Note di Colonia II

This is my preferred one of the 3 and I bought the 150 ml bottle while still testing samples of #3 and 1 at home in various conditions, I'll buy them probably, too. BTW I don't understand how it is possible to write a review on a niche frag without having a significant sample at home - not even enough for me to write a review - or the full bottle: then only I can write about it. But maybe I'm still having much to learn ... The opening is a magic combination between a set of citruses and an association between a soft cardamon and basil. Basil plays an original role as it adds a deeper and somewhat heavier effect to the citruses which are therefore difficult to individualize. The Guaiac wood is present from the very opening with a definitely nuancing effect, just like the soft muscs' effects and a never invading sandalwood & vetiver. The citrus notes disappear only after several hours as magically as they opened, but in this composition everything is smooth, soft, and progressive, leaving no surprises. Even after 8 or 10 hours, the delicious skin scent is very close to the opening and its soft and peaceful evolution. The longevity is impressive, and this is definitely not a Cologne in the common sense. The quality of ingredients and probably their concentration place this frag at least at the level of an EdP. I don't quite agree with the sequential 3-act analysis of these scents symbolized by Puccini's opera Turando as presented by AdP: I rather feel that this example of modern parfumery plays with variations around a very original theme, maybe reflected by the central theme of Puccini's composition at the time. Though I usually prefer floral scents, this is a true masterpiece as its softness and first class combination of non floral ingredients combines modernism with classicism in a very very original way. Great job for a first niche line, thanks AdP !

This is really very special, but the notes in the perfume pyramid are a little deceptive. You would assume (particularly given that this is an ADP release) that this is essentially a citrus-heavy fragrance that, once those citrus notes have gone, evolves to a woodsy dry-down, as is the tried and tested formula for hundreds (at least) of other fragrances. In fact, aside from an opening 60-second burst of bergamot, I get very little citrus from Note di Colonia II which instead arrives almost straight from the bottle with a full-on Guaiac experience pushing straight through that citric top-line. The Guaiac here is dense and dry but also super-smooth with none of the rubber/tarmac notes that can plague that note - it's a clever conjuring act, in fact, to present Guaiac as full-on and rich as this without it lurching into harshness. Nestling behind this is a clear herbal element coming from the interplay of basil and cardamon (I pick up hints of thyme, too?) which adds a depth and dimensionality that is perhaps serving to harness the Guaiac. Slowly a creamy, almost coconutty sandalwood joins the party to partner the Guaiac and the interplay between these two kinds of wood is just beautiful and, for me, the absolute highlight of Colonia II. The quality of ingredients and sophistication of the blend is clear throughout. Highly recommended for lovers of pure, natural (or at least natural, non-synthetic smelling) wood fragrances.

This (along with Note di Colonia I) was love at first sniff. In fact, the whole collection is superbly done. Shop around, the Note Collection be purchased at prices that mere mortals can afford. I hunted it down like a bloodhound, I was a little obsessed! I have been a fan of AdP Essenza, a classic eau de cologne that epitomizes tuxedoed elegance, but other AdPs, while nice, never really excited me. So I wasn't expecting the beauty of Note di Colonia II. Dry, sparkling, woody and slightly herbal aromatic that radiates class and sophistication without smelling nostalgic. Appropriate for all occasions, anytime, but I imagine it's cool dry citrus and woods would excel in heat. Not listed in the notes, but I think might be there, are pepper and something bitter, perhaps tomoato leaf, so so perfectly blended that no one note stands out. Nothing about this feels synthetic (although longevity suggests otherwise). I get decent longevity, not a beast mode scent. This is better for night out at a concert, or a lovely dinner alfresco, than for a night out clubbing.

Just stopping by to say that this scent is the best of the best for me. An absolutely masterful wearing experience. Mostly linear (no white musk in here), masculine, projects nicely, last long and it seemed like almost everyone likes it even though it is a niche scent that is somewhat unique. This is very very close to perfection. For such a natural citrus fragrance that has strength and prestige it is actually priced good compared to some of its peers due to the large bottle (price per ml). If this scent was an element, it would be smokeless fire. I tip my hat to you Aqua di Parma.

I swooned the first time I wore this. I also made my husband wear it and YES it works for both of us. My teenagers also love it. If only I could afford a full bottle I could perfume the whole family! I had to restrain myself from sprinkling some on the cats. It conjures an Italian barber shop/salon and the crisp, put together feeling of wearing linen and walking down old cobblestone streets. This fragrance is expertly blended and just beautiful.

One can feel that this one is a step up in terms of quality compared to their regular line. While it is a very nice blend, the current retail price ($470) is simply ridiculous for that juice. One can have MUCH more interesting fragrances for that price. Should you really want that one, eBay is the way to go (currently $170), but still, I would wait until it goes under the $100 bar. Then it will really be worth it.

A beautiful scent. It uses simple yet high quality notes. A compliment getter, I don't wear my frags for compliments, but this always does the trick. It's excellent. One of the best from the line.

This isn't a fragrance I would've picked out for myself but I was given a free sample and I fell in love. To me, this is the perfect unisex fragrance. I haven't smelt any of the others in the range but this really stands out to me. It's woody but sparkling. Not sure if it's worth the price for a full bottle but definitely going to try get more samples lol

This is my least favorite of the line. Reminds me of a non descript blind buy I made at Ross. Smells of generic mens cologne to my nose. III is my favorite. IV is also very nice but leans feminine. Still need to try V. Sample first.

All I can smell is dill pickle which comes from sandalwood. Similar to Santal 33. The retail price for a 5oz bottle is over $700.

FIRST SNIFF: I was introduced to this part of the line by the ADP SA who was tending the perfume bar downstairs at the Houston Neiman's store. She laid out the three scents in this grouping and had me smell each in order. I was informed prior to smelling them that each one is stronger and more full bodied than the last. So the first in the series would be the lightest and most understated. Like the first in the group, it immediately obvious that this is a well crafted, well-made scent. BUT, I'm immediately reminded of (at minimum) a dozen other scents made between 1998 and 2008 that had the word "Sport" or "Black" preceding or following the name. Apart from the fact it is well made and elegant, there are a few redeeming elements that give it an edge of sophistication and intrigue. For example, there is a hint of guaiac and an interesting musk that give it a bit of cleverness. THE PICTURE IT PAINTS: This scent would be the crown jewel of a trust fund kid, whose taste in fragrance was informed exclusively by his tastes and exposure in HS and college. Only now, he wants something NO ONE else has (...but accidently he has made himself smell like everyone else did/does , just in a much more expensive and exlcusive manner. IN THE BRAND FAMILY: Because the bottle is Lalique and it is so limited it may be worthy of a collector's cabinet. Or in the guest bathroom of your country club -- But if you are a niche lover this is not the star of the line. Niche lovers should reach for the dark brown colored ADP bottles IMO which hold the ingredient collection. Full Bottle worthy? - NO Sample worthy? - NO PARTING THOUGHTS: Like an unbelievably well-made Crew paddle. The wood is expensive, rare and perfect, the craftsmanship is masterful with tedious attention to detail and the end product is awe inspiring, but the utility and need for such a piece, non-existant. It should have been left affixed to the wall of your bedroom or country club. In terms of the stereotypical sport scent of the 90' and 00's this is a masterful and undeniable specimen. This scent could easily be any mistaken for the exclusive collection of any designer scent line. Biggest passssss of the three.

Note II begins with a somewhat stingy, bitter leathery nuance. It is considerably brute, but sadly lacks attraction. I find it very gloomy. The fragrance is imbued by bitter botanicals to give it this effect. There are some resinoid notes in the backdrop that add an almost hazy, abrasive undertone. It combines with the woodsy and spicy accents to create a deep, brooding anti-ambiance, if I could describe it. The citrus element isn't incredibly dominant. It's more of a fixative application, but you can certainly tell it's the bitters of orange stirring at the center. It makes the oversoul even more heady, and dare I say, off-putting. I hate to use that word, but for what it would suggestively be attempting to accomplish (being a brute fragrance)—it is a vulgar, crude blend that I can't find any style in at all. It's like you're wearing a fine fragrance; and you finish using the bathroom; and you slip and fall, and your arm dunks inside the bowl leaving you with this. In my initial impressions of Note II, it had a striking similarity I couldn't quite recall, and then it came to me looking at the notes: It strongly resembles a cross between Fan di Fendi Pour Homme & Fan di Fendi Acqua. I wasn't really big on either of those, but to each their own. More importantly, I don't feel that Acqua di Parma really did anything significant to improve upon, or improvise these formulas. It doesn't seem to have any Acqua di Parma bespoke touch in any noticeable fashion. The most enjoyable aspect of the fragrance was when it died down rather quickly. Something in the style of an Eau Fraiche. Let's be empathetic though—that's not a good thing to be celebrated at all. And certainly for the honor suggested of this line—a blatant lie. A terrible demerit on the Note di Colonia line.

Note di colonia ii is a nice offering from acqua di Parma. The cardamom and Guiac wood here work well. This is a natural smelling fragrance that would work well in most weather. No real citrus to be found after it dries on skin the initial citrus notes just pull this into the air upon application and are gone leaving the wearer with an airy smooth wood effect. The basil in here adds a touch of contrast which works well here as it’s not completely photorealistic basil but just adds a mild green touch and connects whatever citrus present in the initial opening to its woody dry down. This scent is very close to skin and projection is faint. This is after all an EDC concentration. People may not notice this any more then they would the smell of soap on a person after a shower. It is however of superior quality compared to 90 % of things in my collection. This was a blind buy for me as I found it at a great price on Black Friday. I would never purchase this at full retail with that said the scent is wonderful and the bottle is stunning. I’d say this is more for collectors not the casual enthusiast. I’d say the closest thing I’d compare this to for reference is Ormonde man. Not the same scent but one could easily replace the other. Spring /summer smart casual or daytime dressed. The bottle though!!!!!!

From the 4 that I tried this one leans more toward masculinity, feels like old days scents gets a bit modernized, herbaceous woody and fresh with a bit of depth, the old style gentleman cologne, the scents are elegant and very nice and enjoyable, nothing ground breaking but nice to enjoy the modernized classic type of scents and to put your self in aura of simplicity elegance and class. Acqua di Parma quality. Very good, moderate L & S Imo.

It reminds me of Santal 33 but with no pickle nuance (violet leaf (cucumber) with spices (cardamom, etc)), but more woody, especially Guaiacwood. There is no chemical-musky nuance here and a more natural feeling from the natural citruses and bitterness of Basil.

Think Santal 33, think Matiere Premiere Parisian musc...a toned down pickle note almost like a softer more masculine Santal 33. In order of intensity, Parisian musc > Santal 33 > Note di colonia 2.

this is an interesting, spicy/green fragrance. i would say it is a good scent for the beginning of autumn. i like the hint of sandalwood. i might buy a big bottle

i find this scent joyful and sophisticated. i like pretty mucha ll the adp colognes and this is one of my faves - it improves my mood and even posture!

No idea why but I a PDM pegasus vibe with this ?? Could be the Sandalwood

I thought this was the least special of the 3