Neroli Woods Banana Republic 2018

Banana Republic seems to take its perfume names seriously. Or perhaps its customers.

So far, I know three fragrances from this brand: Oud Mosaic actually smells like Oud, Vintage Green has a really crisp green scent (even if it’s not Vintage), and Neroli Woods smells like Neroli (orange blossom). Only “Woods,” meaning woods, is not present. However, it likely refers to a forest of orange trees in full bloom.

This orange blossom leans towards 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser. Not towards Petit Matin, where it comes across as quite synthetic (but good!).

Neroli Woods is a classic scent for Neroli lovers! Neroli is in the foreground and is only lightly complemented by fresh mandarin and bright musk.

I cannot perceive any similarities with Creed's Original Vetiver, as has been hinted here. There, the orange blossom is part of an overall composition; here, it stands out as a solo instrument. Only in the shared ambered musk finish do they come a bit closer.

Neroli is a lovely fragrance ingredient with a relaxing effect. On its own, Neroli smells rather dull and needs some fresh or green support. This has been implemented here so subtly that one almost has the impression of only smelling Neroli.

Only when one has, for example, turned away in horror from the simple Spanish Nenuco baby water does one realize that Neroli has been excellently complemented here, making it wearable, interesting, and pleasant.

No surprises, no standout, but a lovely summer scent for Neroli enthusiasts.

I will keep the bottle because it was not expensive and because I do occasionally crave orange blossom.

And when this orange blossom is offered in such a wonderful, heavy, high-quality bottle, one can only say: A good product at a very good price. (As long as it stays under 35 euros. However, I also understand anyone who is willing to pay more.)