Brutus Orto Parisi 2014

03. January 2025: I'm walking through the alleyways of Travestere, Rome, with my girlfriend. Life is buzzing in this settlement, restaurants, cafés and bars are lined up one after the other, trying to outdo each other. However, I noticed a small perfumery there, which of course had to be visited (for those interested, it was Romastore 63, Profumeria Artistica, a niche perfumery like the ones in a picture book).
The first impression made it even more interesting, no Xerjoff and no PDM to be seen. Instead, Nasomatto, Orto Parisi, Gritti and Dyptique were lined up. I only got to know most of the brands as a result.

I met Brutus at this almost perfect location and fell more and more in love with him over the course of the evening. But now to the fragrance itself:

It starts off somewhat challenging with a citrusy, slightly alcoholic note, at first it seems very pungent. It continues to change more and more, becoming softer and more balsamic, somewhat woody and slowly coming to rest. Even if it is one of the lighter fragrances for an Orto Parisi, you have to bring some time with you and allow it to unfold, give it space and the peace to unfold The first 30 minutes of the fragrance are very exciting and artistically well executed, in my opinion. Brutus stings first, then there is hustle and bustle and some confusion before it calms down and becomes more pleasant.
In the drydown, the fragrance is an absolute stunner and reveals its best side. Here it becomes increasingly earthy and mossy. The mossy note in particular is incredibly well presented. Brutus is now standing in a sunset in a field outside Rome, looking out over the vastness of the land, brooding, reflecting on what has just happened.

What is also special about Brutus is that it never really comes to rest, until it fades the fragrance is still partially different, the earthy-mossy basic structure remains the same, but sometimes also reveals itself with a sweet or creamy component.

As usual with Orto Parisi, the longevity is of course also outstanding; I can still feel the fragrance on my skin after >16 hours. Sillage is more restrained compared to other OP fragrances, but generally still very good.

For me, Brutus was my entry into the niche world and will always have a special place. I generally consider it a very good introduction to the fragrances of Alessandro Gualtieri and can recommend it to everyone for testing. I would generally advise against blind purchases, but especially with Gualtieri fragrances.
Last but not least, if Brutus were a song, it would be Now We Are Free by Hans Zimmer - the theme tune to the first "Gladiator" part. The scent would also fit the main character perfectly...

In that sense: My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the Armies of the North. General of the Felix Legions. Loyal servant to the true Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife - and I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.

See you then.