Strellson N°1 Strellson 2010

A scent for the clumsy among us, that is, the gentlemen for whom "Hugo" has always been too subtle.

Before he fully grasps the horror of the top note of this Mäurer-&-Wirtz rip-off creation, the volunteer tester notices that the questionable men's changing room derivative primarily smells aggressively fresh. Or rather, like what the average McRib eater understands as fresh on the way home from the gym, thanks to his greasy finger wipe. Not surprising, since M&W also produces 4711 Eau de Cologne, and the obligatory neroli is omnipresent. Although neroli is actually a fine thing, provided the perfumer hasn’t misplaced the measuring cup.

With Strellson No. 1, everything is just a bit too much of a good thing. The stuff seems to have shouted "here" multiple times when God was distributing starting spots among the interchangeable sporty scents of the big labels. Although it would be much better suited at Adidas, Mexx, and the like, if the treasurer of the clothing store hadn’t remained obstinate to this day.

There are many fragrances that strongly polarize, and one can understand or even guess why that is. However, with Strellson No. 1, I really wonder: Where is the love? Sure, tastes differ, and that's a good thing, but in my opinion, this perfume does not offer such a target for being perceived so poorly or being seen as the bottom of its class.

What is the reason for this? Its restraint, which some might interpret as poor longevity? Yet this subtle presence is precisely a strength of this creation. Strellson No. 1 is neither in any way aggressively intrusive nor extraordinarily attention-seeking, but it is also not a bland fragrance that conforms to the usual 0815 standard, where the chemical undertones often linger in the background, making it unbearable over time. No, this scent walks a fine line in this space, where on the left stand the more or less successful innovations and on the right, the bland standard just vegetates.

Therefore, it is neither arbitrarily uninteresting nor poorly reinvented. It is an incredibly good all-rounder that can be worn on any occasion and is usually desired. Often, Strellson No. 1 is declared by even those who like it as the ideal office or work fragrance, and I can understand how one arrives at that conclusion. This fine mixture tells the outside world, I am here, but I do not want to appear too intrusive, yet I am incredibly fresh and an elegantly stylish, subtle companion that means well for its wearer. Nevertheless, this perfume is indeed more than just a top "work fragrance," too versatile to be pinned down to one category.

As for longevity, I don't find it that bad. Of course, Strellson No. 1 is not a black Afghan that would survive even hydrochloric acid, but this mixture does not aim to be that nor is it designed for it. Be that as it may. Two sprays from yesterday on a mundane paper strip have survived until today and still convey this wonderful fusion of citrus freshness and the equally woody and spicy outline of this mild orange or lemon shower in the total drydown. Ultimately, this comes across as wonderfully subtly masculine and makes it a stylishly discreet companion that is welcome everywhere.

The floral components remain in the background or blend into this composition, so that iris and jasmine do not leave intrusive floral greetings. Fortunately, I do not explicitly perceive incense in the base; as a Catholic, I am unfortunately conditioned against these resins from my youth. This again shows how harmonious this mixture is, and individual components do not stand out disruptively. Nonetheless, at least worth mentioning on paper, because it sounds exotic and futuristic, is the ingredient ScentTrek Wacapou™, which, I quote: "is a high-quality, rich, and nature-inspired wood accord combined with white musk." Well, be that as it may, I do not think that the quality of this perfume is solely defined or dependent on that. Most distinctly, albeit rather subtly dosed, one can still smell vetiver, and its sometimes balsamic, woody, and slightly earthy range is a nice counterpoint to the given freshness that is presented from the top.

In the end, Strellson has created a grand all-rounder with No. 1 that flies well under the radar and, in my opinion, is currently one of the most underrated fragrances out there. I was also surprised when I accidentally discovered this wonderfully fragrant gem at a "test session" in the drugstore, but even more astonished when I saw or read how little love this scent sometimes receives. Again and again, gladly, everywhere and anytime, because this creation conveys exactly that desire or purpose.

Yesterday was perfume day at the office. I received a package from the sender, and I immediately passed the included samples on to colleagues. In addition to Luna Rossa Extreme, I also ordered Strellson No. 1 on a hunch, because it was available at a good price and I really like D.STRICT, which I think is unfairly underrated here. I also enjoy discovering hidden gems and underdogs.

Luna Rossa Extreme met my expectations. When I wear D.STRICT in the evening at the bar, LRE fits perfectly for a classical concert or at the opera. In the evening, I then tried Strellson No. 1 at home. You have to get through the extremely floral opening, but then it becomes pleasant, and I soon thought: Hey, I know this scent from somewhere, it reminds me of ... Exactly! A friend of mine used to wear Bulgari pour Femme quite a lot, and this Strellson fragrance behaves like the big brother to his sister. In fact, there are many overlaps between the two in the floral notes; the jasmine struck me right away. However, there was less iris. After my colleague tried his sample of Joop! Homme at my desk, I was amazed that I could still perceive any floral aromas that day. ;-)

Strellson No. 1 is definitely the opposite of a robust musk ox; instead, it feels more like a Bulgari pour Femme pour Homme. Stylistically, it fits with the more androgynously cut suits from Strellson, but it is also not too feminine; the floral aromas are warmly underlaid and transition into a spicy base. But even when I took off my shirt in the evening, I was still greeted by spring scents. This is surprising, as my skin usually tends to swallow such notes. My association with it: Riding with my girlfriend between the cornfields while the ripe ears sway in the summer wind around us. However, this hippie component somewhat contradicts the otherwise straight-cool brand design; the true Jack Donaghy from "30 Rock" would probably not wear this. Strellson No. 1 is clearly a recommendation for the sunny days of the year, and the sillage is appropriate for the lightness of the fragrance. It does not make a spectacular entrance, but that is exactly its strength. It really lacks any kind of penetrance. For me, it scores about three-quarters; for now, I’ll give it a reserved seventy percent, but it could be that this value increases in spring. ;-)

So, I get to champion a Strellson fragrance for the second time. I’ll spare myself from discussing Loaded given the previous comments; it seems to me that there’s really nothing good to discover about that one.

After I received the sample, I was very curious and eagerly sprayed it on.

And I think the title of my comment says everything you need to know about this scent. You smell like you just stepped out of the shower, nothing special... some shower gel that’s on sale at Schlecker, you can randomly choose it. Well, or you can go for the slightly more expensive version and buy Strellson. Not that I find "freshly showered" unpleasant, but I expected more.
Especially when I look at the fragrance pyramid here... Bergamot, Neroli, and a bit of Lavender are noticeable to me, after 3 hours the whole thing is over.
It's something for everyday use... nothing exciting. I feel like not much effort was put into this. Hmm... I am dissatisfied, I have just a straight forehead wrinkle :-(, yuck... get rid of this stuff.
Sorry.

I had decided to test a few unfamiliar fragrances the other day, including this one here :)

First, it landed on a test strip, as I never dare to spray unknown scents directly on my skin. A few minutes later, I smelled it and what went through my mind?

The ultimate summer hit: "Happy"

Oh yes, at that moment I really felt Happy and knew right away, it belongs in my collection! Once home, it of course went directly on my skin. I felt very Happy again and could have even nibbled on myself ;)

Such a beautiful, fresh, pure scent was really what I was missing. I think you can wear it anywhere, in any season, whether at work or in your free time. Just an all-rounder!

For me, a fragrance that deserves full marks, as it absolutely matches my taste. The longevity is okay - between 4-5 hours. After that, I need to reapply, but that's no problem.

This is my Happy scent!