Von Sierstorpff - The Scent of a Gentleman Von Sierstorpff 2008

In 1991, a traditional company presented what it considered the best automobile in the world. A product of nearly a decade of German engineering. Its creators accounted for everything, but surely not for mockery. Every little detail was meticulously examined for improvement possibilities and implemented without regard for anything other than technical feasibility. Everything was meant to be perfect, reliable, comfortable. Perhaps they were too preoccupied with themselves back then and lost sight of what was happening in the world outside. That Kohl and his associates could no longer travel to Sylt by car train was merely a noted shortcoming. Too big, too much, too elitist. An automotive stronghold against the spirit of the times, a product of obsession with detail and the loss of the sense of the big picture.
The Sifftopf and its marketing reveal similar tendencies. They wanted too much.
A fragrance whose perfection in detail has an almost meticulous, technical quality. The classic Cologne opening improved with a juicy mandarin that softens the lemon and gives fullness to the neroli and bergamot. Eucalyptus and cardamom deepen the cooling mintiness of the geranium and soften the dustiness and sharpness of nutmeg and allspice. Dark wood for more weight, silvery smoke for ethereal volume, and tobacco for a warm counterpoint and a touch of sweetness. Perfect in detail, perhaps just an overly thick Cologne from the outside. An olfactory interpretation of engineering?
The intention: They wanted to create a fragrance for the elite. And they accounted for everything, but surely not for mockery. Too aloof, too elitist, too contrived, an olfactory stronghold against the spirit of the times, a product of megalomania.
The thick star has not existed for over 20 years now; the trade press wrote back then upon its discontinuation: "[It] was always better than its reputation. We already miss the thick one."
Whispering, the giant glides over the asphalt, so gentle, so secure, so self-assured, so sovereign, as if it has decoupled itself from this world. Silly decadence? Today, it is a cult, albeit with a significant time lag compared to the contemporary, charmingly imperfect equivalents from the south and the island. Quirky, one would now say, with a smile on their lips. It has found its way into the hearts of the people.
The Sifftopf has now also disappeared. Both were misunderstood, yet of the best quality. Perhaps one day, looking back through rose-colored glasses, people will speak similarly of it. And respect its demeanor as charming quirks. Just as is common with the equivalents from the south and the island.

I appreciate both - the thick one and the Sifftopf. And I don’t care about the image conveyed. The marketing folks should have done the same.