Today I would like to introduce you to a fragrance that is very dear to me. Although its ingredients may seem simple at first glance, it is nevertheless difficult to put into words - a paradox that speaks to its special magic.
As a child, I never had direct contact with frankincense in church. I think this is because it is more celebrated in the Catholic Church, while I grew up in the Protestant Church. Nevertheless, frankincense has always fascinated me in the world of fragrances. There are so many different varieties, each with its own character - a diversity that I find incredibly exciting. Many associate frankincense with sacred spaces, with churches or temples, and I also have a personal memory that I would like to share later.
My first impression of Via dell'Incenso
I discovered the fragrance just before Christmas in Düsseldorf when I wanted to treat my wife and myself to something nice. I was already familiar with the brand but had not tested any of their fragrances until then. So, I had various scents from the brand presented to me - and then came Via dell'Incenso. As soon as I sprayed it, I stopped and consciously took the time to let it unfold on me.
Only a few fragrances have the power to transport you so immediately to another world as Via dell'Incenso does. From the very first spray, an aura of sacred calm and elevated elegance unfolds. However, this frankincense scent is not a heavy, dark church; it is a modern, refined interpretation that is surprisingly multifaceted and wearable.
For me, this fragrance is inseparably linked to a very special place: the historic monastery "Ermita de Sant Salvador" on Puig Sant Salvador in the municipality of Felanitx in southeastern Mallorca. Whenever I smell Via dell'Incenso, memories of this unique place come flooding back. An absolute insider tip for anyone visiting Mallorca!
Now let’s talk about the fragrance development:
The opening surprises with an unexpected freshness. Zesty lemon and bergamot create a bright, almost sparkling moment, perfectly balanced by the slightly resinous dryness of cedar. No worries, Via dell'Incenso is by no means a classic citrus fragrance. This freshness serves rather as a perfect introduction, allowing the frankincense to settle lightly on the skin.
After a few minutes, the fragrance unfolds further. A sweet, creamy nuance comes to the forefront. It comes from the vanilla flower, which gives the frankincense a gentle, almost balsamic depth. As a result, it never feels too strict or dry. The vanilla is a brilliant addition here, making the fragrance soft and rounded. The orchid, on the other hand, I hardly perceive personally.
In the base, the frankincense shows itself in all its glory. But instead of being oppressively heavy, it remains airy and elevated. Carried by the warm, slightly smoky depth of guaiac wood. The pine brings a resinous, almost green freshness into play, reminiscent of Mediterranean forests. This combination creates a lasting presence that never feels intrusive.
A fitting comparison would be the Berserker by Marc Gebauer. In my opinion, both fragrances are very similar. However, Via dell'Incenso is perfectly balanced: The vanilla makes it pleasantly creamy and soft, while the pine provides freshness without making the fragrance feel cool. A wonderfully balanced frankincense scent with character! The Berserker, on the other hand, feels cold, more in-your-face, and angular.
The longevity and sillage:
The longevity is excellent. Via dell'Incenso effortlessly lasts 6-8 hours on the skin and clings to clothing even longer. Initially, I found the rather subtle sillage unusual, but over time I have come to appreciate it. A more intense fragrance development might have felt overwhelming - both for me and for those around me. As it is, it is perfect: The frankincense remains ever-present but never overwhelming.
My comparison with other fragrances:
Marc Gebauer - Berserker: Another great frankincense fragrance that closely resembles Via dell'Incenso. However, Berserker feels colder, more angular, and not as harmoniously balanced.
Amouage - Interlude Man: Both fragrances share the distinctive frankincense DNA, but Interlude Man is significantly heavier, smokier, and has an almost impenetrable intensity. Via dell'Incenso, on the other hand, remains brighter, more elegant, and modern.
Comme des Garçons - Avignon: Avignon embodies an extremely dry, sacred frankincense scent, while Via dell'Incenso gains more complexity and a softer, more accessible aura through floral and citrus notes.
My conclusion about the fragrance:
Via dell'Incenso is a masterful interpretation of frankincense. The artistic balance between fresh lightness and creamy frankincense note is perfectly calibrated. It feels elegant, never overwhelming, yet remains characterful. For frankincense lovers, it offers a wonderfully wearable alternative to the often heavy and dominant frankincense compositions found in niche perfumery.
And it always reminds me of the monastery in Mallorca where I had a wonderful experience.
Top Notes 
Cedar
Lemon
Bergamot
Heart Notes 
Cashmeran
Coriander
Elemi resin
Base Notes 
Frankincense
Pine
Gaiac wood
Mozz90
Yatagan
Pluto
Stulle
Heikeso
Ergoproxy
Kovex
Chizza
Augusto
Rieke2021
