Esterel Harry Lehmann
14
Top Review
All Roads Lead to Berlin
Isn't it amazing how you automatically come into contact with certain brands here on Parfumo? Whether through reading statements, comments, or forum posts. I'm not talking about houses like PdM, Amouage, etc., as they are not that unknown outside of Parfumo either. I'm more referring to small perfume manufacturers. For me, two have made it from sampling to purchase over time (so far with one, the other will follow). One of them - and you often read about it here from well-known and respected authors - is Lehmann. The last time I was in Berlin was several years ago, so I don't know the store. Back then, I strolled with my wife through the well-known areas, spending several days in the museums. Thankfully, I now had the opportunity to test four fragrances from Lehmann.
You know how it is: the more you test, the harder it becomes for a fragrance to be purchased. Now, Lehmann offers a beautifully fresh scent with Esterel, which for me is not only citrusy but also bright green, and I made a direct purchase.
Regarding the scent itself, I can only agree with FvSpee, whom I consulted as a Lehmann advisor due to his expertise before the purchase; I would have likely perceived the scent more simply without his comment, as the fragrance seems more robust and green compared to Springfield. Over time, Esterel evolves away from this all-encompassing citrus note towards this green nuance, yet it remains refreshing. And here, I must also agree with the honorable FvSpee, Springfield develops a deeply hidden and masculine animalic quality after its intense freshness phase. We don't have that here.
That being said, Esterel is a straightforward scent; no one is playing on the perfume keyboard here but delivers what happens with a penetration that one can only appreciate. Here, the rule is: less is more. Simple, clear statement, with edges and corners.
The longevity and sillage are not mind-blowing; even Ormonde Man is really stronger, and he is more of a quiet presence in my eyes. I once wore it for comparison. But honestly, for the price and for a summer scent, I couldn't care less; after four hours, you just reapply or put something heavier on later in the day.
Lastly, a thank you to Pollita for the testing opportunity!
You know how it is: the more you test, the harder it becomes for a fragrance to be purchased. Now, Lehmann offers a beautifully fresh scent with Esterel, which for me is not only citrusy but also bright green, and I made a direct purchase.
Regarding the scent itself, I can only agree with FvSpee, whom I consulted as a Lehmann advisor due to his expertise before the purchase; I would have likely perceived the scent more simply without his comment, as the fragrance seems more robust and green compared to Springfield. Over time, Esterel evolves away from this all-encompassing citrus note towards this green nuance, yet it remains refreshing. And here, I must also agree with the honorable FvSpee, Springfield develops a deeply hidden and masculine animalic quality after its intense freshness phase. We don't have that here.
That being said, Esterel is a straightforward scent; no one is playing on the perfume keyboard here but delivers what happens with a penetration that one can only appreciate. Here, the rule is: less is more. Simple, clear statement, with edges and corners.
The longevity and sillage are not mind-blowing; even Ormonde Man is really stronger, and he is more of a quiet presence in my eyes. I once wore it for comparison. But honestly, for the price and for a summer scent, I couldn't care less; after four hours, you just reapply or put something heavier on later in the day.
Lastly, a thank you to Pollita for the testing opportunity!
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5 Comments

3
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With all that praise, it's hard to leave a trophy behind; that would be self-praise... But I’ll do it anyway, and I'm really glad you liked it!

2
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I'm glad you liked it. And with FvSpee as your advisor for Harry Lehmann fragrances, you're really in the best hands.

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Well, I'm curious to see! ;-)

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I was already interested in the releases from the Lehmann house. Your comment has confirmed that for me.

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Great comment! The scents from Lehmann are really good. Esterel is quite similar to Cédrat Enivrant (Atelier Cologne) and Eau d'Hadrien. Unfortunately, the citrus "Lehmanns" sometimes have a slightly unpleasant, musty sweetness in the dry down, which is barely noticeable but still bothers me. I haven't been able to figure out what it is or which ingredient causes it. If it weren't for that off note, I would probably wear "Lehmanns" much more often...