Eisbach No. 5

Let me start off by saying I may be biased to this brand. It's from my hometown Munich and the very word 'Eisbach' conjures up so many good memories from my youth, especially my time at the university, I almost can hear the sound of the rolling water and feel its cool breath. The Eisbach (lit. ice-creek) branches off the river Isar which flows through Munich. It is not a natural creek, but was conceptualized in the 18th century by a landscaper in charge of creating the central park of Munich, the 'Englischer Garten'. Areas naturally flooded whenever the Isar overflows were used to create it and thus despite technically being an artificial creek it still looks very natural. It winds through Englischer Garten between generous lawns, under the shade of old trees and picturesque tiny bridges. In summer teenagers jump into the icy water and let themselves get carried all throughout the park, to then get out at a certain spot, take the tram two stops back, just to repeat the game. Students from the nearby university lounge on the grass near its banks in between classes. And at one of its bridges it also sports an artificial wave, making it maybe the spot closest to the Alps for surfers in the city. From spring to late fall you can stand on the bridge and watch the surfers take turns riding its rolling wave. And no matter how hot it gets in Munich in summer, if you are near the Eisbach you will always feel a breath of cool air. With its water coming from the Alps its scent is crisp and slightly mineral and it mixes with the smell of mossy stones, fragrant grass and tall trees. I guess this is the impression the brand was going for with this fragrance. Now did they succeed? I'd say so, yes. The opening is slightly herbal, which does remind me of the green and mossy smells of Englischer Garten and it dries down to something mild and fresh aquatic. Thinking of it, most of the time we think of aquatic fragrances, we think of the ocean, don't we? I like a lot that this for once is a sweet-water forest-y aquatic. It has to be admitted though, later into the dry down on me it develops into something a bit cologne-y and leaning a tad more masculine than unisex. Also it is not very strong on sillage. But then, while you may be able to smell the ocean even a good way away, a cold creek you usually only perceive when sitting quite close to it. Longevity on me is decent. I sprayed it 7 hours ago and it's still very much there, even if more of a skin scent. I do like it. It may not be a one-to-one photo-realistic capture of the Eisbach and its surroundings, but it does indeed portray its allover mood very nicely. However, due to the price and its appeal to a very local sentiment I would not recommend a blind buy. Nevertheless, solid like from me. Short edit: this lasted easily throughout the night and until my next shower the following day. Yes, sillage is very soft in accordance with the theme, but the longevity is excellent.

It’s definitely different How different depends on your taste It wasn’t something I like or appreciate The only good thing about it is the uniqueness Although I received a compliment but unless I can enjoy it myself a compliment is the least of my concerns Performance is good It was different like a salad somehow Not for me maybe others would like it

Yikes! This will blow away the cobwebs. A blast of bergamot and tingly aromatics like basil and lavender. The perfect scent for wearing in high humidity and high temps. I like it but there are not many days in the UK with conditions like those I have described. Mind you, after many years in the far east I'm not complaining (much) I think I would have liked it much more with the addition of good base notes like musk and Or Ambrette To blend and smooth everything. Sadly by its very nature (pretty much all top notes) it doesn't hang around long. Poor longevity and moderate sillage.

LENG-Note: “Effervescent energy” - Bergamot, Spearmint, Grapefruit, Cassis Absolute LING-Note: “Wisdom and harmony” - Green Tea Absolute, Mimosa Absolute, Basil Comores, Lavandin Grosso A beautiful wave that delivers the perfect fusion of citrus freshness and effervescent energy with the gentle wisdom and harmony of Japanese green tea. A spectacular fragrance experience and a very personal declaration of love for Munich.