On the packaging of the original sample spray, it says: Extrait de Parfum. I was curious and excited to test the sample I received with a perfume delivery from NEOS, Caserta CE Italy.
From the descriptions, I gathered that the perfumer? founded both the Jovoy and Jéroboam brands.
Gozo refers to the Maltese island of Gozo. The fragrance "Gozo," as I gathered from the description, is supposed to reflect the character of the island.
An island in the Mediterranean with a Mediterranean climate and flair. It has been inhabited by the Phoenicians, followed by Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, Brits, and French, and its culture and descendants certainly contain a bit of everything. So, the contrasting cultures, people, and languages from Africa and Europe are united on the island. Along with the sunny Mediterranean island with its aromas, scents, graceful yet opulent.
I kept the inspiration, the origin of the name, and the full-bodied description that is expressed in the fragrance brief. I only read this after I had tested "Gozo" and am still testing it.
In retrospect, I could therefore raise the price-performance ratio if it is indeed a true Extrait de Parfum. NEOS only offers 30 ml bottles. And with the intensity and longevity of the fragrance, one can expect to enjoy it for a long time.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I am thrilled with "Gozo." In my opinion, it is also not an innovative fragrance.
I immediately had the impression that "Gozo" is a scent similar to Extreme No. 1 by ALzD. However, it lacks the tobacco scent (which I do not miss). Gozo is indeed opulent but not overloaded with too many fragrance notes.
I find the top note extremely strong and overwhelming. Gozo starts with an extremely sweet candied orange note, fruity, metallic, which I attribute to the saffron in this case. I do not like saffron in fragrances or food. I can only tolerate the peculiar scent of saffron.
When I asked my husband, he found "Gozo" very beautiful; he liked the mix. And in his judgment, he did not randomly guess the perfume notes, which he often does when he cannot relate to a fragrance and does not know what it smells like to him:
So he did not mention, as he often does, white flowers like lily of the valley or jasmine. Moreover, he did not say, as is often the case: "This is a very strong scent!"
No, he said quite delighted: "What a beautiful fragrance, I smell sweet aromatic ripe oranges and something else, I can't quite place it, oh yes, somehow like almonds." He did not smell anything metallic.
That would be the top note.
After a short while, "Gozo" becomes calmer, the sweetness recedes, "Gozo" remains soft-fruity, bright. An oriental fruity sweetness from dates, dried figs, candied citrus fruits, apricots - something like that. The sillage is medium strong. A distinct bitter almond note appears. It could also be tonka.
Now I like "Gozo" much better. Especially because I particularly enjoy the scent of bitter almonds.
And because "Gozo" is no longer so extremely overwhelming. Or "opulent," as described by "NEOS," a characteristic of the island "Gozo." Oriental fits the fragrance "Gozo" perfectly.
The best part of "Gozo" for me is the base.
"Gozo" indeed becomes more graceful, even though all the previously mentioned fragrance notes are still perceptible. I also perceive balsamic-resinous notes and a beautiful woody note. Occasionally, I think I can also faintly detect hints of beautiful incense.
In the base, "Gozo" has not only distanced itself from "Extreme No. 1" but has completely dissolved.
"Gozo" is definitely a gourmand.
Even though "Ambroxan" is listed in the pyramid, which I usually perceive and cannot stand at all, I did not smell it at any time during the tests. And not after the fragrance faded, which usually leaves a dull aftertaste with Ambroxan for me.
I also do not perceive any flowers or vanilla.
The sillage is medium strong after the glaring start. The longevity is not excessively long.
It is not my perfume direction, yet I can say that it is a well-made, quite noble, and elegantly composed gourmand.
As I see, there are some users here who have the fragrance on their wish and watch list.
If you want a good gourmand, "Gozo" is definitely an option.