Casanova

This is supposed to be Roja dove a midsummer dream. I haven't tried a midsummer dream, so I can't compare, but what I get with this fragrance is somewhat linear but then throughout the time wearing it, there's moments when I think I'm going crazy or I'm smelling a complex masterpiece of notes. I don't really want to comment on what I'm smelling for notes listed here because there's something happening that creating this scent in more ways than just individual notes. But the accords listed for a midsummer dream I think are spot on: Aromatic, citrus, woody, warm spicy, earthy, powdery, balsamic, fresh spicy, vanilla, amber. This last time I wore this it had some similarities to oasis water by Alexandria fragrances which is a clone of gypsy water by byredo. The way that fragrance is fresh and woodsy is similar to how Casanova is fresh/green and woodsy, except Casanova feels a little darker, mysterious and slightly melancholy, where oasis water is more feel good. Casanova also seems to have so much more going but it only reveals these incredible moments of complexity here and there. Everytime I've worn this it's a similar experience, it opens up and I can distinctively recognize a singular composition (kinda green, fresh, slightly spicy, a little bit sharp, woodsy, cold, very aromatic,), and it seems to be very linear, but time and time I find myself thinking all of sudden I'm smelling something totally different, it's the same but there's something really deep opening up to my nose and then it's again the same linear fragrance. This most recent time wearing this I feel like I was able to pick out vanilla and amber when this fragrance does it's morphing, because I definitely sensed it warm up. I also detected the powder in this in a way that's used in Andy Tauer fragrances, almost like a feignt hint of his tauerade dna snuck in here. It's really quite unique but I feel like you need to pay attention to wearing this, or maybe not actually, because it's typically when I'm not paying attention I get all these notes changing into something complex that it stops me and makes me wonder if I actually just smelled some hidden mystery in this fragrance. As far as longevity, it's definitely long lasting, I haven't tested the extreme length of it but solid projection for a minimum of 5 hours, I haven't worn it in a situation that doesn't compromise the length of it on skin or clothes longer, but I can tell this will easily last a work day if not longer for most people. Projects great, definitely a scent cloud around you at least radiating within arms length, not quite sure if it's leaving a trail, but its definitely potent. I'm reviewing this from a 55ml bottle, I've worn it multiple times now. I purchased the bottle after sampling it, and there was something about the sample that seemed like just a simple fragrance, but at the same time alluring, and really different, so I was compelled to get a bottle and I'm glad I did. There's times while I'm wearing this that I've thought to myself this just might be the best thing I've ever smelled, this is a work of art, a masterpiece. But then I'm wondering if I'm dreaming.

I shouldn't like this fragrance. It is more than a little powdery, and I don't enjoy powdery. It is quite unisex, and I don't enjoy straight-down-the-middle unisex. It has carrot seeds. I don't even know what carrot seeds smell like.... do carrots even have a smell, let alone their seeds?? But somehow, in some way, I love it. I don't even know why, but this is such pleasant, comforting, refined scent. It walks a tightrope over so many potential disastrous fragrance cliches- baby powder, "Bank of England" lady, but never falls into any of them. If just one accord were out of balance this would be something unwearable, but somehow it just avoids catastrophe, the narrow escape turning it into a triumph. The result is lovely, genius really. It works very well for men- not a compliment monster or mainstream in any way- but would go very well with a grey flannel suit or handsome cardigan. Warm, powdery, earthy, with a soft underpinning of masculine spices. Great.

So comparing the two, I'll say it's a decent clone as it gets much of the profile correctly. However there are some differences, that although small, makes a huge difference in experience. The original is much airier, theres a delicacy about it, while this inspiration is more heavy handed. This is a denser version, and in that denseness changes the feel that makes the original special. Casanova is also a tad bit sweeter while the original is slightly more herbal. Now I am not saying Casanova is bad, it's actually pretty good, but just like Zion vs elysium, there's just a certain experience in the wear that makes it night and day even though both are around 90%. But as with both Zion and Casanova, if comparing the retail price I would pick Alexandria all day, but when comparing it discounter price, I think the extra $$ is worth it to get the original.

Very close to Roja’s A Midsummer Dream, almost identical in the dry down, AF have really nailed the complexity, the depth and the blending. For me the only difference I can detect is that the original has a tad more sparkle and refinement, especially in the top notes, they’re just a touch fresher and sharper. Projection and longevity are on a par with the original, both are more than you’d expect for this class of fragrance. It’s a beautiful creation, like the most luxurious, high end barbershop fragrance you could ever imagine - think of ultra clean and fresh and go way beyond it. Very invigorating and uplifting! AF are doing a great job of making affordable the world’s finest and most costly fragrances.

Bright, floral and powdery. A quality scent by Alexandria, though more unisex leaning. Not masculine enough for my taste and the sweetness quickly becomes cloying and nauseating. Maybe OK for women.