What Did Churchill Really Smell Like?

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during perhaps one of the most difficult and trying periods for any head of state.  A strong leader (with his flaws), he served as Prime Minister during World War 2. He saved the country from the brink of defeat and was able to inspire the nation and rally the British people towards victory. He is thought of as a British hero and a key reason for Britain’s victory in the war.  

Churchill was known for his eccentric views on hygiene. He bathed twice a day, and brushed his teeth 3 times a day for 15 minutes at a time, and liked to wear aftershave liberally.

The Colognes Churchill Wore

Of the aftershaves he was known to wear regularly, the most recent was Creed’s Tabarome. It’s described by Creed as an aftershave “for men who aspire to be leaders.” The top notes of this aftershave are Ginger, Sandalwood and Vetiver. The base notes are made up of tobacco and musk.

There’s no reliable record of this actually being worn by Churchill however, but it has such a great story, was created around the right time with the Prime Minister  in mind, and smells incredible so we’ll let Creed get away with saying so.

He has also been noted as wearing an aftershave called Blenheim Bouquet by Penhaligon’s. The fragrance’s top notes are Lemon, Lime and Lavender; the base notes are Black Pepper, Pine and Musk. Bright and fresh, this one’s a classic, and while it smells a little dated today, it remains a go-to for so many men for a reason.

Finally, the third aftershave worn by Churchill was Special 127 by Floris. A citrus fragrance that at this point in time has been around for more than 130 years!  It was launched in 1890 and . The top notes are Lavender, Orange, Bergamot and Petitgrain; the middle notes of the aftershave are Geranium, Neroli, Rose and Ylang-ylang; the base notes are Patchouli and Musk.  This too is still available and an easy wear even after more than a century.

 Aftershaves Inspired by Churchill

There are also a number of aftershaves inspired by Churchill. Tabarome was one such fragrance reportedly created by Oliver Creed for the Prime Minister. It is an aromatic fougére fragrance with top notes of Tangerine and Bergamot, a middle notes of Ginger, and rounded out with base notes of Tobacco, Sandalwood, and Leather.  The fragrance was created with Churchill’s love of brandy and cigars in mind, and while doesn’t smell overpoweringly of either, we can confirm it does complement the smell of a good brandy and high ring cigar. The name “Tabarome” refers to the French for tobacco, part of the scent profile that makes this aftershave feel luxurious and rich.
 

Our fragrance “Chartwell” is another aftershave inspired by Winston Churchill. It’s rich masculine fragrance, handmade in Kent, that captures the spirit of the man, with top notes of Bergamot and Peppercorn, heart notes of Rum and Cinnamon, and base notes of Woods, Incense and Leather.  You can learn more about that here.