Il Mondo di Odore

Released in 2010, the listed notes for Essenza are : Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Petitgrain, Neroli, Sage, Rosemary, Muguet, Rose, Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk and Amber. Essenza opens on a terrific surge of citrus. All the listed culprits are accounted for and none are jostling for position. This isn't a cacophony and they all seem to be instantaneously blended. This is like the "Big Bang" of  top accords that are citric in nature. It's extremely satisfying if you're an aficionado of openings such as this. Within a few moments, the citrus begins to take on a slightly herbaceous quality and non descript woodiness. This is indicative of other fragrances I've smelled from this house. I won't say it's redundant because it works well within the framework of Essenze and is well executed. The floral notes remind me of a swimmer coming up to fill his lungs and barely breaking the surface of the water. The task gets accomplished with ...

The listed notes for Acqua di Parma's Mirto di Panarea are : Myrtle, Bergamot, Calabrian lemon, Orange, Basil Jasmin, Rose, Green of Lilac and Blackcurrant Lentisc, Juniper, Cedarwood and Amber What I immediately noticed is that Mirto di Panarea wears a bit like the body sprays from Bath and Body Works. I occasionally use a misting spray called Woodland from them and Mirto is very similar in its feel. Mirto is listed as an EDT. As I wear this scent, I keep thinking I'm smelling a soapy lavender accord underneath the spice and wood. As you can see, it's not listed, yet I smell it and it's pleasant. The opening is nice and unoffensive. All the citric notes are a bit muddled, but they are recognizable as a citrus accord with a deft touch from basil. The projection is appropriate as is Mirto's lack of denseness. It has breathing ability, which is what you want in a fragrance of this genre. Even the floral, spice and woody tones of Mirto aren't clear cut a...

This release by Acqua di Parma is only a few years old and different than its namesake. There is an increased balsamic and aromatic nature to Intensa and I assume that was the point. Intensa opens with an aromatic rendition of citrus and a hint of ginger. The cardamom is a key player here and the top accord will get your attention in a good way. Within minutes, the heart makes an entrance with its woodiness compliments of guaiac and cedar. There's a lighthearted mint and herbal accord in there as well that's transparent with the wood bleeding through it. There's a listed neroli note, but I seem to be missing it. The base of Intensa is a relaxed leathery, earthy musk and remnants of citrus with a volume that is indicative of EDC strength formulas. Another nice release from this house.

Hard to believe that Colonia has been around for approximately 80 years. The scent itself is retro, but very pleasant. It is most definitely "cologny" and for whatever reason, I have a low tolerance for this style masculine. However, I also know a good fragrance when I smell one and my preference is put aside to review this. The listed notes are as follows : Sicilian citrus, lavender essence, jasmine, rosemary, vervain, Bulgarian rose, amber and white musk. As soon as you smell it, you can envision the template of this old school genre. The opening comes across as a hybrid lemon that has been submerged in a very soft lavender. Within a few minutes, jasmine marries these two to produce a well blended floral-citric accord on a bed of silky lavender. Quite nice and if only the rose and spice were more pronounced !!! The amber and musk are low key with the musk a notch more apparent initially. The amber is not resinous or of the anamalic variety and when it does manifest, it ...