Lalfeogrigio

I think my friend Alfarom has already told everything. "Mandatory for anyone into outstanding drydowns."

Lalfeogrigio blew me away! Literally! I don't know where to start as there is really a lot going on here... Ok, first of all I learned that the perfume pyramid above it's just indicative. Apparently it should represent what the fragrance is supposed to evoke with its main accords. When you purchase the full bottle (or sample), the packaging comes with an additional list of actual notes that in this case includes more than 50 (fifty) ingredients involved in the making of this concoction (allergenics excluded). If, for certain reasons, this may sound a bit pretentious or off-putting, at the same time Lalfeogrigio delivers exactly what he promises: a huge fragrance. What it smells like? I guess this is one of those compositions that may change depending on the wearer. Don't get me wrong, in this specific case, I'm not saying that your body chemistry will make the difference but, considering the incredible amounts of ingredients involved, it really depends on how you are sensitive to certain notes instead of others. Me? I get an initial blast of culinary herbs and spices (Piper Nigrum, Sage, Cumin, Laurel, Oreganum, Rosemary) that is arresting to say the least. As previously experienced with other compositions from the same house, the opening is brutal, unpretty, rough...If you're familiar with Villoresi's fragrances you'll probably know what I'm talking about. Sort of an ugly duckling type of stuff. If you survived to the initial "assault" you're now ready to be treated to a consistent amount of resins (Boswellia Sacra, Boswellia Carteri, Myrrh, Styrax). The transition is repentine but skilfully handled by introducing an extremely sophisticated floral accord (rose and jasmine) joined by vanilla and tonka beans. In this phase, Lalfeogrigio plays the juxtapositions game contrasting the sweet base with a strong masculine vibe provided by geranium, leathery castoreum, spices and absynth/lavender. WOW it's musky too! Perfectly balanced! If this may sound a bit over the top, let me tell you it's not. Everything is so detailed and clearly detectable just like an high resolution picture. The main point of streght of Lalfeogrigio is to be incredibly bold but at the same time never loud or vulgar...pure symphonic perfumery. Another remarkable aspect is that everything smells incredibly natural (as opposed to synthetic) which, nowadays, is quite a plus... I could go on saying what else I detect but I prefer to stop it here. Just let me write a list of fragrances/brands that popped up in my mind while wearing this outstanding concoction... Parfum Sacre, Jicky (and other Guerlains), Musc Ravageur, YSL Nu EDP, Black Cashmere, A Taste of Heaven, Santa Maria Novella, Villoresi, Ambre Sultan, Ambre Precieux... Mandatory for anyone into outstanding drydowns. Rating: 8.5/10

Filthy! It smells absolutely urinous upfront, but it's tempered (just slightly) by what appears to by thyme and other spices. The harshness settles down fast, but this is still highly animalic stuff—castoreum mainly but with peppery florals that reads to me more as carnation than the listed geranium and jasmine. The rose is there, and is kept tastefully low in the mix, and there's a slight bitter facet, but that helps to merge everything into a balanced whole. It's excellent—frighteningly good and totally daring, but still highly wearable for those who enjoy an animalic challenge (think Leather Oud). Its florals really shine in the mid-late stages, but they never work their way to the top of the mix, instead functioning as backup support for the showpiece notes. Absolutely intriguing from start to finish, and entirely worthy of exploration for the filth-mongers among you.

This creation has been an instant love from the very first sniff, they do not make them like this anymore. When I read the descriptions and fragrantica's notes on the pyramid, I can only shake my head and laugh my butt off in my mind. Because this creation is so complex, and so unique that words are hard to come to. Nothing compares to grigio. This creation can be worn in all four seasons, and at any time during the day. The feedback above and below said something about it's brilliance shines deep into the drydown, I beg to differ. Grigio speaks to you in the opening, it's spicy layer is demanding your respect in the opening moments, and everything after that is just as mystical. Lalfeogrigio is my secret weapon.