Superuomo Re Profumo 2014

I do not know how the (conceptualized by Nietzsche) Übermensch, which is called "superuomo" in the Italian translation, smells. Since the philosopher with the impressive mustache also spoke of the "blonde beast" in this context, we may assume a strictly animalistic odor, possibly overshadowed by the precious fragrances that he violently robbed from the decadent herd people, who were tainted by slave morality, and generously poured over his blonde head.

This scent definitely smells different. And it does not smell (at least in the opening) as the fragrance pyramid would suggest. One imagines an explosion of citrus freshness, additionally spiced up by red pepper. Instead, there is an overhead note here that is highly peculiar, but certainly not zesty. My first thought was "pencil graphite," then I actually think of wax; yes, the scent is so waxy that I (no joke) feel a dull sensation in my throat, as if liquid candle wax had been poured on it, which is now solidifying. Then a slight tingling appears, which is less peppery and not citrusy at all, but rather reminiscent of champagne (or perhaps a mineral water from a spa). The whole thing comes across as exceptionally distinguished, noble, refined, like an extremely well-groomed, indeed extremely refined aristocratic gentleman with gloves and a cane.

Only after that does this not unpleasant, but still highly unconventional, equally over-niche scent then gain momentum into more familiar waters, and something like a familiar fragrance pyramid develops, first an almost normal (restrained) citrus phase, then a warm-sweet-spicy-full episode, and then, again somewhat unexpectedly, a kind of "underbase," which presents itself to me as herbal, almost fruity, and once again spritzier and more citrusy.

The scent has good, at least decent longevity, but only moderate sillage, which further emphasizes the impression of noble restraint.

I would not want to wear the scent, as this very noble initial phase seems to me personally too refined. In the waxy note, I occasionally sense the "waxy complexion" (as a sign of poor health) or even the waxy death mask, which opens associations of weakness and decay that I do not particularly appreciate in a worn fragrance. For me, a "Übermensch" bursting with vitality would have been distinctly more desirable.