Log in

Alhambra by Paolo Gigli

Alhambra

Dobbs
10/05/2013 - 03:00 AM
18
Top Review
10Scent 7.5Longevity 5Sillage 7.5Bottle

From Architectural to Fragrance Artwork

Alhambra - the world-famous castle built in Moorish style in Granada. A perfume bearing this name suggests a rather heavy, powerful, and spicy oriental scent. But none of that applies to this creation by Paolo Gigli.

Completely unaware of the composition of this fragrance, I chose it as the first of the 50 scent samples from Hasi's raffle purely based on its promising name. I was therefore completely surprised when I was initially greeted by an incredibly delicate, fresh hint of rose, shortly followed by the strong scent of (lemon) balm, which is likely due to the interplay of land mint and lemon. The rose and balm then merge in such a way that I initially have the impression of a blend of pure essential oils, which would emit a soothing touch of wellness in a fragrance lamp or in the form of a high-quality massage oil. It smells incredibly pleasant, but also has something "healthy" about it that doesn't quite fit with a perfume.

But ultimately, Alhambra is far from finished, and what is happening on my skin now is a grand olfactory spectacle. The other ingredients can hardly be distinguished individually, but they are finely tuned to ensure that the initially purely ethereal quality of the fragrance increasingly gains creaminess, warmth, and softness, without losing the freshness of the opening, which still lingers as a delicate whisper above everything. The base can truly only be described as sensual - subtle amber and musk, just barely recognizable as such, enveloped in fine cream, the whole thing bright and light, even minimally green from a drop of vetiver, yet still with depth.

Can anyone still follow me? I find myself in a similar situation as Turandot; the scent experience is hard to put into words. However, I can now establish the connection to the name. Even though I have not yet seen the Alhambra in person, I feel that I can find the scent reflected in the images of this magnificent structure: during the virtual stroll through the expansive gardens and water basins (the freshness and clarity of the opening), through the light-filled colonnades (the increasing creaminess in the heart note) into the elaborately designed interiors with the finely crafted, detail-rich vaulted ceilings, which find their correspondence in the sensual, ambered base.

It was not difficult for me to add this treasure to my wish list, even though the realization of this wish will still take quite a while given the price.
Translated · Show originalShow translation
14 Comments
LoveluxuryLoveluxury 10 years ago
I tested it today, way too fresh for me... but of course, a TROPHY for you, well written... Cheers!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
FittleworthFittleworth 11 years ago
Beautiful! Wonderful comment! Trophy!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
GaukeleyaGaukeleya 12 years ago
I just saw your great comment! Piggy bank trophy, so it can be yours soon :-D
Translated · Show originalShow translation
PaloneraPalonera 12 years ago
A few years ago, I had the chance to visit the Alhambra, and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of its gardens, its graceful architecture, its intricate details, and its external strength - it seems perfectly captured in the fragrance.
Translated · Show originalShow translation
AuraAura 12 years ago
Oh great! Hasi is going to plunge us all into poverty with her samples. I've already added something to my wishlist, and I just started testing... and now you come along with this comment and get me even more hooked!!!! ;o)
Translated · Show originalShow translation
ParfumAholicParfumAholic 12 years ago
Just for the term "Nasenkino," you deserve a trophy! Great description of what seems to be a very complex fragrance, but it won't make it to me because of the ouds. Congrats on the awesome comment and the new addition to your WL!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
YataganYatagan 12 years ago
Rose and lemon balm sound very delicious.
Translated · Show originalShow translation
HasiHasi 12 years ago
Wonderful comment!!!!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
KleopatraKleopatra 12 years ago
Great comment! A fragrance I don't know beautifully described! Passing the trophy over!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
RosedeReshtRosedeResht 12 years ago
Thank you for this beautiful description! Especially how you connected and presented the name really piqued my curiosity. Now I absolutely have to try it... I’m afraid I might really like it :)
Translated · Show originalShow translation
LilienfeldLilienfeld 12 years ago
I once received this treasure from our Sue :) I'm in love with the scent, the bottle, and everything else, so I passed it on. It's the most beautiful (rose) geranium oud I know! Now it's back on my wishlist because of your lovely comment :-)
Translated · Show originalShow translation
PlutoPluto 12 years ago
Wonderfully described!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
ClarissaClarissa 12 years ago
Very nice comment, you've piqued my curiosity about this fragrance...!
Translated · Show originalShow translation
TurandotTurandot 12 years ago
I can relate word for word - this is truly a star in the fragrance sky.
Translated · Show originalShow translation