Strellson N°1 Strellson 2010

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.