Special No. 127

Original Gentlemen's Cologne

Floris 1890

For a long time, I contemplated whether I should really share how I came by my bottle. But since every fragrance acquisition has its own little story, I don't want to withhold this one. Just over a year ago, I discovered a three-quarters full bottle of Floris No. 127 at a flea market from a, let's say, more mature woman who was selling a few valuable items from her household. It was early in the morning - so there weren't many people around, and the impeccable bottle wasn't sitting in the blazing July sun - and after a quick test, I was able to call the fragrance my own for just eight euros.

Initially, I considered either selling it for a profit or trading it for another valuable perfume. However, over time, I found myself sniffing the sprayer repeatedly and ultimately decided to keep it and use it the following summer.

This current summer of 2020 is certainly different from what was usual and planned, but I still enjoy my No. 127. What recently convinced me for personal use is this concentrated top note of bitter oranges, petitgrain, and bergamot with that typically English lavender touch. Beautifully classic and valuable, as if one were enjoying their Earl Grey in a shady spot in the garden on a summer day.
Surrounding me are blooming lavender, geranium, and ylang-ylang, whose scent is subtly carried into the nose by a refreshing breeze.
A little later, the fruity impressions fade, but what remains is this noble, soapy presence with a hint of patchouli.

The fascinating thing about No. 127 is this simultaneous refreshment of the spirits through orange and petitgrain, as well as the calming effect of the delicate soapy lavender-rose-ylang-ylang combination. Especially in this quality and intensity without being overdone. Even though the projection fades relatively quickly, the longevity easily lasts for 8 hours.

Now one might naturally wonder how authentic the current version is compared to 1890, that is, over 130 years ago. I do think that they have reformulated it quite a bit, yet the Eau de Toilette still feels just as classic as it does contemporary. No question: a vibrant gentlemen's fragrance that seems more suited for the more mature crowd with a sense of nostalgia and poetry.