Bergamask Orto Parisi 2014

As with all fragrances by Alessandro Gualtieri (who is also behind Nasomatto), Bergamask is likely to polarize - although, due to the chosen composition, less so than other creations by the avant-garde Italian.

Although Bergamasco is also a small town in northern Italy (I don't know if that was decisive in the naming), the name "Bergamask" points to the two key fragrance ingredients: bergamot and musk. According to Fragrantica, there are also hints of lemon, lavender, lily of the valley, orange blossom, tonka bean, and cedar.

If you're expecting a clean fresh scent, you might be mistaken. Bergamask is a sillage and longevity beast that fortunately does not drift into the animalic territory often mentioned here. The citrus notes - especially the bergamot - are consistently present throughout, but they do not poke or bite. Perhaps one should speak of overripe fruits here, which have lost some of their fresh kick. The musk base is also consistently present, but it neither comes across as particularly clean nor sweaty in any way.

How Gaultieri has "tinkered" with these two extremely popular fragrance notes is once again a case for itself! :-) Personally, I really like this scent, but not always, and I wouldn't wear it on hot summer days. It has a bit of a "dirty" quality to it without becoming unpleasant. In any case, it is unmistakable and reminds me most of something from the Escentric line by Geza Schön.

I would love to share what feeling Bergamask evokes in me and what associations... but somehow I can't manage that. So if you're curious, it's best to just try it out!