Romeo Gigli per Uomo Romeo Gigli 1991 Eau de Toilette

Once again, a buried Italian from the early 90s (stylistically: the plump 80s), which hardly any of the younger generation will get to know today.

Once again, one that makes you ponder over the endlessly long ingredient list, wondering which notes dominate the nasal passages and in what combination.

In any case, it is multilayered and voluminous, without being heavy or even cumbersome, which can be noted after just 10 minutes.

The aldehydes bring freshness, surrounded by a rich variety of very well-coordinated aromas: spicy tarragon, a hint of plum, invigorating citrus bursts, sweet honey, and already a distinctly noticeable hint of freshly cut fir trees wafts around.

I can't think of a similar scent right now; back then, a perfume territory was distinctly marked olfactorily, and all the other fragrance hounds knew what was what and sought their own territory, well aware that clumsy imitation would be anything but masculine.

In the heart, clove and an increasingly dominant, extremely harmonious and pleasant fir take over the fruits of the opening, remaining clean and well-groomed thanks to the aldehydes and benzoin, without ever becoming rough.

It becomes increasingly woodier and mossier after 45 minutes, with - we wouldn't be in the waning 80s otherwise - vanilla, tonka bean, and remnants of the mid-phase honey keeping the tension high and providing complexity and volume.

This is yet another unnecessary dead one that could show the youngsters where the bear gets its berries.