There is something inherently pleasing about a good cologne, by which I mean the actual perfume genre that is a citrus-based, bracing, lightweight fragrance to cool you down on hot days. Since I was a kid and my Dad got me some 4711 to put in the fridge, I have loved that zesty splash. In 2005, Pierre Guillaume created Parfumerie Generale 7 Grand Siècle, homage to something that might have been created during the rule of The Sun King, and, nearly unheard of at the time, using all natural and mostly organic ingredients. This year, he brings us PG 7.1 Grand Siècle Intense, a modern reimagining of the original Grand Siècle.
The Dessert – Harmony in Red by Henri Matisse
One of the things I love most about cologne is its total androgyny. There is no gender bias when it comes to being overheated and needing to refresh oneself. Grand Siècle Intense definitely follows that rule. It is laden with bergamot and bigarade, two notes that are the olfactory equivalent of biting into marmalade: tart, bitter, tangy, but ultimately a bit sweet. This is all about the oil-laden peel of the fruit, plus a touch of lemon leaf to add greenery. As I sat and smelled the development of this perfume, I had a realization that this fragrance has components that can make a summer day smell hot, like hay, vetiver, and tobacco, but in this perfume they act as an antidote.
Stavronikita Project by Andreas Franke – Grand Siècle scenes in underwater photography
I went out with a friend on the day I wore this. The weather was fairly fine, slightly hazy but warm. My friend sells perfume for a living, so generally notices what I’m wearing, unlike my Perfume Muggle acquaintances, and he immediately told me how good I smelled and remarked more than once that this was a very good perfume for me. I agree. The snappy citrus notes are never completely eclipsed by the warmth of the heart and base, just made richer. Even after a good six hours I can still smell myself, which is great for a perfume structured in a cologne style even though this is actually Eau de Parfum concentration. I did apply liberally, as should be done for this kind of fragrance, Well done, M. Guillaume.
Notes: Bergamot, bigarade, lemon leaves, mint absolute, cypress absolute, blond tobacco, hay cutting, patchouli, vetiver, oak, honey foam
Perfumer Pierre Guillaume
I received my review bottle from Parfumerie Generale, with gratitude. PG 7.1 Grand Siècle Intense is part of the Signature Collection and will be available exclusively on the Parfumerie Generale website beginning April 26.
Tama Blough, Managing Editor
As a treat, I will send a 5 ml decant to any reader residing in the US. To enter, leave a comment about why you want to try this, or your favorite perfume from Parfumerie Generale. Draw ends April 18, 2014.
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