Bowling Green by Geoffrey Beene

Orange, Basil, Bergamot, Fruit Notes, Juniper, Lemon, Pimento, Clove, Vetiver.
Verbena, Artemesia, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Lavender, Pine Needles, Nutmeg, Sage, Oakmoss.
Rosemary, Amber, Cedar, Fir, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Geranium, Coriander, Rosewood, Moss.

Listed above is an impressive array of notes from the mid eighties. The formula I'm reviewing is a 1987 vintage bottle and I have no idea how it stacks up to newer releases of Bowling Green. The reason that doesn't matter is simple enough. The only times I need to emphasize "vintage" is if the fragrance I'm referring to is so good that it would stand to reason a "reformulation" would be ( at least ) a slightly inferior representation. In the case of Bowling Green, I find it a worthy scent, but not something that would or could be desecrated by changes. I suppose it's always a good idea ( if possible ) to do side by side comparisons.

As you can probably tell already, Bowling Green is coniferous, but not necessarily in a conventional way. Aesthetically, the bottle and name may lead one to believe that it's light, breezy and custom made for spring and summer. That's only true in part. Bowling Green does perform in the warmer months, but it has more gravity than one might think. In truth, this is an all season fragrance that wears a bit dense, yet doesn't possess the longevity due to it's EDC strength. The EDT is something I'd like to eventually try and see where ( if any ) differences lay.

Bowling Green opens with an eye opening shot of spicy citrus and the suggestion of fruit. The rendition of fruit in this reminds me somewhat of Etienne Aigner's releases of Statement and Private Number. This is a very full bodied opening accord that has more spices, herbs, earth tones and the aspect of pine quickly on the way. Instead of in your face "green", this is simply accented by it on my skin.

Bowling Green EDC doesn't possess the longevity to satisfy this wearer, but it does smell very pleasant while it lasts. The woods, spice and earthiness that I keep expecting in the base and beyond simply lacks the power to be anything but a skin scent much too quickly. On the other hand, if I'm looking to wear a scent that lasts barely 2 hours before morphing into an intimate aroma, this would be a strong candidate. Neutral rating from Aromi due to longevity issues and as I always do, allow me to strongly recommend a sample wear before purchase.

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