Introducing Captain Fawcett’s First Eau De Cologne

On the hunt for a light, refreshing summer scent?

Step right this way folks! Captain Fawcett is proud to present his very first Eau De Cologne!

A tribute to the artistry of 18th century perfumers, Captain Fawcett’s invigorating ‘Expedition Reserve’ Eau De Cologne is a personal homage to the Italian original, inspired by refreshing botanicals gathered on his voyages around the globe.

Complementing companion items in the ‘Expedition Reserve’ range, Captain Fawcett’s woody, aromatic Eau De Cologne may be applied liberally to refresh skin, hair and linens.

A classic Cologne offers a lighter alternative to the rich intensity of an Eau De Parfum. It is particularly delightful in the warmer months, leaving a refreshing trail on the summer air. Quite simply, the quintessential seasonal interlude.

Renowned as being amongst the very best summer fragrances for men, since it was first created over 200 years ago, Eau De Cologne was in fact designed to be worn with ease by anyone, at any time. A scent for all seasons and all who appreciate the art of fragrance. Huzzah!

‘EXPEDITION RESERVE’ EAU DE COLOGNE SCENT NOTES

Opening Flair: Cool, herbal lift of Pine Needle, Elemi, Cumin & Coriander

Noble Heart: Velvety green Frankincense, Patchouli & Tobacco

Solid Foundation: Golden glow of Sandalwood & Amber

HOW TO USE EAU DE COLOGNE

The uses of Eau De Cologne are many. Refresh skin after shaving, mist through hair or on to a brush or comb, add a splash to your bath or when rinsing one’s laundry. Spritz linens and towels, or spruce up personal items such as a jaunty pocket square, neck scarf or kerchief. Eau De Cologne is also ideal for scent-scaping and pepping up your home, barbershop or salon with an elegant olfactory flourish.

ABOUT EAU DE COLOGNE

The scent of…Italy

Despite its German name, Eau De Cologne was originally created by an Italian perfumer in 1709. Missing his sunlit homeland Giovanni Maria Farina captured the essence of the Mediterranean, blending extracts of Bergamot, Rosemary and Orange Blossom. It was all the rage in the sophisticated salons of 18th century Europe where it swiftly developed a cult following in the titled classes.

Copycat!

Opposite Farin’s shop in Cologne was a rival company. In 1875 they snaffled both the recipe and the name ‘Eau De Cologne’, branding it ‘Echt Kölnisch Wasser 4711’ after their address on Glockengasse. This more famous imitation led to the widespread, but incorrect, belief that Eau De Cologne is a German creation. The scoundrels!

More than a perfume

In its early days, Eau De Cologne was considered a medicinal wonder, linking pharmaceuticals and perfumery. People drank it, rubbed it on their skin, sprinkled it to ward off plague and even used it to try dulling the pain of childbirth.

Napoleon’s signature scent

The French emperor adored Eau De Cologne, reportedly ordering it by the barrel for daily use.

Scent is status!

Once a luxury for the gentry, Eau de Cologne briefly lost its aristocratic allure in the 20th century, when it became widely available prompting the upper crust to up their noses while chorus girls began splashing it on with abandon. I say!

The scent of a man

By the early 1900s, wearing fragrance was deemed unmanly (what rot!) But because Eau de Cologne was seen as a ‘scented water’ rather than perfume, it remained socially acceptable. Phew!

A war-time essential

Soldiers in World War I used Eau De Cologne to disinfect wounds, clean cooking utensils and even flavour their food. A spritz of Cologne certainly livens up one’s bully beef ration.

A Dutch twist: a load of Boldoot’s

Dutch pharmacist Jacobus Cornelis Boldoot cracked the secret to making Eau De Cologne and built a veritable empire, supplying royalty across Europe. With the advent of mass production, his scent became so ubiquitous - and widely affordable - that Amsterdam’s sewage collection carts were nicknamed the ‘Boldootwagen’.

From perfume to poffertjes – Boldoot’s flagship store in Amsterdam was once a perfume paradise, where staff would pour Eau De Cologne onto the sidewalk to seduce customers inside. Today, the same building smells, equally delectably, of Dutch pancakes, but its name, Boldoot, remains as a tribut.