Agua Fresca Citrus Cedro Adolfo Dominguez 2018

The so-called "classic" "Agua Fresca" by Adolfo Dominguez has many supporters on Parfumo, and I am one of them. A robust Spanish barbershop with pine, a natural feel, and an embedded sense of Spain.
"Citrus Cedro" has, despite the name, not much in common with this "Agua Fresca." To my nose, it is very clearly inspired by Dior's "Homme Cologne," and could almost be considered a spicier, "more Spanish" interpretation of the French freshie.
I used to love wearing "Homme Cologne" in the summer of 2013, but I quickly grew tired of it. It felt a bit too artificial and had a too simplistic scent progression.
"Citrus Cedro" is the better "Homme Cologne": Its opening is practically identical to Dior. Blue-citrusy-plastic-grapefruit. A transparent citrus note with too much lab flavor.
The heart note then becomes floral like the Dior - it also smells practically identical - but is a bit more pleasant to me. Because Dominguez has added spice and character. Pepper and ginger are present, but it's more of an abstract spicy woodiness. Perfume ginger, indeed. It cleverly reduces the "grapefruit blossom" artificial sweetness that I have come to despise in the Dior Cologne. "Citrus Cedro" is also significantly more masculine here than the androgynous Dior.
Base: Light musk, fresh-abstract cedar, which I hardly perceive despite the name, and as the previous comment also notes, a bit of incense. Here too, something paradoxical: somehow the same drydown as the Cologne. But with skill, an additional Spanish-masculine layer has been added.
Price-wise, it is significantly more advantageous than Dior; Dominguez is composed and produced in-house at Puig, and you can tell that absolute professionals are at work here with the entire palette of fragrance materials. The price says nothing about the quality; it simply lacks the advertising and the Dior premium.
Anyone who likes Homme Cologne should not hesitate to try this alternative, which overall feels a bit rounder and more natural. And those who enjoy "Agua Fresca" might also appreciate the small reminiscences of it in this distinctly "more modern" scent.