03/03/2025

Merlotsupern
76 Reviews

Merlotsupern
Top Review
7
The Scent of Effortless Elegance (and Freshly Pressed Suits)
Perfumer Michel Almairac is no stranger to crafting refined, effortlessly sophisticated fragrances (including Joop! :D), and with Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense, he delivers an entry-level niche scent that punches well above its price point... especially if you snag it from a discounter (which you should).
At first spray, you’re met with an airy effervescence, like the pop of a dry champagne cork, but instead of a raucous celebration, this one’s happening in a meticulously tailored Italian suit. There’s an almost crisp, freshly ironed fabric quality, evoking that satisfying feeling of putting on a pressed dress shirt. The listed notes include tangerine, saffron, and oud, but don’t expect an overpowering Middle Eastern-style oud bomb. Here, it’s tamed and smoothed out, adding depth rather than drama. Interestingly, there’s no mention of cedarwood in the notes, but I’d bet there’s some sneaky clean, woody nuance giving it structure.
Performance is solid at 6-8 hours, with a moderate but steady projection (for 1-2 hours) that never overwhelms, making it a safe yet distinctive choice for the office. It’s one of those rare fragrances that works year-round, shifting from summer linen to winter wool. Versatile, polished, and wearable, this is the scent of a guy who doesn’t need to flex.
If you’re looking for a gateway into niche perfumery without the niche price tag, Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense is a smart choice.
At first spray, you’re met with an airy effervescence, like the pop of a dry champagne cork, but instead of a raucous celebration, this one’s happening in a meticulously tailored Italian suit. There’s an almost crisp, freshly ironed fabric quality, evoking that satisfying feeling of putting on a pressed dress shirt. The listed notes include tangerine, saffron, and oud, but don’t expect an overpowering Middle Eastern-style oud bomb. Here, it’s tamed and smoothed out, adding depth rather than drama. Interestingly, there’s no mention of cedarwood in the notes, but I’d bet there’s some sneaky clean, woody nuance giving it structure.
Performance is solid at 6-8 hours, with a moderate but steady projection (for 1-2 hours) that never overwhelms, making it a safe yet distinctive choice for the office. It’s one of those rare fragrances that works year-round, shifting from summer linen to winter wool. Versatile, polished, and wearable, this is the scent of a guy who doesn’t need to flex.
If you’re looking for a gateway into niche perfumery without the niche price tag, Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense is a smart choice.