Floral No 11

Floral woody musk is the category most heavily represented in my collection and the stunning richness, complexity and longevity of Micallef's Floral No.11 make it a star among stars. No.11 is much too powdery, thick and sweet for summer's humidity and high temps and would be at its best in cool and cold weather, equally appropriate with the elegance of velvet and comfort of wool sweaters. While rose and geranium are most prominent, galbanum tempers their sweetness and gives the bold florals a bit of a "bite". Jasmine, although faint, contributes a slightly sour indolic edge. Musk and woodsy notes provide a smooth warmth and depth and are the source of No.11's powdery nature that's evident right from the start. For all of its complexity I find No.11 a linear fragrance -- every note coming on together and persisting through its amazing longevity. If powdery fragrances aren't to your liking you'd best avoid No.11 -- it's powder from start to finish and I'd compare it to Chantilly in that respect. Prices vary widely but some on-line sellers have 100ml spray refill bottles for about $20.00 USD, including shipping. A safe blind buy only for those who love roses, musk and powder.

Smells like real perfume, not what we have in mainstream now. It has sweetness but not candy/sugar sweetness. I enjoy it!

Smells good but not for the price tag. at the first spray is a very bitter smell, almost like the supermarket deodorant sprays. After 30 mins it settled into a nice sweet smell but not to sweet - with geranium and musk taking the stage as the main actors. Its nice, smells a bit like old perfumes froom the 20s. Its pretty strong but stays close to the skin. Great for summer and for yoga

First, dab sampling: drydown reminds me of vintage Dune. I'll update after I give it a regular wearing. It's not super-sweet but I don't get strong woods either, though right now I'd agree with the person who said it has a somewhat minty quality. It's not a "monster floral" and there seems to be an animalic element. No major aldehydes. Regular wearing: Not nearly as much of that mint quality now. It reminds me a bit of vintage Historie d'Amour. It's a little powdery rosy, a little sweet, a little green/resinous, etc., very soft and blended, a kind of Renoir effect. This could be used for layering, for example, if I wanted to make a harsh "masculine" scent a bit softer. Don't expect obvious wood notes here but I think it''s more like a small amount of amber and castoreum (the musk is mild) in the base. This is quite pleasant but some may find that there isn't enough of a "wow factor" to justify a purchase, at least not at retail prices. It's also got unisex potential - I'd say it's good for formal occasions in that context, so long as the weather isn't too warm.

Don't be bluffed by the note pyramid! When it looks like simple and fresh, No.11 definitely is not a light sweet floral one. It's powdery, dense and has a unbelievable longevity - very aspect suggests a powerhouse style scent and not for a faint heart. No.11 starts with geranium, laced with some spice notes, so strong as if a little resin bomb exploding before you. It gives No.11 bit of harshness and the feeling maintained throughout the whole stages. Compared with scents nowadays, it's not at all a tender one, though when it rests, it tends to be more warm, with a spiced sweetness and you could get its heavy woody base. The drydown is pretty much the same as its body, just a little less sweet, weaker and a bit calm. Though there are floral notes listed, rose, jasmin, etc, I bearly noticed any. To me, No.11 is totally about geranium, sweet resin, light spices and woody notes.