Aqua Gold

#659 In my "Tour de Fragrance" Got this as a sprayette sample. As others have noted this is reminiscent of the Dior Eau Sauvage EDT. A tad less sour. Maybe a tad less old school. I much prefer the Parfum version of Eau Sauvage, which is maybe even more old school, but a better performer. This scent lacks the screechy bergamot note of the Eau Sauvage. So Aqua Gold has that in its favor. Unlike many other Montale scents this is a moderate scent that's safe for the car pool, elevator, office. I suspect if you have many other Montale scents on the shelf you may find the potency of this scent a bit disappointing, but unlike their more beastly options, this is acceptable business wear exactly because it's just not that strong and heavy. You could class this as a citrus freshie for daytime wear in warm weather. Wouldn't be a date night scent for me. I like it, but I'm not moved to own a full bottle (or in this case, cannister).

If you have tried Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum 2017, this is close, BUT, this is lighter (scent profile) and a little more musky. It lets in more air, allows you to cool a little more, and a little less resins are present. So they took out a little resin, added more white musk and cedar. You will smell clean, cool, fresh, and light. I think this is the cleanest smelling Montale ever. For a fragrance of this fresh profile it lasts longer than I thought it would. A solid wear for five hours, and potentially a skin scent for eight, but it will evaporate in high heat, but it will push off stronger in the high temperature too. I know Pierre Montale is aiming to create a fresh scent, but I would have added a tiny bit of fresh green vetiver in the mid, maybe in the base. Do I love it? Yes, do I wear it, absolutely. This has become a staple for me in hot weather.

Aqua Gold is a standout in the Montale line up (as is Fougeres Marine). Why? Most Montale whilst lauded often have a common generic base and often poor performance (though many disagree, I say this is because of limited experience). This is an exception (as is Fougeres Marine). Here they have not cut cost on quality of oils, instead leaving a super oily concentration. The concoction powers away all day not at a super loud volume but a throbbing bass that just won’t be turned off. For me this is (whilst all the notes are there) a dark fleshy pulp of lavender on dark moss with a hint of leather. Some white florals - a touch and a l slight citric airiness courtesy of the citrus and Neroli. A touch of wood to give it a bit of broader texture. Amazing - if you want a dark brooding masculine lavender this is it!

I find this to be refreshing and above average. In the vain of Gendarme EDP and Montale Fougeres Marine. I disagree with the Citrus as a dominant vote or description though I agree largely with Picknenders description. For me this is a smooth musky crushed lavender assisted with white florals on top of a strip of faint leather. It’s brightness and airiness is buoyed by a syrupy oily sweet lemon as a base like the other ingredients are floating on the leather in a bowl of it. All the other notes are complimentary. Pleasant and natural, whilst not particularly ground breaking (not that it needs to be) it is remarkably well done. I struggled to justify it when I already have Fougeres Marine which is weaker but nice and refreshing in summer but I’ve come to realise I now prefer this...

This completely took me by surprise. For a fresh citrus fragrance, this is stunning. More than your citrus/musk fragrance. Open very bright and citrusy with the orange blossom and jasmine peaking around the corner. As the citrus calm down, the orange blossom/jasmine combo come forth making one of the best fresh citrus DNAs I’ve smelled. As it continues to sit on my skin, the wood note adds great depth overall. Superb! Longevity is above average...which is huge for a fresh citrus DNA. Projection is above average as well. Great for spring/summer and could be pulled off in fall. Heck, I wore it today in 40 degree weather and love it. I got this in a sample pack and had never heard of it. So lucky/happy it came as extra. Picking up a bottle as spring comes around. Highly recommend!