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Acqua Classica Borsari 1870 1880

7.7 / 10 74 Ratings

A popular perfume by Borsari 1870 for men, released in 1880. The scent is fresh-citrusy. The production was apparently discontinued.
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Main accords

Fresh

Citrus

Spicy

Green

Woody

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Orange

Bergamot

Lime

Heart Notes

Basil

Rosemary

Base Notes

Ginger

Ivy

Ratings

Scent

7.774 Ratings

Longevity

5.554 Ratings

Sillage

4.849 Ratings

Bottle

6.849 Ratings

Submitted by DeGe53 · last update on 03/29/2024.

Source-backed & verified

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Acqua di Genova

Mediterraneo Eau de Toilette

Grand Néroli

Colonia Eau de Cologne

Bergamotto Marino

Monsieur Balmain (1990)

Reviews

6 in-depth fragrance descriptions

11/19/2021

5.5Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

ChicoRoch1
163 Reviews

ChicoRoch1

2

Mid century fougere

Opens with a bitter petitgrain supported by a spicy lavender. Then it will slowly morph into a soapy Woody base with a noticeable presence of a stunning greenish oakmoss note. A work of art to say the least. Also what is most noteworthy is the duality I'll clean and skank here which I always appreciate, and I can a tribute to the generous quantity of the aforementioned labdanum and myrrh. It's spectacular and what draws me in more and more it lies close enough to the skin so that it isn't overbearing, but it definitely hums for a good while, creating hey both cozy and seductive aura. I we'll be reaching for this come autumn for cool nights when I want to be wrapped in a warm dry aromatic animalic embrace. I thank you! ;

12/25/2012

7.5Scent

Moriarty
150 Reviews

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Moriarty

Top Review 12

High-quality noble classic and still affordable!

One of my new discoveries of the year is undoubtedly Borsari 1870; it's hard to believe that the Italians have gone unnoticed by my eyes and nose until now, considering I have a certain fondness for the often noble things from Southern Europe - whether in terms of fashion, perfumery & cosmetics, or even haute cuisine, which I believe is more at home here than in France. On the other hand, the response here or in this country shows that this brand still lacks significant standing - likely in contrast to the USA. Unjustly so, as can already be noted.

Tradition has a name here, and classicism is clearly to be seen in the sense of timelessness - a beautifully light elegance that is incredibly affordable and still of high quality. "Assenzio" from Borsari, for example, combines plum and pear so damn well with incense that the latter ingredient, which personally evokes rather dreary associations for me as a Catholic, doesn't even bother me; this combination feels extremely harmonious.

"Acqua Classica," on the other hand, clearly leans towards Cologne and is for me one of the best of its kind. The wonderful lightness of being shines through here. A wonderfully natural blend of orange, bergamot, and lime creates an opening that teleports you to the growing regions of these "citrus" plants. Simply delightful! The sun shines on the ripe fruits, allowing their aroma to fully rise into the nostrils.

Following this is a subtle and never intrusive herbal note, which I am glad to have in this restrained expression. I do not like "herb-heavy" colognes. Nevertheless, I do not want to miss this lightly natural spiciness of basil and rosemary. The whole thing is nicely rounded off by the more contemporary ginger note and a green aroma, likely ivy. Those who find this hard to grasp can rest assured, as "Acqua Classica" also has measure and purpose here.

Nothing is "over the top"; the ingredients are allowed to work naturally without slipping into overly restrained, insubstantial spheres. This makes "Acqua Classica" an excellent Cologne that deserves much more attention here, not least because it is outrageously affordable for the quality offered.

04/17/2013

8Scent 2.5Longevity 2.5Sillage

Leimbacher
2874 Reviews

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Leimbacher

Top Review 9

Dress Warm Acqua di Parma! And that in summer...^^

In search of hidden gems, I started a thread here in the forum and received many great tips. Among others, this wonderful Cologne, which is almost completely unknown here. A real alternative or complement to Aqua di Parma. And so much cheaper. Already at "Aus Liebe zum Duft," this good and affordable fragrance caught my eye, but then when searching on Google, I was almost taken aback. I now also have the huge 300 ml atomizer, as it's hard to say no at the current price, I always wanted to try an atomizer, and I don't own Aqua di Parma yet!

AdP fans simply must test this one; it is truly on the level of the classic. Acqua Classica is fresh, relaxed, Italian. Spontaneous, citrusy, classic, elegant. Perfect for summer, no matter how hot or exhausting it is, this fragrance brings back joy, motivation, and lightheartedness. And it’s already so old, but not a bit old-fashioned. Rather absolutely timeless and cool. The scent progression is simple: great citrus mix - fine, light spices blend in - the fragrance fades green in ivy. So it could easily be unisex as well.

The large bottle is hefty but a real eye-catcher and probably the current highlight of my collection. Not only because of the atomizer, which looks nice but is by no means as good, precise, and generous as a regular spray head. Still, it's great to see/have something like this. Sillage and longevity are, of course, a significant weakness, but still in the middle range of summer colognes or comparable products. Still, it’s always a shame when this great Cologne says goodbye after just 5 hours. But those 5 hours are to be enjoyed!

A real insider tip for this summer and a classic, refreshing citrus fragrance, with an extremely pleasant balance towards spice!

09/01/2013

9Scent 7.5Longevity 5Sillage

Somebody
227 Reviews

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Somebody

Top Review

Defying the Zeitgeist

Since 1880 unchanged in its formula and still in demand - I call that a truly timeless fragrance.

As a confessed fan of both classics and natural citrus scents, Acqua Classica combines these two preferences in the most successful way.

Now that summer has finally gotten into gear after some initial difficulties, there have been plenty of opportunities to refresh myself with this wonderful cologne, and here too, you can extend the longevity by additionally spraying the scent on your clothing.

In direct comparison with the EdP Eau d'Hadrien by Goutal, Acqua Classica does not need to hide. It lasts at least as long, while remaining just as subtle and close to the skin as one would expect from a citrus-dominated fragrance.
Unlike Goutal, the Borsari is not so one-dimensional, but shows a beautiful progression towards spicy green notes after the bergamot and lime-dominated top note fades, as has already been extensively described in previous comments.
Although classified as masculine, I also see it more in the unisex category.

Regarding the 300 ml bottle with balloon sprayer, I would like to note that while it looks great visually, it is technically completely inadequate. Anyone wanting a decent sprayer that doses precisely and doesn't just release air will unfortunately have to transfer it or should opt for the smaller size with a conventional spray head.

07/01/2013

9Scent 5Longevity 5Sillage

DaveGahan101
534 Reviews

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DaveGahan101

Very helpful Review 3

Acqua di aero...unfortunately..

I think I will now always copy the "concentrate" from Leimbacher's comments and supplement it with my own prose...the comments, views, and scents we test are just too similar:-).

It's a pity that Acqua Classica is not a concentrate. More like a fleeting breeze...unfortunately (purtroppo). I stumbled upon this scent by chance and immediately ordered a 20ml decant. In terms of the scent, I haven't regretted it for a second, but when it comes to longevity/sillage, we are rather at the lower end...tending towards Biotherm Aquafitness. The fragrance starts with a wonderfully pure citrus bergamot note...green and fresh, absolutely refreshing...light..it brings back your spirits at any time of day with the push of a button. You can smell that you have a beautifully crafted scent in front of you, and it’s not just another trendy water that smells like a thousand others. Simply wonderful...also the development when after about 10 minutes the green-plant note comes in...according to the pyramid, ivy and ginger...the word that immediately comes to mind: PURE...unadulterated...pure..nature...! I can't describe it any other way...somehow I am currently very drawn to perfumes (in this case colognes) with natural essences that smell as if there is not a milligram of chemistry or artificial aromas in them (see also the comment "Orange Sanguine").

But now the big BUT. Until now, I had only used the scent at home and after sports. Today it was subjected to its first big test...25 degrees, sunny, in the office, in a suit...always in motion and action, several client appointments one after the other....after 45 minutes I thought I had forgotten to spray the scent on in the morning. But then I remembered that it was at least 8 sprays (I was warned by the comments.)..but it was simply gone...air...nothing...finished..enough.

What a pity...what a pity...what a pity...what a pity...with this scent, you probably have to calculate in liters rather than milliliters and reapply every 2 hours...the corners of my mouth are drooping..

Mhh...I find it hard to evaluate the scent, is it just about the scent itself or does longevity and sillage also belong to the overall experience of a fragrance? For me, I want to smell subtly or even a bit stronger (with fresh scents) throughout the day. I also want to smell fresh after the 3rd or 4th appointment without constantly reapplying...especially since a scent can change so wonderfully on the skin over the hours. From that perspective, the scent would be absolutely unsuitable for me...but on the other hand, "Unterholz" in his comment on Bigarade Concentree said exactly the right thing, whether a good scent can only be measured by its longevity...it cannot...at least when it comes to natural essences. I still don't have a clear opinion on this. Scent clear 100%, sillage & longevity 35%...maybe I should just mix it with Orange Sanguine...then I would have a wonderful southern fruit cocktail with corresponding length...;-) It will probably be the 3rd feel-good scent for home-sofa after Parfumee Rouge, Orange Sanguine. Purtroppo:-( Thank goodness I ordered 100ml from a sharing..mio Dio;-)

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