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Elysium
1
A caress by a strong sunlight under a light breeze
I think I have almost all of the "Cerruti 1881" scent collection, from the original one to its flankers. Essentiel is a non-linear cologne, which goes through a citrus-spicy-green-earthy route, similar to a walk in the shade of pines and cypresses, on a beautiful sunny day, not far from the Mediterranean. Like all my recent purchases, this is another blind buy and I am not disappointed about it.
To my nose, it opens up with a blast of Italian acidulous fruits, the radiant bergamot and the sparkling mandarin peels are outstanding, and the bitter grapefruit that balances the sweetness, all supported by the pencil shaving accord from the base's cedar wood. There is a sense of Burberry Brit Summer and Eclat d'Arpege pour Homme in there, the citrus overture is pretty similar, allegedly Sonia Constant likes that kind of citrus accord, and so do I. I would imagine the sunrise reflected in that citrusy start. A rather nice green citrus fragrance. Unlike some, I didn't find the citrus too overpowering but actually quite nice.
Once the senses are aroused, spicy notes of pink pepper, aromatic basil, and green Artemisia come to play. I do find the herbaceous notes quite strong, which I wasn't really expecting for some reason and I was so keen on the initial blast. Like his precious elder 1881, born in 1990, 1881 Essential distilled in his heart a tangy and invigorating note of pink berries that brings its touch of vitality.
Finally, the woody notes of 1881 were reworked for this 1881 Essential around the cedar wood as well as with the deep and sensual notes of vetiver and oakmoss, which contributes to simple, elegant pleasures, emphasizing spicy and citrusy sophistication. In the dry down, both cedar and vetiver release a trail that is nearly indistinguishable from Cuir Vetiver by Yves Rocher, another great creation of Sonia Constant. The vetiver is soft, creamy, smooth, ain't pungent or earthy as in Vetiver by Guerlain for instance.
My take on this: 1881 Essentiel is a pleasant citrusy-woody fragrance, composed for manly-man, however suitable for women. It is a daily fragrance, yet with a long-lasting aroma, truly intense and aromatic. The best season is Spring, the mild and gentle accord is perfect for these cool-warm days. Early morning thru evening is the best time frame for wearing it, good for leisure and office but too weak for clubbing and night out.
-Elysium
Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
Elysium
