Cologne Indélébile Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle 2015

The title reveals what this is likely about. Are you looking for a scent from the past? Price range around 100-150€? Is Cologne your favorite city? Then Cologne Indélébile is probably exactly what you are looking for.

There aren't many words to say about this fragrance. I was quite disappointed when I tested it a bit more closely today, because I thought to myself, "Man, this is probably going to be another Mallorca hit," and then this. Actually, I really like the Editions de Parfums line and can't say much negative about this fragrance here, only that it was already "mixed" hundreds of years ago (estimated 200-300 years). Two main things bother me about this creation: copying existing fragrances and shooting oneself in the foot with that, especially from a niche brand that I hold in such high regard.

The scent progression is exactly the same as "4711." It starts citrusy with the neroli and then gains a little freshness afterward. The somewhat piercing scent of 4711 is not found here, which was well executed. But is the significantly higher price worth it? In my eyes, no, especially since there are many people who view 4711 as a scent for retirees, even though it is so timeless.

My comment isn't necessarily long or really profound, but it doesn't need to be for this fragrance. If you want to see the development, please look at "Echt Kölnisch Wasser" and imagine the piercing citrus scent significantly softened and made more elegant, then add about 100€ on top, and you have Cologne Indélébile. Not a fragrance you absolutely have to test; it's too lacking in creativity for that. However, I associate 4711 with beautiful or less beautiful childhood memories, like when you made a quick stop at a rest area restroom just before your vacation destination and wiped your hands with the well-known towels because the faucet in the toilet was once again not working or someone exploded during their daily business. That comforting feeling of being able to clean your fingers after those bacterial breeding grounds that are actually called rest area toilets, where Pseudomonas and Legionella probably shake hands, was the best thing that could happen to you after such a toilet visit. Cologne Indélébile now sits with me as a sample/refill, and whenever I feel like something infectious is growing here, I will have to dig out this fragrance to remind myself of the hygienic times on the highway.