Smirky

Mixed feelings about this one. Regarding longevity, I was quite surprised. Got a solid 8 hours out of it. After 12 hours, it was still a subtle skin scent. I rated it "Good" but its longevity is actually phenomenal, considering Intensa (as is the entire Colonia collection) is an eau de cologne. However, sillage and projection were "weak" after about the first hour.

This is definitely not a soapy cologne. For me, it's a smooth woody-leather scent after the citrusy opening and dry down. If there is any soapiness, it is quite subtle to almost nonexistent. In general terms, the scent from start to finish is polished, classy, masculine and smooth without any synthetic harshness. Typical AdP quality.

Despite all the positives above, for me the scent is only "Average". The overall experience is too subtle for me. I prefer fragrances that make more of a statement. Intensa is too introverted for me. However, I can see for a guy who wants something more subtle, especially for a professional environment, Intensa would be good for warmer and hot days in spring, summer and fall.

After disappointing experiences with some other AdP colognes, I didn't really know what to expect with Saldano. But after the first spray - oh my - what a delight AdP has created here. Of course, there is the high quality citrus opening expected of AdP. As the dry down progressed, there was a great touch of lavender and finally the most awesome, smooth sandalwood with just the right subtle touch of sweetness.

True parfum performance. About arms length projection for almost 4 hours followed by a strong but closer scent bubble for another 3 hours. A quite noticeable skin scent remains 12 hours after application.

Barbershop-like without being overwhelmingly so. Very masculine, classy, civilized and sophisticated. Not too heavy, so it would work in summer. Good anytime of day or night, anytime of the year.

Available in a 6 ounce industrial size bottle for a reasonable price given the high quality. I'm picking up a big bottle of this baby for sure.

As would be expected from AdP, Essenza starts with high quality citruses. As it dries down the citruses share the stage with a subtle vetiver musky scent that is very soapy. The soapy smell dominates as time progresses, in fact for most of Essenza's life. Performance is average/moderate. Overall a very classy, masculine fragrance that would shine especially on hot summer days and nights.

After all the superlatives, why will I not be getting a bottle for myself? Because of the poor price/value ratio. I already have very soapy type fragrances - an aspect I like very much - but for a whole lot less cost. To put it another way, Essenza doesn't offer a whole lot more than cheaper soapy colognes.

Not having much luck with Issey Miyake. Pour Homme was way too sweet and floral for me. Pour Homme Intense is much better in that regard however I initially got a distinct asparagus note. That went away as it dried down, or I should say it transformed into the smoky accord. At that point, I liked the scent but to call this "Intense" is a joke. After about 3 hours, wasn't even noticeable as a skin scent. I'm rating as OK but will not be buying a FB, mainly because of the poor performance. Lucky I tested from a sample.

Wanted to test Fiero because of the "freshie with longevity" recommendations I read about. It doesn't disappoint. Very fresh, citrusy opening with gradual development of spices and woody base. The citrus hangs around for quite a few hours until mainly the subdued spices and the woody base remain with a barbershop soapiness. No sweetness, very masculine. Very easy to like throughout its life - no jarring notes. Performance enhanced with heat making it ideal for summer. I'm guessing it wouldn't do very well in winter.

I did rate Fiero as expensive based upon its list price. I'd rate it OK price-wise when purchasing it through a discounter for under $150.

Overall, very happy with Fiero. Will be getting an FB and look forward to using it this summer.