M. Micallef GNTonic Cocktail Splash by Olya Bar

Whenever I suddenly crave the zestiness of gin and tonic, I know the official start of summer is just days away. The latest release by M. Micallef GNTonic is the olfactive equivalent, just as refreshing and invigorating. Encased in a stunning light green, frosted glass bottle, GNTonic immediately reminded me of a freshly poured cocktail in pre-chilled glass. I often pick the glass up by the stem and swirl the ice around the bowl to chill it to the rim. Trust me; it makes a huge difference.

M. Micallef GNTonic opens up with a bright and vibrant blend of bitter orange and lime, with a dash of ginger and peppermint, creating the coolness of the tonic water accord. The heart of gin is created without using the traditional notes of juniper berry we so often associate with the spirit. I imagine this cocktail blended with a softer botanical gin, leaning into a floral direction with the heart of lily of the valley and fragrant orange blossoms, spiced up by the addition of pink pepper and fragrant nutmeg.

Tonic water via Pexels

Let’s rewind time and glimpse at the origin of this famous drink, which dates back to the nineteenth century in the heart of India, after the British Crown took over the governance of India. The control of the colony required the ability to fight the deadly disease of malaria, which was quite prevalent at the time; this explains why so many Brits residing in India at the time consumed rations of quinine in the form of “Indian tonic water.” Gin was added to the liquid to cut its bitter taste. Even the final component of the classic gin and tonic, a famous slice of lime, is linked to disease prevention; in 1747, British surgeon James Lind experimented on mariners aboard a Royal Navy ship. His findings proved that a lack of Vitamin C caused scurvy; therefore, by the late nineteenth century, Royal Navy ships provided a mandatory daily ration of limes for sailors to fight the disease. Fast forward to today, and this cocktail has become an absolute classic of a thirst-quenching drink enjoyed by many across the globe.

Summer vibes image via Pexels 

M. Micallef encompasses the idea incredibly accurately- a cocktail of nobility and sport, classical and avant-garde, transparent but with depth; GNTonic is characterized by its tonic, fresh, sensual, and refined trail. A shot of a rare aromatic vivacity to be savored anytime. The opening is slightly masculine due to its cologne-like structure, yet it quickly switches flavor gears into something softer and  gender neutral. It’s stimulating, mouth-watering, revivifying on a hot day and feels effortless. Like an oversized white button-down, it equally works its refreshing magic on anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The vetiver accord is rather prominent in the dry down and the vibrancy it brings, further enforcing the citrus aspect focused on the bracing bitterness rather than the juiciness of the citrus notes used. Finally, the long and comforting trail of clean musks and soft sandalwood is a perfect last “sip,” with a slightly green earthiness of the oakmoss lingering in the background.

Sparkly, bracing, and beautifully structured, M. Micallef GNTonic is just in time for summer soirees, chasing sunsets and good vibes.  This fragrance feels like a deep dive from a boat into the refreshing waters of the ocean, without a care in the world. My summer love affair with GNTonic may go on indefinitely, as I adore an aromatic fragrance that can uplift, cool down and quench that olfactory thirst.

Notes: bitter orange, lime, ginger, peppermint, pink pepper, cedar, nutmeg, lily of the valley, orange blossom, vetiver, white musk, sandalwood, amber, moss.

The fragrance was kindly gifted to me but opinions are always my own.

Olya Bar, Editor

M. Micallef GNTONIC by Olya Bar

Thanks to the generosity of M. Micallef we have a 100ml bottle of GnTonic for one registered reader in the USA, EU, UK or UAE. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about M. Micallef GNTonic, where you live, and which is your favorite perfume by M. Micallef. Draw closes 06/4/2023.

Please note the perfumer is Sidonie Grandperret of LUZI

Please read Michelyn’s Interview with Martine Micallef, cofounder and art director for M. Micallef here

GTONIC is part of the Jewel collection: Please enjoy our reviews of REDCOLORADO, EDENFALLS, OISATO, DESIRTOXIC, NOTES VANILLEE and Olya’s M. Micallef Note Vanillee Nectar here

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