Colonia Sandalo Concentrée

This fragrance is an absolute masterpiece in my opinion. I own around 150 fragrances and this is my favorite, period. I've tried or own all of the 'brown bottle' line of Acqua di parma fragrances and, for me this is the best and most underrated of all. Oud is also a masterpiece and Ebano and Ambre are very good (leather is far too animalic and not to my taste) but this is the best. The fragrance opens very citrus and aromatic, with bergamot, lemon and lavender dominating. This phase lasts about 20 mins. The mid looses the citrus and focuses more on the lavendar, cardomom and the sandalwood coming through. The aromatics are quite spicy but very sophisticated. The Sandalwood gives the fragrance a woody back bone but does not smell like your typical 'creamy' sandalwood you get in Lebo Santal 33, Creed original Santal or even YSL La Nuit D'lomme EDP. I think the creaminess is hidden behind the lavender, but the overall impression is very sophisticated and alluring. This phase lasts for 3-4 hours In the far dry down you are left with the lavender and sandalwood. I don't pick up any tonka really. Performance from my bottles (I have 100ml bottle and a 180ml bottle, yes I like it that much) is excellent. Projects for around 2-3 hours with a lovely silliage before sitting close for a total of 6-8 hours (which is great for my skin which really sucks up fragrances). I think this is a more mature fragrance, I always get a lot of compliments from this one (I'm in my 30s). It's complex and sophisticated but still approachable and easy to wear. It's also very versatile and suitable for all seasons and occasions. I personally like to wear it for spring/summer/autumn 'dressed up' evening occasions. If you want a sophisticated citrus/woody/aromatic fragrance with great performance and that will set you apart from everyone else wearing mainstream designers around you, this is an absolute gem.

Wow! So this was an exclusive at Harrods yet it’s taken two years to get a wider release? My opinion is that it was worth the wait. Seriously this is awesome stuff! Smells very classic and very masculine but you are paying a premium for it. I’d feared, with a name like Sandalo that it would be a very slight, sandalwood but it’s more of a classic, I detect oak moss and patchouli, and a dirty lavender with a kind of eathiness reminding me of Tom Ford for men maybe or RL Safari, VC&A Tsar or classic eighties fragrances with sandalwood. It’s an aromatic Fougere type scent, citrus top notes, herbal and woody, the soft, clean woods left at the end are like a oud and sandalwood combo. I think it’s fantastic and another classic masculine idea in the same way Quercia from this line was too. I hope it’s not wildly expensive because I want it.

Finally a true sandalwood! I really hope they make this a standard to the collection, getting it only at Harrods makes it exclusive though. From the beginning till the end an exquisite Sandalwood essential oil blast that lasts! Not hidden at all, I think that the opening faded quick, and the base could have a bit more thickness, like maybe a slight hint of patchouli. Anyway, you want Sandalo? You get Sandalo! Much better than Oud. This Sandalo finally brings back meaning into perfumery, the lost art. This is special, and takes some time to delve the layers. There were hardly any reviews for this one, so had to order it online. This was the best blind buy ever and I hope to enjoy this for a long time.

My first impressions after wearing Colonia Sandalo Concentrée 5 or 6 times: I really like this. I find it to be a kind of upscale analogue to Dolce and Gabbana Pour Homme (current). It doesn't smell similar, exactly, but it achieves the same effect: clean but not boring, masculine but understated, fresh but warm, refined but unpretentious. In other words, it smells like an easy going man with unaffected good taste. While suitable for formal occasions, I think you could wear this any time. This could be a great signature for a man who doesn't care too much about cologne. Might make an ideal father's day present. Will update later.

This fragrance is very special. If I have two sprays in the morning, I'm able to smell it for the whole day, after I take a shower and on my sleeping T-shirt afterwards. The longevity is amazing. As to the silage, I think it is just the right one - the fragrance is creamy and very warm, manly and yet not aggressive. Sandalwood, lavender and bergamot is an extraordinary combination - simple, subtle and yet quite strong especially when the ingredients are of the highest quality. The price is indeed quite high but I prefer to give my money for this fragrance than for one of the terrible overpriced fragrances by Creed or Kilian.

This is beautiful. The sandalwood is prominent here, though you can definitely detect a nice bergamot note on the opening, which gradually fades in about an hour. That's when the creaminess of the sandalwood comes out. It's a very relaxing scent: brings my memory back to a time I was happy and stress-free. I personally like to wear this for myself rather than for compliments. This is what I'd normally call a "zen fragrance". Overall, it's very reminiscent of Indian scents. This can be easily worn in summer months, though I feel this is more of a fall scent. Performance: 8/10 Overall score: 9/10

Got this one for Christmas and I really like it! I like to use it after my morning shave personally as, to my nose it has a sort of classy "barbershop" vibe with a refreshing opening. Though not the same, it's reminiscent of YSL Rive Gauche pour Homme. Like an expensive men's grooming product scent. Clean, fresh, creamy, and smooth. Feels like it could also be a versatile performer..in the workplace, for dinner out, summer or winter ect. Has the citruses in the opening and then I get the lavender and sandalwood coming through, really well blended.Very nice indeed.

This is not a sandalwood dominant scent. It is a clean, spicy, soapy fragrance with sandalwood nuances. In fact so clean, it immediately reminded me of the original Paco Rabanne pour Homme (green bottle). An oakmossy barbershop opening, followed by a spicy oudy sandalwood. Finally it dries down to a chergui like type of scent. Performance could be better, but its ok. I guess you can say this is the best of the 3 recent releases by AdP, followed by Oud and Leather. By the way, this one takes note from both of them.

FYI if you want to buy this fragrance! Acqua di Parma decided to only allow Harrod's exclusivity. So if you live in the UK your in luck. If you live outside of the UK your S.O.L. That's really dum and doesn't make any business sense to only allow one retailer to sell it. Millions of others are not able to try it because it's not available to them. Too bad..... Update, anyone in North America is interested in buying this fragrance, according to ADP it's not available until the end of 2018.. don't hold your breath!

This is not a perfume, this is THE perfume. If you want to smell manly, confident and extremely elegant , go for ACQUA DI PARMA SANDALO. I did also smell the OUD ( very close to sandalo but with an appealing oud undertone ) and QUERCIA (different direction). I am yet to try essenza which apparently is more fresh . For me this is as versatile as any bleu fragrance, just regulate your sprays if you find it too strong for hot weather. Italian elegance in a bottle .An easy 10/10 for me

Sandalo for me is all year around fragrance it opens with fresh side Bergamot, Lemon and Orange then start to get some Cardamon & Lavender the dry down id Sandalwood, Tonka bean, Amber i see this scent is more for office or elegant dates longevity is decent around 6 hours with good projection & sillage in first couple of hours love Acqua Di Parma

I’ve been desperately trying to figure out what this reminded me of and it’s Mandate, albeit this is smoother, stronger and all around more appealing version than the current one. I love Sandalo. It’s masculine, complex and I think I stated in my last review that my favourite was Quercia which is still great but it’s been overtaken by this.

A very likeable masculine sandalwood and lavender. Soft, clean, pleasant. This reminds me a lot of aftershaves that your grandfather might have worn. It has a classic appeal, while still being likable for most people. This does not necessarily smell dated, but I wouldn't recommend anyone under the age of 25 or so wear this.

i loved this at first try. it stood outso much and i was in a really well stocked shop in a german town. the sandalwood is ad pleasan as it gets and the whole composition is warming and pleasant, yet not trying too had to pleae.

this is my most favourite keather scent ever. maked you want to put on luxury clothes and travel to somale imagined oriental palace, or at least to a private party in a beautiful palace. very intense and lovely

OG ADP Colonia amped up with some bold woody aromachemical(s) - read Iso E and what not. But it blends in very nicely, like ADP always do. IMMHO, Sandalo is the best in the Concentrée line, hands down.

In my opinion, the best sandalwood fragrance. So alluring and sexy + This will make you stand out in the current world of Dior savage and Chanel bleu

I would put this up there with Colonia Essenza, GIT, Masculin Pluriel etc, in terms of just smelling very handsome, smooth and classy.

really dry sandalwood (aka my favourite kind). relaxing bedtime type scent. perfect amount of spicy

The person who created this fragrance is a genius.

I am so heartbroken. I knew I am going to love this juice. And then It won't work on my skin. Whole day I am spraying myself, and this is not what it should be. On my skin: Starts with the signature colonia citrus, I am very happy with this part. But it's only 1 minute or less. The cardamom kicks in early and slightly strong to my like. But as the lavender slowly comes to the surface its beautiful, my favourite part. I wish this opening would last longer. Still the cardamom won't weaken. And this citrusy, floral, spicey start reminds me of aftershaves with either menthol or mint in them (a grapefruit mint mix for me). So, after this 20min show, there's a creamy sandalwood, nice. But the cardamom still disturbing me, and the whole thing just goes away too quick. On clothes it's a completely different story: The opening not obvious colonia citrus, not that bright. Perhaps it's already a mix with the lavender, that spice is there again, but not overhelming. This time it let the lavender win the show. Favourite part this is, everything going much slower, more bold. And the cardamom support the whole, nice. I am not only start tolerate cardamom, but I am in love how it's lift my beloved lavender. The next twist after the summer night walk by the lavender field is that barbershop vibe. Yes here it is, but nothing of this sort on my skin, never happened. 😭 Someone mentioned PR PH the green bottle earlier, and I have to say: yes I am get that. But don't expect that strong similarity, just it makes some of us surely to remember one or two old school barbershop scents. But AdP style... So much going on, what a game, and everything so smooth, well planned blend. Once, I think its going to turn to the creamy sandalwood scent on my jumper as well, but not yet. Little powdery at the moment, and the citruses almost fully disappeared. Like a nice full bodied red wine as you decant and once what it was harsh (citrus in this case) now turns into a fantastic creamy juice. I am waited a good 40mins. I am expected the tonka going to tame the wood but the amber came along instead, and the cardamom toned back up a little again but not for long. At the end when you can't separate any of the notes, its a nice, light woody finish. (a very little like honey and tobacco/wood for me at the very end, must be the amber's trick) A not too hot summer night for me, the wind brings some lavender from a little distance and I am watching the stars until I fall into a quality deep sleep. I hope this grows on me once, because it is fantastic from start to finish. Last/final sniff on my skin: Almost nothing, maybe faux leather, little reminds me of the green bottled jaguar. The usual AdP longevity and silage, not much better -for me- than the colonia or blu M line.

I’ve been testing this fragrance for the past week and was surprised because it’s not your normal sandalwood perfume. It’s intriguing, one of the most non-linear scents I’ve ever tried. The first three-minute blast is an alcohol bergamot/lemon explosion that took me back to my high school days when I’d liberally shake Old Spice Lime over my neck and shoulders after showering, making muscles and admiring my imagined animal magnetism in the mirror afterwards (yes, there was no Axe in my time). Then, Sandalo’s heart turns into a honeyed citrus essence (probably the citrus, lavender, and amber notes) with a powdery background (the sandalwood?). This slowly decays over about three hours into a cardamom/lavender that reminds me of Perfums de Marly’s Layton. Sillage is not enormous and turns into a skin scent that lasts 6-9 hours. This is a great scent for wandering about, for business, for informal social gatherings. It’s fresh and clean and won’t draw undue attention, while at the same time being bright and eye-opening, though it won’t replace the morning coffee. It’s a fall, winter, and spring scent easily, and probably summer capable. I’m on the fence over buying this. I don’t have anything in my current collection that’s similar to the opening or the creamy heart. The dry-down, however, is redundant with Layton. I layered it with Serge Lutens’ Santal Majuscule to enhance the sandalwood and liked the dry down better that way. If I didn’t own Layton, it would be a no brainer—I like the overall non-linearity and progression of Sandalo better than the comparatively boring Layton. Edit: After trying it many more times, I bought it.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Sandalo is another solid entry from the darker bottle line, formerly known as Colonia Intensas. It follows in the tradition of Colonia Oud and Colonia Leather before it as being an interesting albeit not too divsive entry, a blend of the "eau de cologne" concept mastered via the now-antique original Colonia as well as a mix of various other notes. In the case of Sandalo, the blend is overall a bit lighter and fresh than in Oud or Leather, just based on the nature of the signature of note. The fragrance consists of the predictable ensemble of citruses, paired with spunky additives like lavender, cardamom, and petitgrain, with a predictable base of sandalwood and amber (and allegedly tonka bean, though I don't get much of this, myself). The fragrance is refreshing and invigorating without being too loud, and somehow comforting without being too boring. It's palpably versatile, wearable day or night, winter or summer. It's a decent performer but probably not quite as good as Leather or Oud, but still satisfactory. Like the others, retail pricing ($260 for 100ml at Neiman Marcus) feels like a tough sell for a relatively safe offering, but it'll no doubt become cheaper on the secondary market (i.e. FragranceNet) with time. 7 out of 10

Very luxurious. Has a warm, creamy, barbershop, sandalwood opener that dries down with the creaminess dampening and the sandalwood becoming quite lush. The kind of perfume I imagine would be worn after a long day skiing, after sitting in the woody sauna and shower getting squeaky clean, and then putting this on, ready for some apres ski with scotch in hand, warm knitwear on for dinner or bathrobe on in the lodge, fire crackling, ready for action with your partner. If worn in warmer weather, I imagine would easily be quite cloying if not lightly sprayed. The opener is like a warm version of Creed's Himalaya. The Creed is more reserved, controlled, and changes into more of an airy, fruity note with some sandalwood lingering. The counterpoint comparison would be Armaf's Sillage (SMW knock-off), which starts on a peppery, ginger, chemical note with some woodiness and sandalwood characteristics, so is an edgier, lower quality sandalwood alternative. EDIT: My partner has smelt this a few times and scrunches up her nose each time and says it gives her a headache. The barbershop smell is a bit too strong for her.

Acqua di Parma’s Sandalo is very nice indeed with deliciously smooth and almost ‘sweet’ sandalwood notes - reminiscent of Comme des Garçons ‘Concrete’ - given a fresh relève by the citrus accord then warmth by a touch of aromatics. I sprayed a tester on the back of my hand and on the walk home all I could smell was this fragrance - excellent performance and even 9 hours later and several hand washes it smells as if I applied half an hour ago but just without the projection. After the 11 hour mark Sandalo begins to fade and after 12 hours I can smell a faint remnant but the real performance is probably a good 10 hours. AdP’s Sandalo holds up well in bitter Winter weather but the aromatics would really sing in Springtime. Well done, Acqua Di Parma... well done.

I tried this fragrance recently expecting a woody smell suitable for winter. I was shocked that what I got was a barbershop cologne which in my opinion, is more suitable for warmer weather. This reminds me a lot of Chanel Egoiste Platinum, and I am surprised nobody has mentioned this. I owned CEP in the past, and I enjoyed the smell but sold it because I felt it smelled too chemical and even cloying in very hot days. Hence I am very happy I found AdP Sandalo which has a similar smell but higher quality ingredients which make it more natural and less cloying than CEP.

others have done a brilliant job of dissecting AdP's Sandalo so all i'll add is that this feels unisex to me. a loud assortment of realistic fresh elements with equally authentic heavy hitters. beautifully blended. highly concentrated, extremely long wearing. absolutely worth every penny for a full bottle if this is your kind of fragrance.

A cologne for the colder weather. It opens nicely with strong citrus, but that fades quickly to leave space for the sweeter cardamom, tonka and sandalwood. To me it smells like Morocco in winter. It has decent projection. It's not safe for blindbuying because it's not your usual cologne. So sample before you buy.

Sandalwood, cardamom and bergamot mix. It's quite light and airy, not dense and thick, i think it would be suitable for spring and fall, it's blended very well to my nose, i just don't think it's groundbreaking or dare i say special enough to justify the niche price. 7/10 for me

Head turning! ADP has their version of Xerjoff’s Uden. Citrus, creamy, woody and aromatic. No rough edges present it’s all about the pleasantries. I wasn’t expecting for it to be this good. Way to go ADP.

To me the cardamome is way more prominent than sandalwood. I also smell something soapy in the dry down. Quite alluring, but doesn't last that long on me. 6,5/10

Tested it on paper: A nice take on sandalwood. Very vanillic and creamy, with a hint of spice, but kept on the masculine side. That said it's not groundbreaking imo, and since it hasn't hit discounters yet, there are better scent around for the price it currently retails for (i.e. Dyptique Tam Dao EDP, which costs half the price online: a little more unisex than AdP Sandalo, but still, it's my favourite sandalwood as of today). Will definitely reconsider it when it will be on sale at online discounters/ebay. Spring/Fall days, 30+ Edit: tested it on skin. On skin it is less round, much fresher and sharper. I have to be honest: I am not sure the cardamom/lavender/sandalwood trio works well here. Fact is that this fragrance is centered on cardamom, with strong lavender support - the sandalwood note only shows up in the base and doesn;t smell very natural (is it? or is there no sandalwood at all, but only creamy vanilla, sold as sandalwood? who knows). It is so sharp, that in the drydown, it seems that there is a some ambergris, and results being similar to Guerlain Encens Mythique (an aldehydic ambergris centered fragrance) that I am testing simultaneously on the other arm. Projection is moderate (good in the opening). At the point, I can say that Colonia Sandalo should have been marketed unisex. (I would even say that results in being the unisex version of Colonia Ambra, despite the listed notes are very different). The comparison with Aesop Marrakech Intense and Floris Santal are spot on, since both of these are cardamom-centric, not sandalwood-centric. No similarities whatsoever with the great LV Sandalo. Will do the job for who looks for a modern barbershop fragrance, even if a bit boring and unoriginal to my nose, and the name 'Sandalo' is definitely misleading. A pass for me, and should I decide to get a clean/fresh sandalwood fragrance, I will go with Tam Dao EDP (that despite the cedar, is rounder than Colonia Sandalo). For great sandalwood notes though, I will go directly with LV Sandalo, MPG Santal Noble and Profvmvm Santalum.

I like the opening (10-15 minutes). From the very beginning to the end finest ingredients, that are far from synthetics, are obvious. Big up to that. Petitgrain and orange are there for a while at the beginning. Then comes the sharp as knife cardamom reminding me of frankincense. And it stays dominant all the way to the end. And the end is not near! More than 12 hours of longevity on this one. Fortunately no Tonka bean. Just a hint of lavender in the middle phase, and sandalwood in the base. But again this is all about CARDAMOM. I am not a fan of it. And I wish the lavender and sandalwood is more upfront. Anyway, I will finish my decant wearing only at the office because my wife thinks it is dated and she hates it. The barbershop smell is a bit too strong for her. Can be used all year round by 40 plus age group. Not for everyday wear, as it is a bit sharp.

This fragrance was a big let down. Figured this would be a colonia with smooth sandalwood, but this just smell like a old man cologne from the 70s...

Well, it is the end of 2018 and it is available far and wide, I have just purchased some in Spain. Actually, a very nice coffret with scented candle and some gel or cream. Full size bottle of scent. Not really tried it yet but the guy in the little shop gave me one spray and it was very AdP and immediately brought to mind sandalwood. I happened to be wearing Hermes Vetiver Intense and it was overwhelmed by the single spray of Sandalo. I will post again once I have road-tested it properly. First impression promising.

Yes i think this is one of the better perfumes that hits the theme of Sandal. Its opens fresh and in that way it is really a Italian kind of perfume. The citric note is there and typical for Aqua di parma that Lavender note . Petit grain and Sandal come in the end. I still prefer Serge Lutens on Sandal but this one is second best. It is a sophisticated perfume and nicely balanced. The woody so typical for Sandal comes in the end.

25-female. Creamy and warm and delicious and very unisex in my opinion. On my skin, nothing about it pulls super masculine. It's like a warm Woody vanilla hug. Crazy as it sounds (since so many people commented on the citrusy top), the Citrus is barely there for me but I don't mind at all because this Perfume is still deliciously edible. Absolutely adore this scent.

As of today, this is on sale at my local perfumery so I'm assuming should be available elsewhere too. First impression from a single spray on my fist: Opens with a typical ADP citrus freshness then dries down to a soft sandalwood and cardamom. I am a sandalwood fan but I'd need to spend more time with this to see if it's worth the price.

slpfrsly - great review. I'd just like to thank you as I ordered a 180 bottle (at a crazy low price) and am looking forward to discovering this fragrance' nuances as we hang out for long time. If I'll have to add something to what you wrote after I get to know this, I will update this comment.

Smells very much like aftershave lotion or shaving cream, very refreshing/sparkling. I like it much better than Lutens Santal Majuscule (this AdP is more about the bracing lavender & citrus). You might also like Tous Man Les Colognes Concentrees (similar idea minus the sandalwood).

This is not worth the exorbitant prices. It is a very generic aromatic fougere that has been done a million times before, and the extremely poor performance is a total disappointment. Do not buy.

It's not fair! I wanted this to be a shared fragrance! I love sandalwood and love to see it in the name of the perfume too: colonia sandalo concentrato - that's music to my ears!

Well, here’s an update - do not get this on clothes you do not routinely launder unless you want to always smell of sandalwood. You decide if this is a good or bad thing.

Full 100 ml bottle available at a reasonable price (negotiable). EU-based transactions preferred due to customs duties and shipping prices. DM me if you are interested.

It’s a good blend. Nothing ground breaking or something you should go out and buy. It’s just spice and sandalwood.

The only sandalwood i can wear in summers .. awesome performance and a compliment getter .

I have a full bottle 3.4 oz brown old bottle good price $ 100 phone # 806 200 3600