![Apicius]()
Apicius
Helpful Review
3
How narcotic is Narcotico?
A promising name, popular fragrance notes – the latest perfume by Meo Fusciuni is worth a close look. And a beautiful picture given by Meo Fuscuni: the cool stone steps of a church in Palermo was where the first spark of inspiration hit the ground.
A perfume by the name of Narcotico can only be one thing: a strong oriental that claims its place somewhere between Opium and Black Afgano. It is patchouli that serves as the backbone in this case, and the topic seems to be how this note can be presented best, and in an up-to-date manner.
Giuseppe Imprezzabile gives us a spectacular opening: I strongly sense the typical earthiness of patchouli, together with an accord that is kind of flowery. Is that carnation? Is there even some fruitiness? For a short moment, we get a glimpse of the green aspects of patchouli that remind me so much of cotton sheets and cold, fresh country air.
A change sets in short before the opulence of this opening could be regarded as too dominant. The fragrance becomes more austere. The patchouli receives a frame that is almost herbaceous, slightly boozy and roughly reminiscent of a good cough syrup. Where does that cool, fresh aspect come from? Is there mint?
So far for the grand opening, however the heart note comes quickly. The earthiness of the patchouli steps aside. Now, there is sternness and sobriety fencing in the patchouli – hard and solid as the cold stone steps of a church entrance. For me, patchouli is something soft and yielding that is always at the brink of melting away. In opposite to that, frankincense is rock solid, straightforward and stern but with depth and providing a good structure.
But we don't get the point if we regard Narcotico as a simple dialogue between these two notes. Resinous aspects step in and from a certain point in the heart notes onwards Narcotico develops a certain close-to-the-body, almost intimate statement, and it is also getting softer again. I suppose that some musks are involved, at least there are hints of a musky powder note.
I could go on describing Narcotico like this but without completely getting the core of it. After several tests I still find new aspects in this perfume. So, how narcotic is Narcotico? A spritz on the left hand – top note as described. Then the change to the heart within half an hour. Then another spritz on the right hand – and I smell (oud) wood and smokiness, a complete different fragrance!
Narcotico eludes to be described, but nevertheless it embraces and tenders its wearer. It is not a well-defined fragrance that you can wear in front of you as if it was a shield. Narcotico will involve your own bodily odour, it will betray your sense of smell depending on situation and momentary state. This is what makes Narcotico so lively and interesting. It is always a stroke of luck when a perfumer creates a fragrance that can be perceived so individually by different people and at different times.
So far for its qualities. I appreciate it very much if a perfume underlines the physical presence of a person – and erotic attractiveness – in such a brilliant way as Narcotico does. This is what I want to smell at others, and also on myself. Personally, I would see its sex-appeal more on the masculine side.
I would like to thank Meo Fusciuni for sending me a sample and letting me experience this attractive fragrance.