Victrix

Victorious, as the latin cognomen of the Legio VI Victrix suggests, is an ode to ancient Rome. Four notes. Pepper, mentioned endless times by Marco Gavio Apicio in his cooking recipes, was considered a luxurious spice, by far the most loved by the ancient Roman aristocracy. (They're probably using pink pepper, a false pepper that arrived in Europe only in recent times, because the berries are more aromatic or because is easier to estract the essential oils or because it deliveres a fresher note. I'm not sure). Coriander, cited by Plinio il Vecchio for its various food applications and for its relaxing properties. Oak wood, the simbol of virtue, strenght, dignity, perseverance and military valor. It was also the symbol of Jupiter, the king of the gods. And finally the most famous, laurel, rapresenting victory, glory and wisdom. The symbol of Apollo. Today if you find yourself in the late afternoon traffic of Via Appia Nuova directed to the center of Roma immediatly after the gates of Villa dei Quintili you can turn yor head left and look at the park and you'll be able to spot in the distance the ruins of the Calidarium and Frigidarium of an ancient Roman bath. And those are just some of the many ancient edifices nestled nearby that segment of the Via Appia Antica. You look at those structures from today's world. They look back at you. From another era. The harsh smell in the opening, due to the laurel I suppose, it reminds me of something concerning oil paint or the act of painting. And in an instant I find myself sorrounded by the recently frescoed walls of a Roman domus stepping out in the approaching dusk after the rain two millenia ago. Silence. Fireflys. Ponentino. Time travel to ancient Rome is possible. Through VICTRIX. One of the best PROFVMVM ROMA fragrances ever.

So, every now and then, I try perfume families that i usually don't gravitate towards. It's good to try new things and get new perspectives especially when you are in an unknown place. This time, that place was Rome and i was looking forward to take a dive into the city and it's perfume shops, asking for the one thing that i usually hate: fresh summer fragrances. Smelled many, disliked most but eventually got in the Profumum Roma shop near Piazza del Popolo and the tables turned. I was already a bit defeated but still wanted the challenge. Fresh summer fragrances - i said, but added: I usually don't like them. I go towards dry, woody, wintery style fragrances with a touch of warmth. The lady from the shop asked me if i liked oakmoss and i smiled. She handed me Victrix, and i felt understood. The very distinct aromatic opening with the bay leaf and pink pepper is bold and gives this a salty, summery and spicy character to a more traditional chypre base that feels so conforting. Great quality, very natural scent, simplistic in it's approach that is distinct from the boring clean colognes yet, unpretentious when compared with the complex concoctions that always remind me of the Nietzsche quote: They muddy the water, to make it seem deep. To me, a great discovery: Rome, Profumum Roma and Victrix.

UPDATE: have used this about 1/2 dozen time now. Like it more each time. There is a certain depth to it that I find lends itself to a gentleman in fall. Think 'George Cloony territory'. Full bottle for me!! The scene... I am on a weekend (3 day) getaway to a cabin (well appointed) in the rolling hills where there are oak trees and dry grass. It is just after 'Indian summer' and into fall and the first rain hits. Not a lot of rain, about 2 hours worth but that amount was enough to release the unique smells that one only gets at that time. Temperature cool but comfortable, time for an Irish wool pull over sweater. It is borderline for a fire tonight in the fireplace but I will light a small one for the ambiance and to acknowledge the change of season and think about the times I had in the summer past and the adventures that are waiting for the winter. Victrix is a herbaceous and aromatic scent reminiscent of the above. I get wet oak and laurel trees, dry grass just rained on but also, maybe, a little rosemary, some wood too, all balanced. Could call it unisex but I would say for gentlemen. Quality. When the time is right I will reach for this.

Victrix does not smell like the forest to me at all. I don't get pine as some have mentioned. I smell fresh water plants like the type that goes around the edges of a fresh water pond; nettle, spearmint, water cress, even a hint of sage and perhaps just a tiny bit of dill. This is a very fresh green scent...one of the freshest around. I really like it a lot and would love to find a good deal on a full bottle somewhere...but that's a very hard thing to do with Profumum fragrances. I found that Maria Candida Gentile's Finisterre is very similar in my opinion to Victrix. There is more of a musty herb smell to Finisterre than there is to Victrix. Victix is smoother and seems to be a better blend overall to my senses that Finisterre, but they definitely smell like they're related. Victrix however was created at least 4 to 5 years before Finisterre, so it's the original at least of these two. I hope to own a bottle sometime soon.

Victrix is just as much herb lover's delight as it is a woodland lover's delight. All the herbs are palpable: an opening of bay leaf, punctuated by pink pepper and coriander, with impressions of thyme, even lovage and angelica root. Yet the earth underneath is discernible, somewhat damp after a light rain, with the sun now slowly evaporating the drops that sit on the leaves like spherical gems. The merging of camphor and petrichor is stimulating. I then am reminded of pine cones and tawny fallen pine needles, then of the entire trees that tower above. There is that salty, savory quality that I associate with damn, fertile woodlands. The vetiver in Victrix doesn't muscle its way in, it effectively creates the illusion with oakmoss/evernyl and musks to evoke the saps, the resins, and the feral leafiness. This is a minimalist beauty with an effortless naturalism that I look forward to wearing this summer.

The note list for this one is pretty much right on. This is a musky dark green fragrance lead by a fantastic picture perfect bay leaf note over a light vetiver and seasoned with fresh spices. This reminds me of a more simplified version of French Lover which I love, but this one lasts much longer and is less spicy. The opening can be a bit bitter but within 10 minutes it mellows and then just simmers on your skin all day leaving a wonderful outdoorsy aromatic trail. I love when my partner wears it as much as when I wear it myself. It also layers really well with citrus if you want to spice it up a bit or add some top notes. Xerjoff Nio with this on top is irresistible. I reach for this on rainy days, spring summer and fall because it reminds me of being in the woods after a rain shower. A scent like this would typically be marketed as masculine but it’s totally unisex imo.

It's a bright crisp Spring day. I've just mown the lawn and am sitting down with a glass of cool fresh lemonade. There's an early rose just starting to bloom behind me. These are the images Victrix evokes - which is very strange because none of those things are really present in this wonderful fragrance. It's a lovely gentle fresh green fragrance of super high quality. My first fragrance purchase from this house, and a blind buy. I'm so very pleased with this juice. It's definitely one that's going to be a permanent member of my collection. I sprayed once on my forearm, and 2 sprays around the neck. Sitting still, I am conscious of this lovely calming green fragrance - and every time I move my head it seems to be even more present. I'll update regarding longevity when I've had a chance to wear it a few more times, but it's still going strong at the moment a few hours in.

Evergreen leaves, pepper, spices, herbs, musk. It's bracingly green and fresh, almost like juniper berries. A natural, earthy, and musky scent. It smells a bit like standing in the dry shade of a scrubby oak chaparral canyon with just a tiny wisp of a Pacific breeze blowing by. It is VERY nice. I could see it being the sort of thing that sits unused in the back of a collection though, as it doesn't have a ton of personality of "oomph." On the other hand, it would be great for office days when you need to project an air of calm, handsome competence. Performance seems excellent. In my mind, it is extremely similar to Angeliques sous la Pluie by Frederic Malle, but I haven't smelled that one in a while so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

As far as I’m concerned, Victrix is a masterpiece...a masterpiece almost no one knows about — even ardent fans of the Profumum Roma brand...as with most PR creations, this is not an overly complex fragrance...in this composition, bay leaf (laurel) & coriander are the stars of the show — two of my very favorite aromatic/herbal notes...the amalgamation of these two notes produces a slightly eucalyptus/camphoric aura, but doesn’t go full eucalyptus (just the right amount)...this green, aromatic/camphoric, sweet, musky top sits on a bed of moss and grassy vetiver...it’s just a perfect manly scent; I can’t sing its praises enough...

Sharp and realistic herbs after the rain. Kitchen garden petrichor, like freshly washed branches of bay laurel, parsley, and cilantro bunched together and lightly crushed. Victrix is ultra green, peppery, and refreshingly addictive. The aromatic and cooling camphorous quality will likely give most people an initially masculine-leaning impression but once the unusual opening has a minute to settle, you get a damp, earthy, forest scent that is appropriate for all. If you like Eris Green Spell or Andrea Maack Coven I suggest you try this underrated scent from Profumum.

Gorgeous and straight forward scent built to typical Profumum spec. Despite the note table, it comes across as a pine needle over cedar base - so I understand analagies here. Very natural and strong. Quite amazing considering this is mostly bay leaf made piquant and fresh with pepper helpings. Not for me though... yet I still can’t help sniffing my arm - it’s just so natural... hmm almost like an earlier experiment of an incomplete Arso... This is what a non tacky non gaudy version of Pino Silvestre would be... Lasts for ages too... (of course as it’s Profumum)...

A lovely simple aromatic earthy scent reminiscent of nature trails and forest walks. The perfume opens with aromatic notes of pink pepper and coriander. The heart is a beautiful accord of rooty vetiver and bay leaf giving off a pine-like coniferous vibe. The perfume settles into a mossy powdery base of synthetic musk and oakmoss. The masculine leaning scent has moderate projection and excellent longevity. Not for everyone, but if you gravitate towards earthy natural scents, this should be very high on your list of things to try. Enjoy!

Bought this while in Rome. The boutique was amazing experience. The fragrance easily lasts eight plus hours. Although I did not smell it women were stopping in their tracks and walking up to me to ask what fragrance I was wearing. This happens most every time I wear it. At parties they linger and literally put their noses on my neck. So I am happy with the results. I’m thinking the fragrance performs best in spring fall and winter. Would probably be cloying in summer.

Bright and sparkly green scent: very herbaceous, somewhat minty and little smoky. Vetiver here is magnificent: woody green with subtle earthiness. Bay leaf makes it way more joyful in comparison to earthy, tart and somewhat dull Baie 19 Le Labo. Follow me on IG: scent.guide

This is a perfect scent. I love this fragrance but is a little too pricey. Would like to find another scent that is close but not as expensive. But, this is one of the most beautiful, perfect scents I have come across.

This perfume is such a perfect work scent that gives you the green rainforest vibe in a subtle way. Think mist in the air—fresh and complex. It's a wonderful niche scent that will likely be my signature scent for 2025.

Delicious greenery, spring, summer evenings, fall and preferably outdoors. Spicy and grassy with a musky drydown. Sillage is just not as big as Acqua di Sale for instance. Longevity is big! Very fine! 89

Today I was getting fired. I wanted something that will keep my semblance in face of total defeat and Victrix was a right choice. Pine woods in a vibrant spring morning. Lasts little though. 8/10

I don’t know how I missed this one. I have five other PRs and love them all. Just got an 18ml and holy crap what a doll of fragrance. Dapper, polished and totally original. Highly recommend.

Victrix opens with the most beautiful, natural green splash. Dries down to delicate woody aromatic. Fresh & original. The best green fragrance I've encountered in a while! Love it!