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02/14/2021
MrHonest
110 Reviews
MrHonest
Helpful Review
2
Pass the syrup...
Batch #2223 - August 2012 (checkfresh.com)
Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of confusion when it comes to the notes in this fragrance. Fragrantica has the original and concentree versions reversed, while BaseNotes only lists a few, citing fir in the mid. As a result, I'll try to be as descriptive as possible to help clear up some of the disparity; but ultimately, it's always best to just sample the stuff yourself!
First thing's first. Despite the edcc concentration, I find that Baldessarini actually performs far more like an edt in both projection and longevity. Very decent sillage for the first 1-2 hours, and a somewhat perceptible skinscent for another 5 or so. Not bad at all, and a testament to the strength of the synthetics used.
But right from the opening, it's obvious why they called it 'concentree'. From what I can tell, this is essentially a 2 dimensional fragrance - a wonderfully well-blended, underlying base of barbershop-y juniper, mint and warm-spicy aromatics...and an overwhelming BLANKET of concentrated candied orange syrup that seems to smother the composition for a good duration of the fragrance. I recall reading a review or two that mentioned this pressing sweetness, and was desperately hoping that it wasn't true. But it is. And we're not talking a natural orange either! Luckily, the blend gets better with time and distance, as the aromatics seem out-project the dense syrup and bring balance back to the force.
Overall though, as far as designer releases go, it's actually a rather inviting scent. Following that initially syrupy blast of cheap orange/orange blossom ala Ted Lapidus Altamir, there is a clear, and rather excellent blend of what seems to be a piney, almost minty juniper, synthetic tobacco and some kind of warming fog of spice. I certainly don't get cloves or chamomile outright (nor any ambergris or patchouli), but eugenol, geraniol and coumarin are definitely in there. It's also a bit generic, with a sort of barbershop-esque feel, minus the lavender, sandalwood or vanilla. Like something a middle-aged-to-mature man would slap on after a good shave.....and then cover himself with orange syrup? Yeah, no, that part is a bit weird.
But the more I smell it, there's a compound in the mid that I swear I've smelled before, either in Polo or something from the 90s - incredibly familiar, but just out of reach. Nevertheless, the effect is rather comforting, if only to detract from its originality. Definitely more 'traditional' than most Hugo Boss releases (ps my bottle is from M&W), but also more of a reassuring daily "dad" scent rather than a standout, classy gentleman like Lalique's Pour Homme edp. And although it's fairly linear after the orange dials it back, it gets a bit dusty in the far drydown.
Bottom line - the orange syrup is a bit much, but I really like how the light, piney tobacco is done in the base. Not sure I would recommend it though. Wish it projected for a bit longer too. And came in a bigger bottle! Inoffensive, comforting, sweet at times, but grounded all the same. A very decent daily driver from Baldessarini for the understated and responsible man. Who loves his sweet orange candy.............syrup.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of confusion when it comes to the notes in this fragrance. Fragrantica has the original and concentree versions reversed, while BaseNotes only lists a few, citing fir in the mid. As a result, I'll try to be as descriptive as possible to help clear up some of the disparity; but ultimately, it's always best to just sample the stuff yourself!
First thing's first. Despite the edcc concentration, I find that Baldessarini actually performs far more like an edt in both projection and longevity. Very decent sillage for the first 1-2 hours, and a somewhat perceptible skinscent for another 5 or so. Not bad at all, and a testament to the strength of the synthetics used.
But right from the opening, it's obvious why they called it 'concentree'. From what I can tell, this is essentially a 2 dimensional fragrance - a wonderfully well-blended, underlying base of barbershop-y juniper, mint and warm-spicy aromatics...and an overwhelming BLANKET of concentrated candied orange syrup that seems to smother the composition for a good duration of the fragrance. I recall reading a review or two that mentioned this pressing sweetness, and was desperately hoping that it wasn't true. But it is. And we're not talking a natural orange either! Luckily, the blend gets better with time and distance, as the aromatics seem out-project the dense syrup and bring balance back to the force.
Overall though, as far as designer releases go, it's actually a rather inviting scent. Following that initially syrupy blast of cheap orange/orange blossom ala Ted Lapidus Altamir, there is a clear, and rather excellent blend of what seems to be a piney, almost minty juniper, synthetic tobacco and some kind of warming fog of spice. I certainly don't get cloves or chamomile outright (nor any ambergris or patchouli), but eugenol, geraniol and coumarin are definitely in there. It's also a bit generic, with a sort of barbershop-esque feel, minus the lavender, sandalwood or vanilla. Like something a middle-aged-to-mature man would slap on after a good shave.....and then cover himself with orange syrup? Yeah, no, that part is a bit weird.
But the more I smell it, there's a compound in the mid that I swear I've smelled before, either in Polo or something from the 90s - incredibly familiar, but just out of reach. Nevertheless, the effect is rather comforting, if only to detract from its originality. Definitely more 'traditional' than most Hugo Boss releases (ps my bottle is from M&W), but also more of a reassuring daily "dad" scent rather than a standout, classy gentleman like Lalique's Pour Homme edp. And although it's fairly linear after the orange dials it back, it gets a bit dusty in the far drydown.
Bottom line - the orange syrup is a bit much, but I really like how the light, piney tobacco is done in the base. Not sure I would recommend it though. Wish it projected for a bit longer too. And came in a bigger bottle! Inoffensive, comforting, sweet at times, but grounded all the same. A very decent daily driver from Baldessarini for the understated and responsible man. Who loves his sweet orange candy.............syrup.
