Braggi Revlon 1966 Eau de Cologne

Braggi opens with a brief touch of bergamot citrus before quickly transitioning to its heart. As the composition reaches its early heart the bergamot completely vacates, as an ashy oakmoss and patchouli tandem asserts itself as the early star with natural smelling cedarwood joining mild herbs in support. As the composition makes its way through its middle, the herb-laced ashy oakmoss and patchouli tandem switches to a supporting position as rough leather emerges to take the fore. During the late dry-down the oakmoss regains its position as star, now sans patchouli with the cedar and leather now co-stars though the finish. Projection is average and longevity just shy of average at 6-7 hours on skin.

Braggi has proved a very pleasant surprise. The limited amount of web-based information available on the long since discontinued relatively obscure composition is all over the map. Some say the composition resembles original Polo (the vintage good stuff), others say it is Aramis that the composition resembles and the two respective camps apparently think the others are nuts... In truth, I can smell a little of both of these benchmarks in Braggi. Early-on, the part of Polo that I could pick out was the ashy, dry tobacco-like aspect derived in Braggi from the oakmoss and patchouli in the early heart section. Then later-on, when the moderately rough leather comes out there is no denying the Aramis connection, though the leather in Braggi is a bit smoother, lighter and easier to wear. By the time the composition reaches its late dry-down it smells like neither, but the oakmoss and cedar-led finish is definitely not lacking in its charms, equaling the positive experience of the rest of the composition's great development. All-in-all Braggi was a blind buy that turned out a real winner. It is a darn shame this Charles Revson released composition (of Revlon fame) never reached the heights of success it deserved. The bottom line is the discontinued Braggi has prices all over the place on the aftermarket, but deals can be found under $50 for a 60ml vintage bottle if one looks hard enough. This composition may not be well-known, but there is no denying the "excellent" 4 star out of 5 rated Braggi really *should* be.