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Sometimes the little brother does the trick too...
The "big brother" - that is, "Qi Intensivo" - really captivated me during a test at a niche perfumery in Berlin. It was that intense black tea note that excited me so much. The proud price, however, thrilled me less... but the store allowed me to fill a sample. I ended up losing that (typical of me again!) and therefore ordered a 3ml decant from a niche perfume online retailer. Even before it arrived, there was an offer online for a used bottle of the "little brother" "Qi." Okay, fragrance notes according to Parfumo are identical - so I jumped on it.
So how does "Qi" smell and how does it compare to "Qi Intensivo" (mini decant)?
My first impression was confirmed: "Qi" is, just like the intense variant, primarily a black tea scent on my skin, accompanied by bright, almost citrus-like notes that stay very much in the background. It reminds me of those bittersweet - no, to be precise, due to the tannins in the tea, astringently sweet tea candies that were available in tea shops during my youth. Haven't seen those in ages... they were the perfect (and delicious) pick-me-ups for coffee avoiders. Assam tea (or was it Ceylon tea?), sugar, and lemon - those were probably the main ingredients of those candies. "Qi," as well as "Qi Intensivo," feel quite similar to me. An alternative association would be a cup of strong and only lightly sweetened black tea (Assam or East Frisian tea) enjoyed with a bit of lemon juice on a flower-adorned terrace... Definitely summery! Character-wise, it's a bit like a summer version of "Russian Tea," because that pitch-black brew is indeed a whole different caliber and definitely wintery.
From the scent impression, I can (as expected) detect no difference from "Qi Intensivo," except that the tea note is even more pronounced in the latter and you need to spray less.
So viewed this way, the purchase of the more affordable "little brother" was a good solution for me!
So how does "Qi" smell and how does it compare to "Qi Intensivo" (mini decant)?
My first impression was confirmed: "Qi" is, just like the intense variant, primarily a black tea scent on my skin, accompanied by bright, almost citrus-like notes that stay very much in the background. It reminds me of those bittersweet - no, to be precise, due to the tannins in the tea, astringently sweet tea candies that were available in tea shops during my youth. Haven't seen those in ages... they were the perfect (and delicious) pick-me-ups for coffee avoiders. Assam tea (or was it Ceylon tea?), sugar, and lemon - those were probably the main ingredients of those candies. "Qi," as well as "Qi Intensivo," feel quite similar to me. An alternative association would be a cup of strong and only lightly sweetened black tea (Assam or East Frisian tea) enjoyed with a bit of lemon juice on a flower-adorned terrace... Definitely summery! Character-wise, it's a bit like a summer version of "Russian Tea," because that pitch-black brew is indeed a whole different caliber and definitely wintery.
From the scent impression, I can (as expected) detect no difference from "Qi Intensivo," except that the tea note is even more pronounced in the latter and you need to spray less.
So viewed this way, the purchase of the more affordable "little brother" was a good solution for me!
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Gingerbread in Early Summer?
A fragrance full of contrasts! At least that's what I thought based on the pyramid and the comments...
At the beginning, there is a clearly recognizable, tangy, pleasant rhubarb note. Those who enjoy perfumes like “Aedes de Venustas,” “Ciel mon Jardin,” or even the rhubarb scent from Hermes will also be pleased here!
Rhubarb scents, for me personally, belong to the time from April to June. You might find that silly - but I prefer to wear perfumes with a specific, dominant floral or fruity note during the blooming or ripening period of the respective flower/fruit (exception: rose scents year-round). My own preference...
Later, the fragrance becomes sweeter, slightly spicy, and leans quite a bit towards the gourmand direction. However, the announced gingerbread does not really come through on my skin. It's a pity, because I really like the scent of typical gingerbread spices. In “Delice d’Epices” (Ricci), “Dark Sapphire” (Joop), “Manhattan” (Bond), or especially in “Un Crime exotique,” the gingerbread note is, in my opinion, much more pronounced.
Thus, “Burberry Brit Red” remains a fragrance for me that is suitable for the transition from spring to early summer, but rather for the evenings.
Perhaps the outside temperature plays a role... I am wearing it for the first time in early June (in the evening), after a mild but not hot day. It could be that it behaves quite differently in hot weather or in autumn/winter.
In any case, a lovely fragrance for fans of fruity-spicy gourmands!
At the beginning, there is a clearly recognizable, tangy, pleasant rhubarb note. Those who enjoy perfumes like “Aedes de Venustas,” “Ciel mon Jardin,” or even the rhubarb scent from Hermes will also be pleased here!
Rhubarb scents, for me personally, belong to the time from April to June. You might find that silly - but I prefer to wear perfumes with a specific, dominant floral or fruity note during the blooming or ripening period of the respective flower/fruit (exception: rose scents year-round). My own preference...
Later, the fragrance becomes sweeter, slightly spicy, and leans quite a bit towards the gourmand direction. However, the announced gingerbread does not really come through on my skin. It's a pity, because I really like the scent of typical gingerbread spices. In “Delice d’Epices” (Ricci), “Dark Sapphire” (Joop), “Manhattan” (Bond), or especially in “Un Crime exotique,” the gingerbread note is, in my opinion, much more pronounced.
Thus, “Burberry Brit Red” remains a fragrance for me that is suitable for the transition from spring to early summer, but rather for the evenings.
Perhaps the outside temperature plays a role... I am wearing it for the first time in early June (in the evening), after a mild but not hot day. It could be that it behaves quite differently in hot weather or in autumn/winter.
In any case, a lovely fragrance for fans of fruity-spicy gourmands!
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Riesling better in the glass or in the bottle?
Yes, I am not averse to enjoying wine! However, they don't have to be expensive drops for me; the usual supermarket wines in the price range of €5-10 are generally perfectly sufficient - on special occasions, something more exquisite is allowed. Among the white grape varieties, Riesling is my favorite after Gewürztraminer, followed by Sauvignon blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Chardonnay. Aroma and scent are also important to me when it comes to wine! Silvaner is often a bit too bland for me. With Riesling, I appreciate the typical bouquet of yellow fruits. Here, an exception can be made for a glass of Spätlese, as the grape variety's typical acidity counteracts the sweetness.
Can a perfume really meet the high expectations that a scent reminiscent of Riesling evokes? I am indeed a fan of the modern Cologne series from 4711.
Unfortunately, this EDC does not meet my expectations. At first, I am strongly reminded of the classic 4711 EDC; however, "Royal Riesling" is somewhat more bitter, as the typical neroli note is, of course, missing. Soon, the bitterness increases further and comes across as quite woody, while I miss fruity notes. Overall, I perceive the scent as rather masculine.
I would never think I was dealing with an aroma reminiscent of white wine if I didn't know the name. Viewed in isolation, RR is not a bad EDC, quite refreshing given the current high temperatures. But it disappoints my expectations. Therefore, I can only give it a 7.0, although I will still enjoy using it - simply as a refreshment in the heat.
So, Riesling is indeed better in the wine glass!
Can a perfume really meet the high expectations that a scent reminiscent of Riesling evokes? I am indeed a fan of the modern Cologne series from 4711.
Unfortunately, this EDC does not meet my expectations. At first, I am strongly reminded of the classic 4711 EDC; however, "Royal Riesling" is somewhat more bitter, as the typical neroli note is, of course, missing. Soon, the bitterness increases further and comes across as quite woody, while I miss fruity notes. Overall, I perceive the scent as rather masculine.
I would never think I was dealing with an aroma reminiscent of white wine if I didn't know the name. Viewed in isolation, RR is not a bad EDC, quite refreshing given the current high temperatures. But it disappoints my expectations. Therefore, I can only give it a 7.0, although I will still enjoy using it - simply as a refreshment in the heat.
So, Riesling is indeed better in the wine glass!
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The Forbidden Garden
Just below my (not so small) property lies a huge, park-like garden covering more than 4000m2.
It is not permanently inhabited, but the owner's children (a successful pediatrician) apparently enjoy using the white bungalow and the swimming pool for parties during the warm season. Long ago, the doctor's mother and my mother were friends, and we were allowed to use the pool as well. However, as a young woman in the early/mid-90s, I always felt a bit like an intruder (or like a little, cheeky forest fairy) when I would sneak out early in the morning in my bikini, under our summer jasmine bush and the wild rose thicket, over the rotting fence, past the huge old trees, down across the lawn to the small but well-kept pool to take a few laps. Long ago! Both old ladies are no longer alive today...
And yet...when I see the bright lights down there from my bedroom window late at night and the music drifts up to me, I sometimes wonder if I should just go down, in a pretty colorful summer dress, with my hair down - the fences are still rotting - and mingle with the partygoers. Maybe someone would even offer me a drink...but then - upon closer inspection in the light of the bright lanterns - I would probably be asked to leave soon, as I simply don’t fit in with a group of lively young people at the age of nearly 50. So far, I haven’t dared...but the illusion remains!
“Brindille” is a scent that makes me envision a well-groomed early summer garden party with attractive, wealthy young people: floral-fresh, slightly creamy, with a subtle jasmine note, rather a bit distant-cool than sweet, definitely not intrusive.
I have since ordered the bottle online (as my sample seems to be gradually evaporating), but I probably will never dare to attend one of the mentioned parties of the rich neighbors...And it would likely be the usual party crowd anyway: a colorful mix of perfectly normal people, a bit tipsy and therefore not necessarily reserved-distant anymore. One sees that often enough in one’s own circle...
It is not permanently inhabited, but the owner's children (a successful pediatrician) apparently enjoy using the white bungalow and the swimming pool for parties during the warm season. Long ago, the doctor's mother and my mother were friends, and we were allowed to use the pool as well. However, as a young woman in the early/mid-90s, I always felt a bit like an intruder (or like a little, cheeky forest fairy) when I would sneak out early in the morning in my bikini, under our summer jasmine bush and the wild rose thicket, over the rotting fence, past the huge old trees, down across the lawn to the small but well-kept pool to take a few laps. Long ago! Both old ladies are no longer alive today...
And yet...when I see the bright lights down there from my bedroom window late at night and the music drifts up to me, I sometimes wonder if I should just go down, in a pretty colorful summer dress, with my hair down - the fences are still rotting - and mingle with the partygoers. Maybe someone would even offer me a drink...but then - upon closer inspection in the light of the bright lanterns - I would probably be asked to leave soon, as I simply don’t fit in with a group of lively young people at the age of nearly 50. So far, I haven’t dared...but the illusion remains!
“Brindille” is a scent that makes me envision a well-groomed early summer garden party with attractive, wealthy young people: floral-fresh, slightly creamy, with a subtle jasmine note, rather a bit distant-cool than sweet, definitely not intrusive.
I have since ordered the bottle online (as my sample seems to be gradually evaporating), but I probably will never dare to attend one of the mentioned parties of the rich neighbors...And it would likely be the usual party crowd anyway: a colorful mix of perfectly normal people, a bit tipsy and therefore not necessarily reserved-distant anymore. One sees that often enough in one’s own circle...
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The Pleasure of the Green Iris
The iris note is actually not really my thing... it often comes across as very "dry" and powdery, sometimes even almost "dusty." I usually only like powdery scents when they have a certain sweetness to them. Sometimes the iris can also seem a bit "carrot-like" - I find that somewhat charming at times, but it's not really one of my favored directions. However, the iris can also appear more green and more "juicy" than "powdery-dry," like the scent in a flower shop. I prefer that.
"Iris" by Sangado goes in the latter direction for me, so floral-green and not at all "dry-powdery." I ordered it blindly after the positive experiences with "Hyacinth" from the same brand. With "Iris," no twin is mentioned either, although most perfumes from the Sangado brand seem to be inspired by other fragrances.
When I sniff the bottle, I am reminded of the much-appreciated "Pleasures," but the pyramid doesn't match, as "Pleasures" contains no iris. However, I can't deny that there is a slight similarity in the scent impression. 1:1 comparison on paper: In Pleasures, rose and pink pepper come through more clearly. "Iris" feels a bit fresher and "greener" to me. But there is definitely a certain similarity - but only on paper! On my skin, "Iris" lacks the radiance and distinctiveness of "Pleasures." The similarity here is only marginal.
Regardless of any potential similarity to "Pleasures," "Iris" comes across to me as floral-fresh with green nuances. Bright, friendly, spring-like, but not sweetly delicate or sugary. Overall, it is definitely quite subtle.
Anyone who loves fresh-floral perfumes and is open to "No Name Perfumes" should definitely give this a try.
"Iris" by Sangado goes in the latter direction for me, so floral-green and not at all "dry-powdery." I ordered it blindly after the positive experiences with "Hyacinth" from the same brand. With "Iris," no twin is mentioned either, although most perfumes from the Sangado brand seem to be inspired by other fragrances.
When I sniff the bottle, I am reminded of the much-appreciated "Pleasures," but the pyramid doesn't match, as "Pleasures" contains no iris. However, I can't deny that there is a slight similarity in the scent impression. 1:1 comparison on paper: In Pleasures, rose and pink pepper come through more clearly. "Iris" feels a bit fresher and "greener" to me. But there is definitely a certain similarity - but only on paper! On my skin, "Iris" lacks the radiance and distinctiveness of "Pleasures." The similarity here is only marginal.
Regardless of any potential similarity to "Pleasures," "Iris" comes across to me as floral-fresh with green nuances. Bright, friendly, spring-like, but not sweetly delicate or sugary. Overall, it is definitely quite subtle.
Anyone who loves fresh-floral perfumes and is open to "No Name Perfumes" should definitely give this a try.
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