest's royalty along with the promise of eternal youth." This is a re-issue based on the original rosemary recipe by the house with added notes of pink pepper, spearmint, cypress and geranium.

Neapolitan Bergamot Eau de Cologne

"The classic aroma of Italian bergamot and lemon articulate the rising sun over the bay, while the modern accords of ginger, lavender and thyme are reminiscent of the embracing scent of the coastal breeze."

Florentine Freesia Flower Water

The composition is a fantasy perfume about the Italian Renaissance period. It features notes of Italian freesia, cyclamen, muguet, orange, pear and amber. 

Venetian Violet Flower Water

"This graceful flower decorates the bridges reaching over the canals and resides in paintings and poetry as a symbol of purity and modesty." The old-fashioned charm of violet has been modernized thanks to lychee, raspberry and peach. 

Old World Jasmine Flower Water

"On arrival in Europe, via the Silk Road, it was quickly adopted and loved for its exotic fragrance." The water contains white jasmine, gardenia, cyclamen and sparkling citrus.