Blackberry & Bay from Jo Malone

There another new fragrance coming out in September from Jo Malone London, and it’s lovely.  It’s also as British as they come – Blackberry & Bay. In Scotland of course we like to call them Brambles – I have a big bush of them in my back garden at the moment!

The campaign for this new scent focuses on childhood memories (hence the campaign images), and who doesn’t recall going bramble picking as a kid? Juice all over your fingers, stained hands, and sore bellies after eating too many! I always remember being told not to pick them at the side of the road however, in case they were contaminated from fumes! Isn’t it amazing how things stick in your mind forever? I found this brilliantly funny blog post from a few years back about blackberry, or bramble, picking.

The smell of this fragrance is a funny one – it smells so sweet to me, but blackberry juice is tart, as is the grapefruit which is another top note. Have another smell and the heart of the bay really comes through. The base notes of vetiver and cedarwood give it a richness. I really love it. The candle smells slightly different to me, but fills the room with a gorgeous scent of outdoors!

Jo Malone is all about blending, and they suggest this blended with Lime Basil & Mandarin for added vibrancy, or with Nectarine Blossom & Honey to temper the sweetness with a green, herbaceous edge.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne comes in two sizes, 30ml (£38) and 100ml (£76), and there’s a full collection to go with it – Body Creme (£48), Body & Hand Wash (£30) and of course, the Home Candle (£38)

Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay Collection, available from September from Jo Malone locations and stores, and online at jomalone.com