The Fragrance Of Leadership: Did George Washington Wear Cologne?

George Washington, the first President of the United States, wore cologne. He was a fan of the fragrance brand Caswell-Massey, particularly their Number Six cologne, also known as Formula Number Six Toilette Water. Washington liked the scent so much that he even gifted it to others, including the Marquis de Lafayette. Caswell-Massey has updated the formulation of the scent over the years, but it still uses the original recipe as the basis for its Supernatural Number Six scent.

George Washington's favourite cologne was Number Six by Caswell-Massey

Washington first discovered the scent in 1780 at the Caswell-Massey apothecary in Newport, Rhode Island. He was so taken with it that he became a repeat customer and even gifted it to several of his friends, including the Marquis de Lafayette.

Number Six is a citrus aromatic fragrance for men, with top notes of bergamot, rosemary, and neroli, evolving into a heart of rose, clove, and amber, and finishing with base notes of white musk and lavender. The cologne has been remastered over the years, with the latest edition, launched in 2018, using plant-based and molecular ingredients while still retaining the original 1772 recipe.

The fragrance has a rich history and has been a favourite not just of Washington but also of other notable figures, including Katharine Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and John Denver.

Washington wore perfume to show the worldliness of the colonies

George Washington wore perfume to showcase the worldliness of the colonies. He was a fan of Caswell-Massey's "Number Six" cologne, which was created in 1772 and has been produced continuously since then, making it the longest-running fragrance in America. The brand's CEO, Nicolas Arauz, joked that Washington was their "first influencer."

Washington first encountered the scent on a business trip to meet the Marquis de Lafayette in Newport, Rhode Island. He visited the Caswell-Massey shop, the brand's first brick-and-mortar store, and was impressed by the perfumes crafted by Dr. William Hunter, the brand's founder. Washington's motivation to wear perfume extended beyond personal preference; he sought to dispel the perception of the colonies as backward or uncivilized.

Washington's use of perfume, particularly the "Number Six" fragrance, served as a tool to showcase the sophistication and cosmopolitan nature of the colonies. He wanted to present an image of the colonies as a "worldly, global, up-and-coming civilization." This intention aligned with Dr. Hunter's goal of making Newport feel less like a pirate town and more like a cosmopolitan, European-influenced city.

The fragrance played a role in boosting the brand's awareness and popularity. When Lafayette returned to the United States in the early 1800s, he visited the shop again and spoke about how Washington had gifted him the fragrance. This endorsement by two influential figures helped spread the brand's reputation, and the cologne became one of their calling cards when they expanded to New York in the 1850s.

The "Number Six" cologne continues to be a bestseller for Caswell-Massey, even though the formulation has been updated over time to incorporate plant-based and molecular ingredients while retaining the original recipe as its foundation. The scent features notes of bergamot, rosemary, white narcissus, clove, amber, and lavender, creating a vibrant and inviting fragrance.

Number Six is the longest continuously manufactured fragrance in America

Number Six by Caswell-Massey is the longest continuously manufactured fragrance in America. The fragrance was created in 1772 and has been exclusively produced from the original formulation in Caswell-Massey's archives. It is said to have been a favourite of President George Washington after he visited the brand's first shop in Newport, Rhode Island.

Number Six features a bright opening of sparkling bergamot, rosemary, and neroli, which then evolves into a warm heart of rose, clove, and golden amber. The scent is completed with a complex accord of white musk and premium-harvest lavender.

In 2018, perfumer Laurent Le Guernec remastered this edition of Number Six. He selected floral and herbal varieties true to the types of oils available when the fragrance was originally created and combined them with newly available molecular captures, distillation, and blending techniques. This updated version brings out the most modern and beautiful characteristics of the scent while retaining its unique, supremely American signature.

The fragrance has been worn by several notable figures, including President John Quincy Adams, JFK, George Gershwin, and Buffalo Bill Cody.

The cologne was created in 1772 and is still produced today

The fragrance worn by George Washington was created in 1772 and is still produced today. The cologne, known as "Number Six" or "Formula Number Six Toilette Water", was originally created by Dr. William Hunter, the founder of the brand Caswell-Massey. The fragrance is said to have been a favourite of Washington's after he visited the brand's first shop in Newport, Rhode Island.

Today, the cologne is still produced by Caswell-Massey, using the original recipe as the basis for its Supernatural Number Six scent. While the formulation has been updated over time, swapping out animal-based ingredients for plant-based and molecular ones, the brand remains committed to preserving the legacy of George Washington and other historical figures who wore the fragrance.

The cologne is described as having a bright opening of sparkling bergamot, rosemary, and neroli, which evolves into a warm heart of rose, clove, and golden amber. It is said to be a complex accord of white musk and premium-harvest lavender, creating a long-lasting and inviting fragrance.

In addition to George Washington, the cologne has been worn by other notable figures such as John Quincy Adams, JFK, and George Gershwin. The fragrance has a rich history and continues to be a popular choice for those who want to emulate the scent of America's first president.

Number Six has top notes of bergamot, rosemary, and white narcissus

It is believed that George Washington wore cologne, and the fragrance he used was Number Six by Caswell-Massey. The cologne has top notes of bergamot, rosemary, and white narcissus.

Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is less well-known to the western world than lemons, limes, and oranges. It is often used in perfumes as it provides a bright, citrusy opening note without the common associations that these other fruits may carry. Bergamot has been described as having a mellow and subdued scent that goes well with almost everything.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its scent is considered uplifting and energizing, making it the perfect fragrance to help you get out of bed in the morning. It has a slightly minty, herbaceous, and aromatic fragrance that is similar to eucalyptus and lavender.

White narcissus is a type of flowering plant that is known for its sweet fragrance. However, some varieties, such as the "Ziva" hybrid, are known for having a repulsive smell that has been compared to cat urine or dirty socks.

Together, these top notes of bergamot, rosemary, and white narcissus create a complex and aromatic fragrance that is both vibrant and inviting.

Frequently asked questions