Castle Forbes

Castle Forbes is a British fragrance and grooming house with Scottish roots. Its perfume range follows the clean citrus, aromatic herbs and dry woods of traditional masculine perfumery. The character is familiar rather than experimental, with enough variation between green fougeres, warm spice and the Special Reserve fragrances to give the collection a clear identity.

The business began in 1996, when Jinny, Lady Forbes and perfumer Andrew French developed a perfumery in a former dairy on the Castle Forbes estate in Aberdeenshire. An interest in scenting the castle and its potpourri grew into a broader fragrance collection. The early range included perfumes for women and men. Shaving products later became a central part of the business, alongside its personal fragrances.

Lavender, citrus and woody notes recur across the current perfumes. In 1445, lavender meets bitter tarragon and a dry clove finish; Keig puts more emphasis on bright citrus, while Forbes of Forbes takes a warmer, softer direction. The Special Reserve series gives individual materials more space, including vetiver, neroli and sandalwood. These remain composed scents rather than sweet, heavily embellished constructions.

Castle Forbes fits within independent British perfumery and the traditional grooming world. It is a useful house to explore if you enjoy aromatic fragrances, restrained woods and the clean character of a classic barbershop. The perfumes and shaving products have distinct roles, with matching 1445 products offering one way to carry the same scent through a daily routine.