Florence in Autumn - Comfortably Ambiguous Composed, Cool-Dry Grassy Incense
Why so large? That would be my first question. 250 ml entry size requires a lot of confidence that "Xllence" won't become overwhelming. Especially since it would last me easily 5 years and then... well.
A somewhat cool, gray-looking mix of herbs and incense greets you at the start, the aforementioned citrus notes hardly make an appearance for me.
Actually, "Vetyver Incenso" starts for me in the heart phase, best refreshed by a bit of bergamot and ginger.
Central to the composition, after about 10 minutes, a trio of incense-vetiver-juniper emerges, somewhat dry-fruity, slightly misty-cool, definitely reminiscent of the many churches in Florence, where there always seems to be a hint of incense and somehow a medieval scent lingering.
The vetiver itself presents itself somewhat atypically, plant-like, but more resembling long-dried grass and less lively-vegetal.
Amber is a constant companion during the scenting, embracing the entire arrangement with a velvety, balsamic, subtly sweet aura of comfort.
Towards the base, when the incense takes a step back, there is indeed a somewhat "Terre d'Hermès"-like impression, as the vetiver comes to the forefront, framed rather mineral-like and consistently somewhat cedarwood-like.
However, this scent is somewhat quieter and more aristocratic than the aforementioned Hermès. The woody, cool-incense aspect is more central here, making the entire fragrance fit more into autumnal Florence, when the tourist streams slowly dwindle and the city belongs more to itself again.
A quite coherent and atmospherically beautifully crafted scent with a certain cool Renaissance charm.
Stefanu155 11 years ago