El Coqui

Revisiting one of RDZ Parfums’ spring release this year, El Coqui, seemingly the most popular of the four, a fresh, fruity, floral blend featuring characteristically Puerto Rican notes, its inspiration being the landscape of Puerto Rico, including the habitat of the Coqui, a group of several species native to the island. The fragrance is green with the flor de maga, the national flower of Puerto Rico, and fruity with quenepa fruit (sweet/tart, citrus-like), a bit sharp and floral but also smooth and musky. It’s both easygoing but interesting and unique, I’d say, a rich but freshly pleasant multifaceted tropical expression that seems to be crafted with love and specificity. It’s not at all surprised that it’s done so well, especially being introduced to a northern hemisphere market in spring/summer. Though my favorites of the line are the original 2023 release, Leyenda 21, and Philadelphia, which is part of the quarter of spring 2024 releases, El Coqui is clearly an easygoing winner and bound to turn heads for years. Like the rest of the earlier 2024 releases, El Coqui is priced at $160 for 100ml in extrait concentration, and is sold on the house site as well as Perfumology in Philadelphia/online. This, like the rest of the house, is an outstanding value in terms of creativity/performance, frankly a bit unusual nowadays, and El Coqui performs quite well for a freshie. 8 out of 10

This is one of the most incredible fragrances I've ever smelled. If this isn't a GMDS fragrance for you, then you may need to rethink things. This gets me so much attention and I'm ugly AF. This has been a game changer for me and a huge compliment getter.

Add the spanish lime (mamoncillo) (quenepa)

El Coqui is very nice, seductive, and green. I get night time vibes while sipping a drink on vacation at a table outside. The beach isn’t far off, the tiki torches are lit, and the friends are ordering another round because it’s a vacation. The blend is very unique and I can’t compare it to much else I’ve smelled, but in the end, the sweet tropical green notes stand out the most. 8.8 out of 10.

Got a sample from Perfumology in Philly. The opening is extremely floral to me. Dries down to ever so slightly more aquatic and woody but it doesn't really get there. Leans feminine. Personally not a fan. Can't remember if that was my experience in the store.