August Erik Kormann 2008

When August doesn't know what is appropriate for an August (a glance out the window showed this all too often), perhaps Mr. Kormann does. That's what I thought. The reading of the pyramid made me briefly doubt this (lily of the valley?), but whatever - let's go for it!

First impression: Fits. A somewhat bushy Petitgrain, with good greenery and even a few twigs included. The so-called mandarin has a distinct lemony, ungainly sting. But otherwise, the lady feels pleasantly fragrant - no surprise, the chemical environment suits her particularly well. And accordingly, she soon gives up the stubbornness of the beginning. It's all very fresh; I imagine that some other essential oils are helpfully swirling around. Yesss, a bit like Fanta, that's true. However, the Petitgrain adds a shrub-like spiciness that the real Fanta could only dream of. The floral heaviness of lily of the valley holds back quite a bit; without any announcement, I wouldn't have guessed it at all. No wonder - in August?

However, the progression dampens my mood more and more. During the morning, a hint of stale soda gradually creeps into my thoughts. Of course, it's still quite fresh for a while and outwardly impeccable - but unfortunately, from late morning onwards, a creaminess gradually substitutes in, which I find disturbing in this context. Initially, it primarily makes me think of sandalwood, then mainly of a rather straightforward musk that accompanies me well into the evening. Only directly on the skin does a light bitter-citrusy hint, like from citrus fruit peel, linger at least until the afternoon.

All of this feels too offensively chemical to me. Such things are simply made for other noses and therefore cannot comfort me over miserable pretend-summer weather.

Since it is not known whether my sample (many thanks to Gerdi!) is the older or the newer version of the fragrance, I am posting the comment where it has (illustrious and partly enthusiastic!) company; that seems fair to me considering my rather unenthusiastic rating.