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danhil – :
My goodness, this is lovely.
It’s a cool, late October morning in the UK, and – whilst Nantucket Briar smells gorgeous now – I suspect it would be even better in summer. I love oriental perfumes, but finding one which isn’t overwhelming in our humid summers is a challenge.
Within ten minutes of spritzing Nantucket Briar, I ticked both the love and want boxes above and started my quest for a full bottle. There’s a slightly bitter, acrid note if I bury my nose in my skin where I sprayed it, which is probably coming from a combination of the green notes and rose, both of which can be problematic for me. Nantucket Briar is best smelled from a distance; it’s one of those perfumes which seem to pulse – to come and go in delicious wafts – as I move.
Three hours later, I have – reluctantly – decided not to buy it. Crabtree & Evelyn sell 60ml for £23 in the UK, which – superficially at least – is very good value for such a beautiful perfume, as it certainly smells far more expensive. Unfortunately, the longevity is very poor. My skin is dry and routinely sucks up perfume like a sponge, but my beloved Nantucket Briar has also departed my clothing.
Alas, my love is unrequited. Farewell, Nantucket Briar… We had a fleeting affair and you leave me brokenhearted!
On a more prosaic note, if layered with the body care products, NB may well last a little longer. And if someone were to gift me a bottle, I’d be awfully grateful.
therats – :
I was introduced to Nantucket Briar quite a few years ago when my favorite aunt wore it. It was her signature scent, in fact I’m not sure she wore anything else.
I always loved Nantucket Briar. To me it was a comforting scent. I never thought that it was soapy and I didn’t get any incense either. I felt it was a nice fresh floral with a bit of powder. I am disappointed that it has been discontinued.
-cliche- – :
This fragrance is special to me. A woman who was my Other Mother was dying. We sat in her room smelling all of her perfumes. Her favorite for special occasions was Evening in Paris. This was her other fave for daily use. A few weeks later, I went to Stratford, Canada for the Stratford Festival. Prior, I had looked on eBay for this to buy but it was expensive (over $80). I found two bottles in the back of a shelf for $30. I bought one, sprayed myself up and wore it all day. I got back to the B&B to a message that she had died. When I want her with me, I spray this on, like today.
To my nose, it is bergamot, rose, amber, green; spicy light green floral with some clove. It is not a spicy floriental but rather a lighter, watery green take on a floral oriental leaning more green and freshened with the bergamot. This is not a heavy fragrance and quickly becomes a skin scent.
futura – :
A powdery scent with hints of spice and flowers. This is a love it or hate it scent. In fact, I know some who did not like it at first but later developed a fascination with it (me included). Kateridelisle mentioned carnation and someone else cinnamon. I believe that both are right as this perfume contains ingredients found in both, such as Eugenol, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Cinnamate and Cinnamic Alcohol. While the bergamot is there, it blends in very well with everything else so that it is not apparent. Someone said this has no vanilla in it, but I can definitely say it does indeed have it (probably in the form of Vanillin or Ethyl Vanillin). Some of these ingredients are almost a staple in most early C&E scents, some which are now sadly gone. I even detect hints of Patchouli in this, also a staple in early C&E scents, but it is so well blended as to add to the scent without hindrance. This is a perfume you have to try before you buy, but as I said before, you may not like it and later crave it. If you do, C&E also offers an array of products for this scent, like body lotion and bath gel.
Hmuris – :
As of today (3/17/2018), I found out Crabtree is not discontinuing the EDT, they’re simply looking for a new supplier for a necessary ingredient.
Apparently, the previous supplier had a fire at their factory and C&E has been searching for an alternative since. They may have found a temporary supplier for smaller quantities and plan to have some “Nantucket Briar” EDT back in stock soon but regular production is on hold until that’s settled.
SaNuX – :
Have not worn this for several years. I thought I would go back to this old favorite of mine which was my signature scent for years. It is exactly the same as I recall. Soft, very feminine, a hint of lime over the soft powdery rose. Nice addition to my collection. Not shy at all and very memorable. I prefer wearing this in the evening and in the colder months, but it is gentle enough for anytime of day or year.
NasFer – :
Although I sampled many scents previously by Crabtree and Evelyn, I heard of this one but never tried it. Then I discovered that one of the local malls still had CE store. So I smelled Nantucket Briar edt. My first impression-very spicy and almost incensency, nothing like I ever smelled before. I didn’t want to spend money on edt so I bought small body lotion to try it. With body lotion, I realized that I smelled the rose(which to my nose has very clean almost medicinal smell), woodsy, with hint of powder. I don’t detect vanilla in this. To me, this is kind of like a clean laundry scented with rose detergent. Perhaps edt is different from lotion. As far as liking it-I don’t think its for me but its pretty obvious why it gets so much love. It IS very unique and unlike anything else I have smelled
enlictuct – :
The only thing I can wear consistently despite mood, health conditions, season, or time of day. In fact I often use the body mist after my bed time shower. When I have stomach aches one whiff (just like orange peel) gets rid of the belly pain! This is not just a fragrance. It’s a comfort blanket. It reminds me of home, my mother, winters, and being taken care of.
The accord is magical. The notes blend perfectly. I can smell some citrus, bergamot, lots of powder but it’s difficult to pick them apart as they are well blended and anchored nicely by the amber.
It’s not a love like dislike for me. It just is.
Mercx651JeomiWogkig – :
Nantucket Briar opens strongly with amber and baby powder. Amidst, there is also the sweetness of rose (similar to C&E’s Rosewater), spices – I get clove and cinnamon, and just the littlest hint of lime. It is a very complex but balanced perfume. In the drydown, the rose slowly unfurls and stands equal with the amber.
I can understand how some might associate this as an old-lady scent, yet there is also a freshness of understated youth. Imagine a composed and learned young British schoolgirl, with equal parts regal elegance and youthful confidence. Clearly, this is unmistakably a feminine scent. Few men would ever pull this off without olfactory dissonance.
This is a daytime perfume, no doubt. It isn’t one for the clubs. It isn’t a ‘sexy’ perfume, it is the scent of a cozy home.
It has moderate longevity and moderate sillage. I think it would shine best in cooler weather; in warmer weather, the amber might become suffocating. I would not buy this for myself, but perhaps as a gift.
Scent: 7/10
Sillage: 6/10
Longevity: 7/10
MariahJesu – :
Funny story about this product. I found a bag of samples of the EdT, talc, lotion and shower gel at the local thrift store. Having lived in Maine, very near row upon row of beach roses next to the ocean, I was intrigued. I tried it later that week and made another visit to the thrift store. As I browsed through the craft items I noriced I was drawing a small crowd of men – unusual for me, in my late 60s. One brave soul stepped forward to apologize for being so bold but he has to be near because I smelled so good. Each, in turn, wrote down the name of the product for his special lady. What a fun day!
vladimir542 – :
Powdery, spicey, soapy fragrance for me. Its very nice. I don’t know why I detect carnation and heather, oddly so, because it’s not listed in the composition. Definitely a soapy scent, reminds me of White Shoulders or a Woods of Windsor classic British fragrance.
bebo – :
My mother’s favorite fragrance ever. She had this in every form it came in from talc to spray. I’ve always liked the fact that it is, as advertised, like something you’d find in a briar patch (or regular garden) in Nantucket.
Igor Zhirnov – :
Starts like an older fashioned almost aldehyde, with an amber that reminded me of TousJour Moi without the citrusy cola. It was mellow and soft, with a pale grey woodiness and then later a hint of rose. It was interesting to have the rose develop later after the light amber, when I’m used to rose being front and center. Does of good job matching the name; like a ramble past an old house covered in overgrown roses. I enjoyed it, it was interesting but not overpowering. Longevity 5 hours or so, gentle sillage.
Dreamleto – :
I really, really hate amber but this one is pretty satisfying much to my surprise, it ain’t strong at all. Nice to wear in summer.
alexx33 – :
Nostalgic powdery clean scent with whispers of the ocean. A touch of lime and wild rose petals sit in the background of an overall sophisticated talc-like scent. Colour-wise, a tender light brinjal with hints of pastel pink.
Very clean smelling and in conjures an ‘Old British’ image.
RhineeOrenrep – :
If anyone has this and would like to swap it,please message me! I have the body oil spray mist and would love to have a small bottle of the edt. Thanks!
otar66 – :
For my bf has allergic rhinitis, I have to wear something not too heavy nor too sharp and that’s why I decided to try Nantucket Briar.
I have to say it’s a bit strong at first sniff, but overall It didn’t disappoint me, in fact I kind of like the drydown. I agree with other reviews – saying that the scent is resembled to the smell of church/incense.
It’s tender, powdery, slightly musky, floral, light, clean, floating, comforting and yes it smells somewhat soapy but I don’t think that’s a problem to me.
It gives weak longevity which I have to respray every 4 to 5 hours to keep it lasts on my skin/clothes. Nevertheless, I’m glad I bought it, it’s nice being surrounded by such a beautiful and delicate scent during the day.
glex79 – :
Nantucket Briar is beautiful! It’s crisp, clean, slightly spicy and has a calm and classic vibe. I love it! The matching body lotion is gorgeous and is a great alternative for days where I don’t want to smell too perfumey.
It’s rare that I sample as extensively as I did with Nantucket Briar. I was thrown off the trail by the pyramid which puts amber as the most prominent note. I couldn’t reconcile my love for the scent with the fact that I normally don’t like strong amber. As it turns out it should be ambergris, not amber.
In terms of rose, other websites have it listed as eglantine rose or wild briar rose. Regardless, this is a different sort of rose for me, and it’s bedded softly in the blend of other notes. There’s the underlying green notes (or patchouli) which blends with the ambergris and completes the natural wide-skied feel of this fragrance.
kerTatetruh – :
Beautiful scent, hauntingly so. On first application it felt like a nostalgic homecoming… evoked so many memories which was strange because to my mind I had never tried this one before. I’ve been introduced to Crabtree & Evelyn only recently. And this is the one that had that edge over all the others in terms of sheer beauty and appeal.
So I thought about it and it suddenly came to me that I have something similar in my collection – wind song! Wind song is definitely a lot stronger and Nantucket on the other hand, definitely has more floral nuances of briar rose and a beautiful gentle amber note.
While Nantucket is undoubtedly a more elegant composition but there it is! Windsong is like the brash teenager compared to Nantucket’s ladylike charm!
That said, this is a very special find for me and I am delighted to have it in my collection.
UsestcerSlurl – :
on the Crabtree & Evelyn’s website:
Top Notes
bergamot, citrus, dianthus
Heart Notes
wild briar rose, peony, hydrangea, jasmine
Base Notes
vanilla, patchouli, amber, spices
dianthus – also known as carnations or pinks. so there you go, no wonder Valerie K can smell carnation, it’s right there in the top notes. I knew there was a reason why I love the scent!
PIN – :
I’m shocked there’s no carnation in this.. Where’s the spicy-powdery note coming from?
alexdarkness – :
I gave a brief review of this below but wanted to revisit/review it once again after receiving a fresh bottle this weekend.
I may have the kindest husband of 25 years on the planet. His birthday & receiving gifts make him very uncomfortable so several years ago, he hit upon the idea of purchasing gifts for those he most treasures for his birthday because it makes him happy & then he feels less awkward. I have become okay with this. 🙂
So…for HIS birthday on Sunday, I came home to a box of Nantucket Briar! This is the scent that this sweet man used to purchase for me years and years ago when we would celebrate a anniversary…scraping together money was more difficult back then when we were newly married, had toddlers & a fresh business & mortgage…but the sentimentality of his gesture and the smell all brought a flood of memories to my brain and nose and I took one whiff and my eyes began to pee.
Nantucket Briar was a niche quality type scent two decades ago & it holds the same today. Bravo Crabtree & Evelyn! (WHICH is pronounced “EVE-LYNN”, not “EV-A-LYNN” for those curious &/or needing correction as I did).
I smell roses, herbs, stable hay, dank earth, medicinal properties (think Vapo-rub from childhood), seaside grasses, wild flowers, honey, horse sweat, low tide and even fresh laundered sheets drying and blowing in salted air. HOW all of this can be included in a liquid is a mystery to me, but my nose will be forever grateful.
As another reviewer below me so eloquently tried to explain…in America, the East Coast has it’s own eccentricities, uniqueness and as some one who was born there & grew up there but was then transplanted to the West coast can fairly say…it is like living on another planet. This scent embodies all of the things I love about “Team East”. It is a wonderful scent & if you can spare $50 bucks, throw it at this. It will be some of the best money you have ever spent.
xo Cheers!
yun184bedyWelty – :
My wife, and in extension do I, love this perfume. It is fragrant and long lasting. It starts off with a whiff of rose with amber and vanilla and dries down to a more intense floral rose, amber and vanilla. It is good as an everyday scent as well as for special occasions.
Thaggekgeophy – :
I started with having this as a shower gel and it made every bath a very special pleasure. And since I am a true parfumista there was no way around it, it had to be brought home in the pure fragrance shape too.
Unlike many of my fragrances, I had no idea what the notes were in this for a long time. So my inner picture was quite different from what the notes to my surprice told me is in it.
I saw purple flowers in a bed of warm vanilla amber and Ok there’s also rose in the notes, but where is the garden filled with purple flowers I can smell on my skin. Where is the lavender, wisteria and lilac that blooms in all the softness on my skin?
This to me is a glorious fragrance, and niche quality for a very fair price. It is a little soapy flower to start with but give it five minuts, and you get a sunset in midsummer in the most perfect groomed flowergarden, under the vanilla tree. Love it!
Sillage is medium, Longevity is medium to strong.
sashalitvin – :
I’m from New England; born and raised in Connecticut, grandparents from Massachusetts, summer vacation in Maine and it’s hard, sometimes, to explain to those who aren’t New Englanders, the peculiar, eccentric qualities of this region.
With the changing weather, there are so many opportunities for solitary introspection. Colonial history is embedded, here and on certain days, in certain places, you can suddenly feel as if you’ve slipped through time and are coming upon an old homestead, an abandoned “castle” from long ago — that you’ve walked through an enchanted wood and into the past. I grew-up in a World of wooden boats, gloomy estates reclaimed as public parks, hidden spice, book and novelty shops, tearooms with open, stone hearths and surrounded by towns where old churches always ring-out the tune of “Big Ben” at the hour, quarter hour and half hour.
My favorite childhood days were spent standing on bluffs, on the grounds of Art Deco dance halls that once roared in the 20’s and 30’s, by the seashore, watching dark gray clouds roll in over light gray skies and Newport “cottages” from The Gilded Age. We’re just surrounded by so many old things, here and the remnants of a time when rich people didn’t just build nice houses but ran estates, with a staff that could populate a small village. Those times are inimitable, now, never to be reproduced, again and like an entirely, different World from the one we currently live-in.
Considering all this, I’m not at all surprised that “Nantucket Briar” was made by a now British brand, that was started by a New England pair. The hazy, smoky spice and amber, that smells like dried spices in tea shops, the smell of old wood and salty stone, like the smell of old houses and boats by the sea, the spare, watery rose, that smells exactly like the roses growing in briars by the lighthouses I visited and the heft of history with a restrained, patrician air, permeating the whole blend, is a nod to the Old World, cloistered schools style of the region and the feeling of cultural mystery, that any historical-style blend, imparts.
When I consider all of this, I think of “Nantucket Briar” as the quintessential New England scent, with its cozy, rainy-day elegance, its era ambiguous androgyny and spare, perfectly balanced florals and spices. I love this blend. For me, this stuff is personal :).
Lunara – :
There is something ethereal about this scent. I cannot quite place what it is. I almost feel like I am in church or in some spiritual realm. It could be the green tones. I get this feeling every time I wear it. I feel fresh and powdery and I do sense the amber, but I don’t sense the rose. I like it, but wore it on and off for about 20 years and I tired of it, but it is a very beautiful scent. I can easily see it as a signature perfume for someone.
3105yura – :
Ah, Nantucket Briar.
I really rate this perfume highly, it is a lovely, warm, slightly spicy, smoky, musky, powdery delight that makes me feel cozy, safe and happy.
I don’t get rose in the way I am used to rose. I wonder if Briar rose has a different aroma to “normal” rose, as despite this being a rose perfume it does not actually smell of roses to me! Maybe it is the mix with other ingredients, maybe a different type of rose, I don’t know. What I do know is that this is a lovely scent.
I find the predominant notes to be powdery, soft spice, amber, musk and a hint of patchouli, most of which are not listed as notes. If I didn’t know this had rose, I doubt I would pick rose as a main note at all.
This is a perfume that I find cozy, clean and powdery yet also musky, smoky and spicy. There is something in the smoky-spicy-musky dry down that reminds slightly of L’heure bleue – the 2 smells are not actually alike, but there is something that brings it to mind. When I wear this I find myself tucking my nose under my collar every now and then for a good sniff, which makes me look a bit odd, but it is hard to resist!
This is very feminine but not at all girly. It is innocent and yet wise. Clean, yet musky. A very beautiful scent suitable I think for pretty much any occasion, season, time of day etc, very versatile and the price is excellent, about £22 for a 60ml bottle. In addition the strength is good – not so potent that it’ll knock people out, but a couple of sprays is enough to last you all day, so good value for money! Longevity is fantastic on me, about 12 hours on skin and even longer on clothes. Sillage is moderate, a nice gentle waft as you pass, but nothing overpowering.
The accompanying products are also lovely – the shower gel is amazing, the body lotion leaves you with skin like silk, and they all layer together beautifully for long lasting scent. I also have the room spray which I find is spicier than the perfume and works well as a home fragrance.
Highly recommended.
stas121278 – :
Could not put my finger on it. Then suddenly, it hit me: a less musty, more feminine Racquets Formula. Lovlier and better than the Penhaligon’s.
The association makes it more “masculine” than feminine to me.
I don’t find it particularly rose-y. A nice, well-blended scent. No element stands out. Warm, clean, powdery, with a nice ambery-muskiness that keeps it from being too clean.
zluka505 – :
I’m a Platinum Member of C&E’s online website and I received a coupon via email and I struggled for a time on what to use it for. I’ve tried just about everything they have to offer these days and know my usual favorites, but I decided to try something new: the EDT Nantucket Briar. Growing up, and when C&E storefronts were still very popular in Tulsa, I knew of this fragrance but I never felt drawn to it; it seemed too old, too adult for me. Now, many years removed from those times and having outgrown (somewhat) my signature Rosewater, I thought to give this a chance…and I have no regrets! It is a lovely spicy powder of a fragrance. Longivity is great, much better than their newer EDTs. Five hours after initial spray it dries down into a mellower version of itself but the standard accord of amber, powder and faint rose is ever present and doesn’t disappear. This is a perfect go-between a soft/powerly floral and a spicy amber as it gets.
slavaz – :
Beautiful smell. I fell in love with the body lotion sample I received from Crabtree and Evelyn a couple of years ago. It was a stressful period where I was preparing for my examinations and this scent brought a sense of calm and cleanliness to me that made me ready to tackle the world of exams.
Incense-y on first whiff, but you can smell the hints of wild roses and a mild comforting sweet smell. I didn’t detect any hints of vanilla…if I did I’d be running away since I’m not a vanilla fan.
Edit: I tried the perfume today and I was rather unimpressed. The lotion smelt better, creamier, and rosier. The eau de toilette is very incensy and dry so it’s probably meant to be layered.
This brings you to a faraway place, a place beside a beach. The skies are overcast, the weather is cool, and the wind is gently blowing salty breezes in your way. There’s only you and the ocean. It’s magnificence is a welcoming solitude…good for times when you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the world.
I’m eyeing a bottle for myself this coming Christmas sale. Yes, that’s the only time when I find C&E products are reasonably priced.
P.S: I’m 19. It’s not an “old lady” scent.. It’s just unique and traditional, and thus there’s a lot of older aged ladies wearing it.
OH AND CRABTREE, PLEASE DON’T DISCONTINUE THIS, AS YOU’RE WONT TO DO.
Glodlella – :
I agree with the clean, fresh, smell. I love wearing in the summer. To me it’s very uplifitng and a happy scent. I disagree with the church inscense smell. I always recieve compliments when i wear it. Who doesn’t want to smell clean??
Cherry-nk – :
Very sharp and strong at first-I didn’t like it the first time I got it as a gift-gave it away. Got it again as a gift and this time I fell in love! It has an almost bracing quality I can’t explain. The dry down is rosy sweet and subtly pretty. For any season. Long lasting and leaves a gentle waft of woody roses and coastal air.
zepremsbleala – :
A beautiful light fresh smell that is slightly powdery and smells very clean. A great perfume that you can layer along with the soap and talc. Perfect for work or going out on a summers day or night. A favourite of mine.
zavarzyn123 – :
Finally. The “main accords” on the list match the scent!
AMBER
ROSE
GREEN
VANILLA
POWDERY
Describes this to perfection. The hand creme alone packs a whallop of a punch and would last you all day on your pulse point of the wrist, so apply with caution. This leans towards a niche scent IMHO. Amazing silage, totally unique, elusive…divine. Besitos!
qwzx13 – :
smells soapy and powdery. not sexy but very clean and comforting.
gsn5760 – :
this is so spicy and woody, it just pops on your skin. on me its very strong at first spray, but in a good way. its long lasting and the rose makes it sweet at the drydown. very clean and natural smelling. it’s just something that i would wear out walking in a snow storm. smells clovely, incensey and warm. i like it a lot.
GansREliot – :
I get vanilla, incense, and rose, but not tea rose, like briar rose, which has a “dustier” smell. It’s a wonderful smell that is something I would wear on an overcast day at the beach while sitting out with a warm beverage. One of my favorite “kind of smells” those that evoke strong mental imagery. I also had the environmental oil in this scent as well as Rosewater and Summer Hill. They scent my home beautifully.
pizeje1970 – :
This is a very fresh scent. It’s like you’re standing on a cliff towards the open sea: wind and fresh air. I’m not into fresh scents as a perfume. For me this is nice for e.g. laundry but not for bodywear 🙂
xxxAlex – :
Very rich, heavy, incense is what I get, and I LOVE IT. Have always had a bottle on hand, and the oil to put on a light bulb ring for when the house gets ‘house-a-tosis’ and I’m out of Windsor Woods. A very romantic, rose and greens perfume, not a whiff of fruit or musk, to be worn lightly as I find it is strong. Crabtree & Evelyn assured me they will never stop making this one, bless them!
medayonen – :
A friend of mine who didn’t like perfume used to wear this. I felt that she wasted her money because it smells like soap as stated in many reviews. Maybe she wanted to go through the ritual of spraying herself with perfume without having any real scent. It’s not bad but it’s not much either.
FOXKOR – :
You know that goatmilk soapy scent??! Well this perfume reminds me of that. I guess it’s not bad…if you like goatmilk soap.
vetaloys – :
the first time I smelled this I was in love! I love Rose. My husband said that it smells like soap and old lady, but it smells clean, very very clean. This is one of my favorite perfumes. Its very interesting to me this scent. Either something you love or hate I guess. For the record this has NO vanilla whatsoever!!