Fragrance: Molton Brown

Molton Brown is a brand I've used for some years - I am especially a fan of their bath and shower products (so luxurious!). I've got two of their fragrances so thought it made sense to discuss them together.


In the foreground is Cool Buchu EDT and in the background is Black Pepper EDT.

Cool Buchu is a light and slightly spicy citrus scent that fully deserves it’s “cool” moniker, being fresh and aquatic without losing any sophistication. It opens with a full on head of bergamot which is only slightly tempered by orange and tangerine, being nearly the tiniest bit bitter. This top stage doesn’t last long however and leaves you with a minty (they say peppermint but I detect more spearmint) sandalwood combination which is really rather refreshing. Granted, it doesn’t last for long (re-spray after two to three hours) but it’s ideal for those times when you want an unobtrusive scent, yet still smell good when you are hugged or in close proximity to others. It probably won’t get heads turning but there are many occasions when that isn’t desirable. I’ve had it about a year and it’s proved a reliable companion and is especially good for office wear.

It’s Black Pepper brother however, isn’t cool but quite the opposite – HOT. The initial waft is that of hot peppercorn oil and if you’re not into spicy or heavy fragrances then this may well not be for you. The most important notes besides peppercorn are coriander and musk – for they are predominant as the scent dries down although the peppercorn at all times is the more dominant of the three. This is definitely a perfume for men who like stronger, bolder and dominating scents, although interestingly enough it doesn’t last particularly well. You’ll need to top up again after three to four hours or wear, which is only slightly better than Cool Buchu. Having not tried the entire range of Molton Brown scents, I can’t say if this lasting power is unique to these two or to them all.

Both are available online and at Molton Brown stores for around £35, which is fairly reasonable – both scents are hardly generic and you should get a least a month from each bottle. They are also superbly presented in little boxes with magnetic strips to aid closure - if you want to buy a significant male in your life an inexpensive (relatively) yet quality gift then you won't go far wrong. Just make sure you know if he likes it first!

Cool Buchu – 7/10

Black Pepper – 6/10 (mainly because it should last longer)