If you’ve been searching for a new cologne that won’t make you smell like a teenager OR an old man you’ll be more than happy with one of the scents from the 53 year old, American-made heritage brand Royall Lyme Bermuda.
I’ve always had two problems with cologne. First, I have a hard time justifying spending $65 on a 3 oz bottle of scented water. The second, these days every option for men either smells like my uncle or a French teenage girl. So we’re stuck having to choose: the $15 bottle of Stetson from CVS or the $65 bottle of “Heeey everyone, I smell like candy and flowers!”.
Sometimes you’ll find a scent you like — and you end up using it for the next ten to fifteen years. (I’m talking to YOU, 25 year old men who discovered Curve in their sophomore year and haven’t given it up yet.)
So imagine my surprise when I’m casually strolling through a Brooks Brothers one day and stumble upon a stand that says “$30 for 4 oz.” full of paper wrapped boxes and vintage looking glass bottles. I was immediately drawn in by the idea of colognes with simple descriptor names like, “Lyme,” “Bay Rhum,” “Muske,” and “Spyce”.
Royall has been keeping men smelling manly since 1957 when a renowned Bermuda yachtsman created a line of fragrances based on the scents of the island. Now made in America, it’s been sold in Brooks Brothers since 1960.
I have a soft spot for cool packaging and sweet looking bottles. (Pay attention whiskey makers: give me a sweet pre-prohibition looking bottle, I’ll buy it no matter how rough your sauce is.) The bottles are based off of their original packaging and each is wrapped with paper and sealed with a wax stamp.
One of the positives of being vintage is that you’re not subjugated to use one of these teenage aerosol sprays with names like Hypnotic Vice or some similar adolescent gimmick. All of the scents in the lineup are unabashedly masculine, even the citrus, without feeling like I’m smelling like my girlfriend’s grandfather.
The next time you’re around a Brooks Brothers swing in to give all the flavors a sniff to find which you like best. One of the best things about each bottle being so cheap is I have several of them. I let my mood or where I’m going determine which I use. Going somewhere in the early evening? Vetiver has a nice relaxed masculine presence. If I’m going to the beach I’ll pick the classic Lyme or Bay Rhum. My favorite is probably Muske.
I’ll try to sum up each scent:
Lyme: A solid masculine scent. Imagine if a pine tree grew limes and you poured cinnamon all over it.
Muske: Royall’s take on the quintessential man scent. I personally love this one.
Vetiver: A crisp combination of citrus and spices, less sweet than the Lyme. This scent is great for going out in the evening. Imagine a dark bar from 30’s Hollywood filled with wood and leather booths.
Mandarin: A clean, inviting orange scent. My girlfriend’s favorite of the bunch.
Spyce: I’ve been using this one as a daily wear. Imagine spices like anise and cinnamon.
Bay Rhum: The paradigm summer scent. A combination of Bayleaf and menthol, it’s a sweet smell perfect for a sunny day outside.
I’ve only been using Royall for a few months, but so far have nothing but good things to say about them. If you’re looking for a new cologne, definitely check them out.
Available all over the internet
About Andrew Snavely
Andrew is the founder and editor of Primer. He's a graduate of American University and currently lives in Los Angeles. Read more about Primer on our About page.
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13 People had something insightful to add, but we're missing your voice! Continue the conversation with a comment.
Marshall
This is right on. I have been looking for some manly scents – I am getting mine today!
Jul 6th, 2010
Andrew
Marshall, I’m glad you liked it! I think you’ll enjoy them.
Jul 6th, 2010
George
Have been wearing Lyme for 23 years. Nobody else I know even knows the Royall brand.
Jul 6th, 2010
John
I absolutly LOVE Royall!! One of the most under rated Colognes around. I would highly reccomend becoming a fan!
Jul 6th, 2010
Andrew
George and John, I wish I had found out about them a lot sooner. I’ll be a fan for awhile.
Jul 6th, 2010
JP
I’ve been wearing colognes from this company for years after stumbling across them while in Bermuda. I highly recommend you try them if you’re looking for something new that isn’t the standard and overused mass-marketed colognes and aftershaves. I regularly get complements from others who want to know what I’m wearing and were they can get it. Enjoy!
Jul 10th, 2010
Reverend Michael Alan
Just stumbled upon the Royall colognes today for the first time- they are all incredible. I bought the Muske, total fan for life.
Nov 26th, 2010
amy williams
We have a very old bottle from my mother in law’s house. I’ll bet it is from the 50s. It still smells good:)
Jul 7th, 2011
Nate
My dad used Royal Lyme, and my Grandpa used Bay Rhum for ages. I couldn’t find any of this brand’s varieties it outside of expensive online stores for age. The Bottles are amazing, and the pewter crown shaped cap brings back memories.
I have been trying to find this brand for ages (and Gaswell Massey) and am happy to find it here.
Best part….they all smell amazing.
Jan 6th, 2012
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