38°N 16°E by Richard Luscher Britos

Bergamot Oil, Orange Blossom, Sandalwood, Incense.

Easily the most simplistic of the Terroir releases, 38°N 16°E is all about Bergamot. Dedicated citrus fragrances aren't for everyone and in spite of the listed Blossom, Sandalwood and Incense, this creation is, at least on my skin, an experience of straight up Bergamot.

The opening is a beautiful rendition of Blossom and Bergamot, but within 3 minutes the Blossom winds down and allows Bergamot front and center position. I've said it before and will reiterate that Blossom has a tendency to gain momentum and take over a large portion of a composition. Not so with 38°N 16°E.

The vibrancy of the top accord, although fleeting, is one of the things that keeps me sampling manifold fragrances. It's so bright and succinct that, whatever follows it is destined to be ( at least ) a slight disappointment. What the wearer has to understand is that 38°N 16°E is an uncomplicated citrus creation. This genre is not known for otherwordly sillage, nor do they normally possess impressive hang time. 38°N 16°E doesn't deviate from this protocol and it's okay. I'm a fan of this category and 38°N 16°E is just as good or better than many of them.

After 20 minutes or a little better, subtle blossom seems to re-emerge and accent the lingering Bergamot. The listed Woods and Smoke are pretty much M.I.A. on my skin, but perhaps others will detect these more clearly than I. If they are in the mix, they are tuned much too passively to have their voices heard. There is something bolstering the Bergamot, but it's not a conventional rendition of Sandalwood as I know it.

Frankincense, like its co-conspirator, simply isn't loud enough to have a say in this release. In extended drydown, you may experience a ghostly whiff of it if you focus, but I prefer not to work that hard when I'm wearing something for enjoyment. Still, I find 38°N 16°E a pleasant and viable Citrus scent that YOU will have to make up your own minds about. Thumbs up from Aromi for 38°N 16°E, but with a caution. In this case, as always, a sample wear is highly recommended.

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