Sicilian Mandarin

This opens with citrus being the dominant vibe, primarily the mandarin itself but also the bergamot accompanying it, which is rounded off and tempered by the freshness of the mint and the greenness of the oakmoss and petitgrain. The way the green notes combine with the citrus is superb, playing the background to the lead role of the citrus. The result is a fragrance that is fresh, lively and classy. If I were to sum up this fragrance in one phrase I would say that it reminds me of a green (unripe) mandarin which fell from the tree prematurely. Whilst unmistakably being mandarin, it never fully ripened and sweetened like the other mandarins on the tree and therefore kept some of its sour taste and remains true to its green colour. The combination of the citrus and green nuances in this is much akin to typical EDC type fragrances, and therefore this won't smell new or unique in itself. However, this has been so expertly blended and is just such an excellent fragrance, far above any other cologne I've smelled. Unique - maybe not; excellent - without a doubt. Scent: 9 Versatility: 8 Uniqueness: 5 Performance: 8

Maski's review below is well-written, but way off base describing the fragrance. Sicilian Mandarin is not downtrodden, dilapidated, or neglected. It is stern, robust, and austere. The use of mandarin over the common lemon, lime, and bergamot keeps the sharpness down and the longevity up. The lack of white florals drastically separates it from the numerous citrus/white florals on the market. Petitgrain and mint are much more apparent than any oakmoss, but it's mandarin front row and center. Try Xerjoff's Ascot Moon, then tell me you smell oakmoss in here. I smelled a lot of craft moss growing up, long before getting into the fragrance world, and just don't get any oakmoss in this as the note votes would suggest. The entire Essenze line is pure class and Sicilian Mandarin is one of the stars.

A more balanced modification of Armani Prive Oranger Alhambra . It also has much in common with Italian Bergamot, and seemingly contains Neroli as well. But I cannot find neroli or orange blossom in the accords, nor detect any oakmoss by my nose. This one is much better than Italian Bergamot, and does not have a disturbing cheapy air-freshener-ish citrus smell like IB, which just cannot be better anymore. It may not have a distinctive character from other citrus colognes, but acts like a beacon of "THE LESS IS MORE". Longevity: 6-10 hrs, moderate projection for the first 2-3 hour, then turns to be a skin scent. Rating: 8.5/10

I had to click 'Love' on this one a strong citrus bergamot & mandarin fragrance which smells truly amazing, juicy and uplifting. Petitgrain is a welcome partner in here but I don't get any oakmoss or anything that grounds the fragrance either in woods or greenness coming from something like vetiver? which it's sadly lacking. Hate to nay say such a quality citrus but it's too linear a composition and too expensive to excite me all that much.

mandarin, bergamot, spearmint, petitgrain and moss, so it is soury, fresh and clean mandarin, light touch of sweetness is nice plus petitgrain make it bit bitter and I love little touch of moss to make woody vibe in dry down, i love to wear it for work, casual and work i rate it 9/10 it safe for blind buy? YES, absolutely