Today I
will be discussing the unbeatable (at least by modern standards) Acqua di
Colonia by the renowned perfume house of Lorenzo Villoresi. While not a “classic”
in the sense of age as it was released around 1996, it does it better than any
classical citrus eau de cologne available on the market today. If we were
travel back to the 18th Century with a bottle, I have no doubt it would be
instantly recognizable to the ruling classes for its brilliance, simplicity,
and superb ingredients. Remember, a good cologne lives and dies by the quality
of its citrus oils.
I am aware
that traditional eaus do not excite the modern palette, but once must make a
concerted effort to at least experience and enjoy Acqua di Colonia for what it
is—a light, refreshing citrus cologne with herbal and light musky aspects with
the hauntingly and too often poorly portrayed neroli flower. Surprisingly,
Villoresi uses a bit of vegetal ambrette seed musk to add depth and extend the
fragrance a couple of hours since the original deer musk is no longer
available.
The only
cologne I have ever found to be comparable is vintage Farina Gegenuber (about
which I will post in the future and naturally own a couple of flacons), which
unfortunately, has not be produced since the 1960s, which undoubtedly fell out
of style in the age of Eau Sauvage and Paco Rabanne.
Acqua di
Colonia is certainly worth at least a sampling and I think you will be
pleasantly surprised. I would buy now since this is a title that is not likely
to endure and will likely face a monstrous price increase given the higher than
gold prices of many of the ingredients used.
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