Interesting what one can stumble upon in foreign bathrooms.
A forgotten bottle, wrapped in blue plastic, almost empty, piqued my curiosity.
After some research, it became clear that this is the travel size, which is also depicted here, as was common in the early 90s with several fragrances. Back then, I owned travel sizes, meaning plastic-coated bottles, from Nike Sport Fragrance and Trussardi Action Uomo, and I actually liked taking them on trips due to their small size and additional breakage protection.
The scent here was completely unknown to me until now, and I have hardly any information about its market placement. It seems that the fragrance has become quite rare and is now offered at steep prices.
It's a shame, really, because this one deserves a more in-depth exploration.
It starts off bitter-fresh-citrusy and presents itself very elegantly. There’s an impression of bitter orange, grapefruit, and perhaps a more robust bergamot. An interesting fresh-cooling note reminds me of mint or fresh chamomile, but maybe there's another kitchen herb involved, according to the pyramid I studied later, it would likely be tarragon. Biagiotti Uomo's opening is somewhat similar.
The mid-phase is spicy-fresh and indeed Mediterranean, much like one might find in an Acqua di Parma, but without the same intensity.
Later, the scent takes on a slightly soapy twist, which doesn’t come off as powdery but rather is accompanied by a sour note. This reminds me of Ungaro II or the Homme de Gres After Shave. Quite pleasant and not as "flat" as the two mentioned.
In the end, a subtle floral and slightly sweet component emerges on the skin, reminiscent of the style found in Platinum Egoiste, without it smelling directly like that.
In summary, an elegant, fresh-spicy fragrance with a slightly cologne-like finish, where the herb-citrusy-minty opening is the most exciting part for me.
Unfortunately, I find it difficult to expand on the experiences; I made two attempts to obtain intact minis, but in both cases, the top note was virtually gone and had decayed in favor of something humid-powdery, with the soapy element strongly in the foreground. My willingness to take the risk of investing in an expensive original bottle remains low, so I will probably file it away as an interesting experience. Or should I try again?
