Lavender battle: In the left corner, Yardley English Lavender... In the right corner, Caldey Island Lavender.
When I received the Caldey I said that from memory I preferred the Yardley (I had a '93 vintage bottle last year that was sublime) so I ordered up another from fleabay which was delivered this morning, my heart sank when I opened it and saw a website address on the back of the label... Date code on the base of the bottle? '03
Still predating the sellout but how much had changed in those 10 years? Not to mention my experience of nothing good whatsoever coming out of the naughties...
I remember my older bottle of Yardley being really fresh, spritely & invigorating... Much like Caldey but even more so. This '03 bottle couldn't be more different, it opens with a harsh bitter herbal note (very similar to MdC traditionnel soap or is it LPL? I dont remember) mercifully it dries down after 15-20 minutes into something better resembling English lavender, the musty herbal vibe gives way to slightly fresher, soapy notes. With three sprays it lasts as a skin scent for 2 hours or so.
Now, the Caldey, fantastic stuff. 2 sprays last me 3-4 hours at good strength levels before it becomes a pure musk that goes on for a couple more... Performance really is top notch, a smidge below C&S O&C but still very respectable for a lavender which are notoriously short lived. As I've said before the scent is totally fresh, not like your Grandmother's dried lavender pouch in any way, more like standing in a lavender field with a summer breeze on your face.
Winner: Caldey Island (though ultimately I still prefer O&C to either but its not a fair comparison, price wise.)