Cæsar Renato Balestra 2015 Eau de Parfum

Caesar begins with fine fresh bergamot and slightly resinous clary sage. Pomegranate at best forms a counterweight in the background, which gives the fragrance something soft and round. Whether the leaves of the myrtle were used to support the delicate eucalyptus-like impression, or whether the flowers are responsible for the light floral note, I cannot decide.

After a few minutes the perception of the resinous and ethereal becomes clearer, it is cypress with mastic resin. The fresh part is now taken over by pepper and chilli.

The cypress smells so authentic that you think you are walking through an Italian landscape. But none where a bird croaks or a wasp buzzes, a blackberry tendril rattles or a little stone presses in the shoe. No, it's a classicistic ideal landscape like in the paintings from the time of the Grand Tour: delicate colours, milky light, shepherds and water bearers at the edge of a ruin. Over it lies a wonderful peace, and with it this perfume presents its wearer.

For several hours Caesar remains gently invigoratingly fresh, warm and a little flowery. Its aura is elegant through and through, it is a forest scent for the gentleman, not for the nature boy.

Sillage and durability are good, but the fragrance is not heavy, so suitable for the office and for the evening, rather autumn to spring.

Those who like resinous fragrances, but not heavy ones, should try to acquire them