Berlin

Berlin is a fresh summer scent based around the contrast of a Haitian vetiver with fresh citrus an oxidized black tea. To the experienced nose this can be a very pleasant experience, or a dull one, depending on one's tastes. Berlin opens with two prominent citrus notes in my opinion: a grapefruit rind that provides bitterness and the flesh of a mandarin that provides a soured sweetness. These combine with and sharp black pepper spice to make the nostrils tingle. The opening has an aromatic nature that I believe comes from the addition of a secret pink pepper note that holds it all together. Into the mid one is introduced to the smell of everyday black tea leaves, before being brewed, with their unique scent that melds smoky woodiness with a metallic fresh state. The tea dominates for the majority of the scent before giving way to a natural-derived Haitian vetiver note: fresh, green, woody, inky, and smoky. The performance on the fragrance is soft providing a nature that can be described as "understated," which aligns well with the brand's mission. Overall, a enjoyable fresh scent that is different without being too different, exceptionable wearable, and unmistakably Gallivant.

Berlin is another freshie release from Gallivant Perfumes. Its mixed citrus opening (clementine, lemon, grapefruit) gives way to a heart of black tea and pepper and final a base of vetiver, cedar, and patchouli. The heart of black tea and pepper provides the fragrances slightly mysterious, spicy character, and distinguishes it from the mostly-fresh Brooklyn (which has a musky, powdery dry down) and Tel Aviv (which is more dominantly floral throughout its life. Berlin is one that evolves interestingly from its very fresh opening to its still-somewhat-fresh-but-spicy-and-earthy dry down. That it's not linear helps it tell a story, and it's a story I like to read. Berlin's performance is comparable to Tel Aviv and Brooklyn, so very good for a freshie, but one might still question the performance for the price ($95 for 30ml). Thus far, Berlin is the Gallivant offering I'm most inclined to buy but I still need to sample the other three more thoroughly. 8 out of 10

This VERY unisex fragrance is a well-balanced mix of cedarwood, citrus, and spice. On my skin, the star of the show is the cedarwood, with the citrus notes only playing a supporting role in keeping the wood notes bright and fresh. The black pepper is also prominent but never tries to overtake the other notes. It's easy to wear, but still interesting, which is generally the category of fragrances I look to buy in full-sized bottles: something I don't have to wait for a special occasion to wear, but is still unique enough to feel special. To me, Berlin very much fits that description. I've been looking for a wood-based scent that still managed to be light, fresh, and approachable and definitely found that in Berlin.

A very nice unisex zingy scent with equal amounts of citrus, tea and vetiver. My nose is tickled by a good dose of pepper. It's interesting that the clementine and tea seems to be the most tenacious notes on my skin. Its a shame it doesn't last very long. Less than average longevity and sillage. I guess not surprising considering the notes.

I love citrus scents so this fragrance is a winner for me. But there is more to it than just fresh citrus. There is an added sophistication. A green wood note and a slightly dusty scent that reminds me of money notes. For me this is a daytime scent and is unisex. It is fresh, clean, businesslike.