Manos Gerakinis Citrine Review (Chris Maurice) 2023 + The Golden Mean Giveaway

Manos Gerakinis Citrine 2023

Manos Gerakinis Citrine courtesy of the brand

Citrine and the Golden Mean! Rarely are two such topics intertwined. As I smelt perfumer Chris Maurice’s brilliant new limited edition parfum Manos Gerakinis Citrine – it became clear to me how many facets may be present in a fragrance, and how far-reaching their implications may be. Citrine is a radiantly solar entity which embodies a harmony in proportion and the robust, buoyant nature of wellbeing on several levels; if that were all there was, it would exceed expectation. I feel that Citrine is much more. What does the semi-precious gemstone represent – and why would it inspire a perfume? Citrine has been explored before, brilliantly – by Olivier Durbano and reviewed by EIC Michelyn Camen (read review here) in 2011. Manos Gerakinis Citrine is an entire new realm in itself, a fresh expression undertaken, and in no way resembles the previous fragrance bearing the same name.

 

 Manos Gerakinis and Chris Maurice

Manos Gerakinis and Chris Maurice photos courtesy the brand

Citrine has a long and illustrious history: named after the lemon, for its yellow hues, it may be found in any number of locales, from Scotland to Spain; Madagascar to Russia; to Brazil’s rainforests; and in the U.S. it is mined in Colorado, California, and North Carolina. Since Greco-Roman times, citrine has borne the reputation of being the ‘money stone’ – as evidenced by the 1st C. BCE intaglio above (from the Getty Museum collection) of Bonus Eventus, the divine personification of success.

The Getty Museum collection carved citrine from the 1st C. via Getty

We can trace it back to 300 BCE, when Greek and Roman jewelers fashioned intaglio rings from it. In the Old Testament, high priest Aaron (the older brother of Moses) wore it upon his holy vestment breastplate adorned with 12 different jewels representing the twelve tribes of Israel (at that time the stone was known by its Greek appellation chrysólithos). Citrines adorned Queen Victoria’s costumes and one of her royal seals as well. This specific gemstone is said to benefit the second chakra which rules our vital force prana vyana: it encourages good circulation, the acceptance of change, learning to let go, and flowing with the transformation which life inevitably brings. While citrine is energizing and helps one avoid negativity, it also promotes balance – which brings us to the Golden Mean.

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Vitruvian Man (L’Uomo Vitruviano), 1490: considered the ideal representation of the Golden Mean via Wiki

Aristotle’s (384-322 BC) ‘golden mean’ extols his theory that excellence lies in the middle way between two extreme states: excess and deficiency – and this assertion has come to be considered relevant pertaining to both life and art. This wasn’t a new concept, by any means – as Hinduism had come to a similar conclusion around 2300-1500 BCE. In roughly the same time frame (spanning the mid-500s-~ 610 BCE), the Buddha, Confucius, and the Prophet Mohammed each agreed that moderation, or balance – was essential for a happy and meaningful existence – and in medieval times both Maimonides and St. Thomas Aquinas shared their sentiments. In art, it was Leonardo da Vinci’s famous depiction of the Vitruvian Man in 1490 which has come to typify the employment of divine proportion, aka the Golden Mean; a singular loveliness of symmetry.

Manos Gerakinis Citrine, I believe – achieves a degree of exquisite balance of the Golden Mean by possessing a sunny (but never frivolous), invigorating disposition which modulates both swings of the pendulum: a perfume which glows with estival warmth and gilded hues despite being an autumnal birthstone, for one – and a fragrance composed of materials which don’t necessarily summon an image of a solar character at first glance. It would be easy to imagine a citrine-evocative fragrance which includes an abundance of citruses, peaches/apricots/osmanthus/orange blossom, possibly with a variety of cheerful aldehydes; it seems less likely, color-synaesthesia-wise –that the choice of red fruits, tart black currant, plum and patchouli might assume those roles. I wouldn’t immediately presume that oud, by itself – is golden, although some do feel that way to me. Leather I can see, particularly if a saffron-inflected note is engaged. Indeed, whichever components are used to express amber commence with a certain presence which later gives way to a more woody than honeyed aroma. Citrine sparkles with an introductory tanginess of red fruit, and a black currant note which makes you salivate; the plum smells like a freshly bitten one as opposed to stewed fruit. Patchouli soon supervenes, accompanying a saffronic leather sprinkled with the animalic stirrings of castoreum and oud. Cashmeran® softens the animalics, rounding the edges towards middle ground, where it gleams like the very sun (it’s all about balance). Proportion is all, and Citrine juggles it superbly by relaying a sense of optimism and abundance while smelling vibrant – as if one had not a care in the world. We have traveled full circle and united a beautifully measured fragrance with the age-old concept of inspiring health and wealth of body and spirit.

Notes: red fruits, black currant, plum, patchouli, leather, amber, cashmere wood (Cashmeran® IFF), castoreum (synthetic), oud  

Perceived notes: Safraleine or saffron, potent woody aromachemicals.

Sample kindly provided by Indigo Perfumery – many thanks! My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Citrine by Mano Gerakinis

Manos Gerakinis Citrine courtesy of Indigo Perfumery

Thanks to the generosity of Indigo Perfumery, we have a 50 ml bottle ($495) of Manos Gerakinis Citrine, which is a limited edition for one registered reader in the US ONLY You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Ida’s review of review of Citrine. Draw closes 8/4/2023

Samples are available at Indigo as well here

Manos Gerakinis Methexis was included in Steven Gavrielatos/Redolessence Top 10 of 2022 as well as Nicoleta’s

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @idameister @indigoperfumery@manosgerakinisparfums @cdlaniche

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43 comments

  • Manos Gerakinis Citrine looks like a fruity, woody, gourmand composition that also has animalic aspects due to notes like oud though cashmeran softens the animalic aspect. I am in US.

  • Though it is difficult to choose a favorite perfumer, I dare say Chris Maurice may occupy my #1 spot. Sarah Baker’s Symmetry/Loudo/Gold Spot trio, for which he composed all three entries, is absolutely divine. His work on Nilafar du Nil’s Nilufer and Tiba whisks me away to the dunes of Egypt every time I wear them. Of course, let’s not forget to mention all his work for Kemi Blending Magic – supreme. The man is a master of warm fragrances, especially those involving ouds and whisps of suede and resins. Based on Ida’s thoughts, I would say Manos Gerakinis Citrine fits squarely in this wheelhouse. I love the idea of the tangy red fruits and red plum dancing beautifully upon a base of soft leather, oud and animalic castoreum. I’m literally salivating as I type this. I wish the best of luck to everyone, but I’m certainly (and perhaps greedily) hoping I win this one. lol. I live in NC, USA.

  • I enjoyed reading about the Golden Mean and “that moderation, or balance – was essential for a happy and meaningful existence” according to “the Buddha, Confucius, and the Prophet Mohammed.” This concept of tranquility seems like the perfect inspiration behind Citrine. Thanks for another wonderful review and draw. Mich USA

  • Thank you, Ida, for such a great history of the gem Citrine, as I always preferred it to Topaz, as both are my birthstone (November). What sparked my interest was fruity and leather notes, and that it is a limited edition. I have tested Manos Gerakinis Methexis, really loved it and bought a bottle.
    I live in the USA

  • PerfumesforLife says:

    I am intrigued by this review. I love citrine gemstones for it’s energetic nature. it seems this not a “typical” citrine but rather embodies the power of citrine psychologically through the inclusion of red fruits, tart black currant, plum and patchouli with oud too! castore and saffronic leather too. I can see the inspiration of health, wealth of body and spirit through this unique composition. I would love to try it.

    USA

  • As always Ida’s reviews are very interesting full of interesting information as in this article about “golden means” and citrine!
    And Citrine sound beautiful and I love that perfume gives optimistic vibes and is vibrant.
    Unfortunately I am not familiar with Manos Gerakinis perfumes.
    US

  • My understanding of the golden mean stems from the works of Leonardo da Vinci and the idea of proportion and balance. I always thought baby bear in the Goldilocks story exemplified the concept when he found things that were “just right”. Manos Gerakinis Citrine also appears to achieve a just right balance with the use of fruits, patchouli, leather and am er to evoke a golden scent. Citrine is my birthstone and I would love to try this. I’m in the US.

  • I absolutely love this reference to Aristotle’s “Golden Mean” in describing this fragrance! Wow, a portrayal of autumn sunshine using components associated with winter (current, plum, leather, patchouli) – what a paradox, and how fitting the label of Golden Mean. I love an artistic puzzle and would be thrilled to try this…and am eager to find a fragrance that can carry this sunshine of now into the cold winter months of New England. Thank you to Ida and Indigo Perfumery for this generous draw. I live in NH, USA.

  • AleksCipri says:

    Oh Ida has done another absolutely brilliant fragrance review! I love when I get to actually learn something new in these reviews (which is often, and that is in part why I love reading these). Intro about citrine and what it represented through time and different cultures is such a perfect segue into the fragrance notes and a more detailed review. I find the composition intriguing and I would love to sample it and see how vibrant and optimistic it actually is. I am also a huge fan of leather and saffron so an interesting combo with red fruits might be something I’d like very much. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • Whoa! Citrines are amazing and the perfume sounds fabulous. All those notes are hitting the sweet spot. Bottle is lovely too!

  • christinebee81 says:

    As a November baby, my interest was piqued immediately! And with leather and amber being among my favorite notes, this sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review, as always!
    NJ, USA

  • christinebee81 says:

    As a November baby, my interest was piqued immediately! And with leather and amber being among my favorite notes, this sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review, as always!
    NJ, USA

  • liquidasset77 says:

    strong bold and unafraid!! sounds like A sensual, beautifully blended woodsy and warm confectionary gourmand that exudes a sophisticated radiant charm and affluent character.
    Michigan USA

  • Citrine sounds absolutely gorgeous! Plum is one of my favorite notes, and this sounds like a warm, fruity, crystalized dream. Thank you for the chance to win a bottle! I’m in MN, USA

  • I like when you see creative directors give a perfumer an illustration that is beyond just “notes” that they want the fragrance to smell of creating a balance and harmony reflective of ancient historic theory. Though creating a fragrance that embodies the golden mean is surely no easy feat.

  • I love Ida’s reviews as I always learn something new, I’m in awe. The Golden Mean, the history of citrine, I enjoyed it all. I would love to experience this version of citrine and not have a care in the world, of even for a moment. Thank you for the wonderful review and the opportunity to experience this lovely scent. I’m in the US.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    I like how Citrine was made , with juicy just bitten fruits, saffron, woods and leather. Well balanced sophisticated , and elegant fragrance for dressed up, predominantly formal occasions.
    I’ve heard about Manos Gerakinis before , but never had a chance to smell his fragrances.
    Of course I enjoyed the citrine history lesson. From a tailor perspective I can say the “color-synaesthesia-wise” of Manos Gerakinis Citrine is very much correct, the pallet of the citrine color scheme is broad, and could go into crimson direction .
    Thank you Ida Meister, and Indigo Perfumery
    USA

  • I love how Ida describes Citrine as tangy and sparkly, even without any citrus! I would love to try Citrine. Thanks for the review and the VERY generous giveaway.
    I’m in WV, USA

  • johnmadison says:

    Thank you for the lovely review of Manos Gerakinis Citrine, Ida!
    And great thanks to Indigo Perfumery for the generous opportunity to win this stunning fragrance.
    Everything from its stunning vessel, to the beautiful gold of its nectar, to the gorgeous bouquet of notes I know this is something I would just adore to have on my skin.
    The beautiful cashmere and animalic aspects paired with the woody and fruity facets to blossom its gourmand beauty. Just divine.
    John, Minnesota USA

  • Thanks Ida for the amazing review.
    Manaos Gerakinis has a quality in their perfumes that is out of this world! Last year I tried Sillage Royal and it blew my mind.
    Citrine is a fragrance that I must totally try. The citrus notes and the fruits, the black currant and the leather totally make it special. I hope I get my nose on this Golden Mean masterpiece soon.
    US here.

  • Never tried anything from this brand and would love to get familiar if I win of course! Thanks
    Usa

  • RonaldProkes17 says:

    Wow! What a fragrance and what a review! I love how Ida introduced the context of this fragrance and citrine throughout history. It seems to have been the fascination of many scientists and artists throughout the years. I had no idea!
    As for the fragrance itself it truly sounds like something special. The backbone of it sounds so rich and deep, but it seems to also offset that with this vibrancy and light sophistication! That is no small feat! I loved the description of the almost overripe plum and other fruity notes and how they contrast with the darker, yet still ‘golden’ note of oud. This review and fragrance conjures up for me images of times gone past. Of glories undiluted and thought unbound! I would love to try this fragrance and thank you for the beautiful review as well as the generous offering.

    Located in California (where citrine has apparently also found its home), USA.

  • This fragrance sounds really yummy. I’m a big fan of plum, especially when it smells fresh because my cousin had a plume tree and I would always take some whenever I cam over. Other than that, I’m interested in seeing how fruity components mesh with leather and animalics.
    I live in Illinois, USA.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’m very interested in trying Manos Gerakinis Citrine. I’m under the impression that his fragrance releases are luxurious and high-quality. I’d like to try Manos Gerakinis Citrine because it sounds like an interesting ambery fragrance with a woody, honeyed aroma. I’m not afraid of animalic qualities anymore, but this one seems to have its animalic qualities toned down by the cashmeran. I definitely want to see what the patchouli and the dried fruits are like in Manos Gerakinis Citrine. I live in the U.S.A. I’d like to win a bottle.

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    I found Ida’s article quite informative. I have learned much about Citrine and “Golden Means” and their importance/inspiration in the creation of this wonderful fragrance. The notes and how they capture “balance” and “inspire health and wealth of body and spirit” make this a creation I look forward to getting my nose on.
    USA

  • Thank you Ida. When I see Chris Maurice on a review, I’m all ears after experiencing and loving two of his creations for Xerjoff – More Than Words and Lira. Manos Gerakinis Citrine promises to be another beautifully balanced banger. I’m in USA

  • Oh, what an exquisite fragrance and a genuinely remarkable review! I am amazed at how Ida skillfully weaved the historical context of this scent, incorporating the allure of citrine, which has captivated the minds of countless scientists and artists over the years. It’s something I had never been aware of before! As for the fragrance itself, it appears to possess a distinctiveness that sets it apart. The foundation exudes a deep and luxurious essence while embracing vibrant and elegantly refined sophistication. Such a harmonious blend is indeed a remarkable achievement! The depiction of the almost overripe plum and other fruity notes, contrasting with the darker, yet still ‘golden’ oud, paints a vivid picture of the fragrance’s complexity. This evocative review transports me to bygone eras of unblemished splendor and boundless imagination! I am now eager to experience this exceptional fragrance firsthand. Thank you for sharing this beautiful review and for the kind offer.

  • Beautiful description by Ida of Indigo Perfumery limited edition Gerakinis Citrine. What has me so intrigued by this gorgeous fragrance is it’s composition of red fruits, plums, cashmere, woods oud and patchouli. Ida says, “a fragrance with the age-old concept of inspiring health and wealth of body and spirit” Brilliant.
    Thanks for the opportunity. Cheers from the USA.

  • I had no idea about the Golden Mean, and I found it really fascinating. Citrine seems to be a lovely perfume, based on Ida’s review and due to Chris Maurice being the nose. I do not live in the US, but I do have an address there that can accept the perfume in my stead, I hope this is ok.

  • The golden mean stems from the works of Leonardo da Vinci is the idea of proportion and ideal balance.
    Thanks interesting informations.
    Manos Gerakinis Citrine looks like a fruity, woody, gourmand with animalic and leathery notes.
    Unfortunatelly. I am not familiar with Manos Gerakinis perfumes.
    USA

  • Citrine is just something I thought existed in RPG video games from my childhood. Learning about its history and how it inspired this perfume was interesting. I wonder how it’s interpreted in fragrance form.

  • I love the gemstone citrine, so cheery. I didn’t know all those attributes connected with this semi precious stone. I will think about those when I wear my one piece of citrine, love the avoiding negativity. Those notes sound amazing. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • I enjoyed reading this review and appreciated learning about the history of citrine. Based on Ida’s comments, I can see how Citrine would achieve a balance of the Golden Mean. I would have expected Citrine to include many citrus notes and sparkling aldehydes, yet it sounds like the fragrance still has a sparkling quality. I am very intrigued by Ida’s comment about Citrine being a beautifully measured fragrance, inspiring health and wealth and body and spirit. The notes sound beautiful, especially the black currant, cashmere, and patchouli. Thank you, Ida, for the great review, and thank you to Indigo Perfumery for the generous giveaway. I would love to own a bottle of Citrine. I am located in the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Ida’s review of Manos Gerakinis Citrine. It sounds like this was an amazing collaboration between Manos Gerakinis and master perfumer Chris Maurice. This sounds very interesting with that super fruity opening accented by saffron, leather, patchouli, oud, amber, and cashmere wood to really give it much needed depth. I am a huge fan of Manos Gerakinis’s previous releases such as Immortelle and Quintessence to name a few. I would love the opportunity to try this beautifully reviewed fragrance from Ida. I am from the USA.

  • Thanks for another great review, Ida! As what you’ve mentioned, citrine to me is bright, citrus, cheerful. I’d love to smell this interpretation of the perfumer and the Manos Gerakinis house. Thanks for this draw. – CA, USA

  • Although it’s not my birthstone, I adore the gorgeous citrine and am lucky enough to own a citrine ring because I didn’t understand how Chinese auctions work! I do now. I love that this sounds tastefully cheerful rather than conspicuously moody. I want to be happy! At the moment. I live in NY. Thanks!

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Awesome job Ida … as usual… thank you So much 🙂
    I know all Manos Gerakinis fragrances, excluding the new Citrine . If I have to rate my favorite ones :
    1.Immortelle
    2.Methexis
    3.Quintessence/Rose Poetique
    Immortelle i own ,actually on my second bottle.

    “Citrine has been explored before, brilliantly – by Olivier Durbano and reviewed by EIC Michelyn Camen (read review here) in 2011.”

    Haven’t smelled Citrine by Olivier Durbano in many years. It’s been explored quite a bit actually, including two in my possession, Dubai Citrine by Bond No 9 , and my yesterday’s SOTD Signature Citrine by Zaharoff , composed by Claude Dir.

    “We can trace it back to 300 BCE, when Greek and Roman jewelers fashioned intaglio rings from it.”

    Most historians believe that the origin of the intaglio rings can be even traced to Ubaid Period of Sumerian history ~6500-4100 BCE.

    “It would be easy to imagine a citrine-evocative fragrance which includes an abundance of citruses, peaches/apricots/osmanthus/orange blossom, possibly with a variety of cheerful aldehydes; it seems less likely, color-synaesthesia-wise –that the choice of red fruits, tart black currant, plum and patchouli might assume those roles.”

    I do believe Manos Gerakinis was inspired more by the gemstone citrine, rather than the color and the citruses. The reason is that there’s darker ,burgundy like citrine stones that do fit the blackcurrant and plume theme.
    To recap , I’d love to win Citrine because of:
    1. Ida’s work
    2. I’m a huge fan of Immortelle
    3. Plum is my all time favorite note in perfumery
    4. The enigmatic nature of the fragrance
    I’ll make sure to follow @cdlaniche , all other profiles I a follow for a long time, @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • Citrine has an interesting history across cultures—it’s a compelling theme for a solar perfume. More interesting is how Chris Maurice coaxed that feel out of such dark, rich notes (plum, patchouli, red fruits, saffron-kissed leather). It sounds like the base notes here are essential, like the shining Cashmeran and amber. As always, appreciate the detailed review from Ida.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • I need to explore the whole line of Manos Gerakinis fragrances , hopefully Indigo Perfumery carries the sample set.
    Other than reading about the sexy, playful and inviting fragrance called Citrine , i enjoyed the citrine lecture by Ida Meister, from where the stones can be found, and being called money stone in the ancient times.
    I like playful fragrance, and the blackcurrant , leather , oud and pinch of naughtiness are all appreciated.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • Citrine i find interesting for a few reasons, it’s Manos Gerakinis exclusive fragrance , it rare , has a lot of charm , personality and last , but not least it combines mouthwatering fruits with patchouli, leather and a bit of funky touches.
    I was aware of some of Citrine stone information, my mom likes jewels with citrine , but I never knew how important it was for a lot of cultures and religions during the years.
    I know the most expensive Citrine comes is called Madeira Citrine, and its hues ranging from red to deep orange with occasional brownish color, Madeira Citrine resembles the rich and warm hues of the Madeira wine. Its name comes from the Portuguese island of Madeira, famous for its wine production and the similarity in color of the wine to this color of Citrine. That’s what Manos Gerakinis was looking for i presume with the plum and dark berries.
    I was gifted the Manos Gerakinis discovery set e last year, and Quintessence , Methexis and Immortelle are equally as good.
    I’ll treat myself with Madeira Wine , cheers and thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • Ok, I don’t know how this smells or even close but for some reason really want it. I would love to enter giveaway.
    Usa