Jean Marie Farina Extra Vieille

This, to my nose, is like a perfect cross between No. 4711 Original eau de cologne and Antonio Puig Agua Brava. That said, it definitely eeks a little more toward the former, as it's obviously from around the same time being only 14 years younger than 4711. As many have said, it is not a long lasting powerhouse. It's a light cologne typical of most fragrances that are holdovers from the 18th and 19th century. This is not a cologne one wears for compliments or a night out attempting to woo prospective partners. This is what you put on when you're out gardening, or mowing the lawn, or cooking charred burgers out back on your Weber kettle grill in a red gingham apon; and even then you put it on FOR YOU. As far as composition goes, obviously it's pretty straight forward for the most part. However I would tend to agree with those reviews stating it has a little bit more to it than meets the eye. I do detect a hit of caramelly, sugar-like sweetness. There's almost a tutti-frutti/Trix cereal like note going on, that which I assume is from the purely citrus top notes. Overall I find it was thoroughly worth the $24.99 I got it for at Burlington Coat Factory (they really ARE more than great coats!!). I would like to try some other products from Roger & Gallet, most particularly the original Open as I'm a HUGE sucker for anything from the 80's. I also wouldn't mind getting some Extra Vieille bar soap and shower gel.

An eau de cologne that tends toward the "savory" or salty end of the spectrum. Initially it's a lot like 4711 but then the floral components go into hiding pretty quickly, leaving a relatively leafy citrus. The lime that survives this transition stays fairly close to the scent of the peel, without much of the candy-like or herbal tinges that other lime scents can have. Finally as the lime begins to fade, the florals return, again like 4711 but accompanied with a slight dusty herbal component like Wellington or Blenheim Bouquet. JMF, however, does this herbal note right, and it comes out less stale and "kitcheny" than those two. Finally, we're left with that light, dry wood aura that always reminds me of straw, hay or bamboo, as seen in the bases of the newest versions of Guerlain Vetiver and Eau Sauvage. The only drawback here is that the Perfumed Court refers to the sample I bought as the vintage formula, so even though it's pretty cheap, I hesitate to actually buy a bottle online (only large sizes available!) and then not quite get what I bargained for.

Scents I want to wear repeatedly have to be moreish - not in a gourmand way, but there has to be something about them that keeps me coming back for more. This one absolutely fits the bill. Here, it's a case of some elusive complexity. On the face of it, this is a citrus-based cologne; but it isn't a straight-up refresher. It works that way, of course, but for me, I also enjoy the way it dances between bitter and sweet. I was reminded of the popular pancake topping of sugar and lemon juice at first, though it's more accurate to substitute orange juice. I also get a sweet caramel, and on a technical note (I'm no chemist!), sweet orange peel and caramel turn out to have a molecule in common: thanks to Harold McGee for that insight. The Making a Stink YouTube channel first put me on to this, during their discussion of Chanel Pour Monsieur formulations. Also, I'm not a bottle fetishist, but you can see why the designer here is credited: it's a work of beauty.

As part of my quest to sample every citrus EDC, I'd been on the look out for Jean Marie Farina for a while now. Unfortunately, the only places I could find this online were rather expensive. Finally found this on a recent trip to Lisbon (it appears to be sold in every pharmacy there!) for around 30 euros for 100 ml. Not as cheap as 4711, but not going to break the bank either. This is a crisp and refreshing citrus fragrance, as you'd expect, in the same vein as 4711 and Guerlain Imperiale. The notes you're looking for are all there. Lemon, bergamot, petitgrain in the open, with a hint of orange, neroli, rosemary and carnation. However, unlike other similar EDC's, the florals fade quite quickly, giving you a more "true" citrus EDC, which is perfect for me. Perfect for a sunny spring day. Like all EDC's, don't expect much longevity. This lasts around 2 hours on my skin - slightly longer than 4711, and is a skin scent on me.

Discovered when I stayed at the Sofitel in Chicago, where they supplied toiletries from this R&G line...I still have the wrapped soap from there, having since purchased the full-sized ones from Caswell-Massey. This is VERY appealing to both sexes -- Farina knew what he was doing when he created this intoxicating scent more than two centuries ago! Usually I find scents change dramatically -- and not for the better -- after I've worn them a few hours. Thankfully JMF only improves over time, and the subtlety of the alteration is very appreciated: you will leave the house smelling like a garden at its peak in Santa Maria Magiorre, then return in the evening with a cloud of the essence of closed blooms and earthy dusk lingering about you. Others' comments are true: it stands up to humid climates perfectly. I'd also add that it is ideal for those with oily skin. Enjoy!

Ahhh my beloved Jean Marie Farina. So fresh, so clean, so invigorating, so uplifting. This is the scent of southern France, the Cote d'Azur, summers spent with my grandparents in Nice. The scent of heaven, or at least the Sofitel Hotels around the world. Miniature bottles of this used to be offered to first class passengers on Pan Am flights back in the 80s as well. And the history! Over 200 years old and supposedly even worn by Napoleon. How's that for a conversation starter? Yes, the longevity is lacking (I get maybe 2 hours) but this is a classic eau de cologne in the traditional style, and was meant to be reapplied throughout the day as needed for a refreshing pick me up. Enjoy it for what it is! And the matching soaps are amazing too. JMF will always be my favorite cologne, for the scent, the history, and the memories.

Extra-Vieille is a perennial personal favourite, and back when I knew nothing beyond Opium, this was my preferred soap. Of course, it has a great whack of carnation which is a favourite note for me. The freshness, the citrus, the spice - I actually prefer the soap to the cologne; as everyone knows, the cologne lasts 2.4 seconds so you need to re-spritz at lunchtime for sure. However: layering with lotion, soap and cologne does improve sillage quite a bit. It's not cheap to do all that, but I love it enough to have the range. On a summer day it can be really beautiful, and on men, clean and classy. I recommend the handwash, which is stronger than the shower gels; all in all I have to give it 10/10 because it's been so much a part of my life, it's the equivalent of a Madeleine :)

AMAZING CLASSIC! Finally arrived - exactly what I expected as a blind buy! This is a classic somewhat complex citrus but a WARNING - this (as I also expected) is the only perfume that goes for 30 min and then disappears to the tiniest petitgrain, rosemary and lemon scent - just like a switch being flipped - so not for those wanting a BANGER of a scent - its for people whom appreciate scents and are happy with a cheer me up spray from time to time. Citrus, Green, herbs, rosemary - simply gorgeous. Its the citrus scent you have to at least try. I bought the soap and shower gel too which ironically is a better way to enjoy the scent in a stronger sense. Even though this would not be a daily wear at all I can imagine when it eventually is empty buying another one!

What a gem! This is an easy-reach, any time, everywhere for me. Clean and refreshing citrus with a little more aromatic substance. Same type of grab as Santa Maria Novella Acqua della Regina and Acqua de Colonia, Creed Citrus Bigarade (but much better longevity/projection than those three), and Xerjoff's Renaissance. This falls between the Santa Maria's and Xerjoff in terms of projection/strength and longevity,. Moderate but affordable to reapply as often as desired. Great atomizer as well, I've been wearing the hell out it and dent seems modest. Beautifully blended, classy/elegant air. Love it. Edit: I wear this to bed many nights

I really like this fragrance and I've agonized over buying it in the past but end up passing on it because of performance and relatively high price for what it is. I absolutely get the association with 4711 but I think this has some subtle differences. The opening is green and zinging with lemon, lime & petigrain, just hints of herbs, then crucially the cloves making for a perfect eau de cologne in the classic style. The fragrance smells amazing I'd just love to find something like this but paired with incredible performance and I'd be a very happy man.

I really like this one for the summer. Whereas 4711 evaporates practically on contact, this one has a little more depth and staying power. It's really nice. If you are expecting a modern EDT longevity, you will be disappointed, but if you just expect something that freshens you up and lingers around for a while that is light and fresh and invigorating, this is your money. Yeah, I wish it were slightly stronger and longer lasting, but its 4711 with more depth and longevity, and that's some high praise. One of the best scents ever.

انصح بالعبوة 1000مل كلونيا فواحة و طويلة الثبات تبعث الانتعاش للجسم صباحا بعد الاستحمام و الرائحة الكلاسيكية للكلونيات تجعلك تعود بذكريات الآباء قديما

great classic perfect in the heat... for me its nostalgic...love it.

smell like luxurius soap, fresh, herbal with spa effect.

I just got out of the shower after a long day. TMI? Nah, necessary context. Jean-Marie Farina Extra Ville from Roget & Gallet is exactly the right cologne to grab in this situation. It is blissfully light yet energizing. Virtuosity's review (below) does a great job of presenting the considerable journey that this scent takes during the 60-90 minutes it is noticeably around. A lot happens with this scent in a little time. Longevity can be enhanced, a little, by spraying an extra spray on your shirt/pajamas. This fragrance is Unisex or rather, sexless, since natural lemon, bergamot, rosemary and carnations have no meaningful gender associations. Like all old fashioned colognes, this product was intended to be reapplied throughout the day. Some members of the French aristocracy were known to have attendants follow them as they moved about with a perfume at the ready for resprays as needed. Today, a travel spray will suffice. As the above introduction suggests, I like to wear this classic when I take a shower in the evening. The other situation in which I use this fragrance is in extreme heat. This fragrance is so light that I find it tolerable when temperatures approach or exceed 40° (about 104° F). Since we are frequently in Dubai, this is a real issue for me. Reapplying this scent on a very hot day, I am reminded that one of the functions of cologne is to reduce skin temperatures through the evaporation of alcohol.. The nice smell is a bonus in the age of responsible personal hygiene and anti-perspirant deodorants. In the days from which this fragrance originates (1806), I imagine the pleasant odor of this product served a different and rather vital function. Anyway, I enjoy Jean-Marie Farina Extra Ville (btw, there is a J-MF Original and it is rather different from J-MF Extra Ville) in appropriate situations. It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte bathed in this stuff. Literally. If it was good enough for him, it's good enough for me. Recommended.

been wearing this today. i'm a sucker for these clean, citrus-y scents, so i like this a lot. i have nothing but respect for a fragrance that has been around for > 200 years! i know some will disagree, but i prefer 4711 over JMFEV. to my nose there's a midnote that's just a tad chemical-y. it's not horrible or anything - and it's just a midnote, but it's there for me. IME, sillage is minimal and longevity is horrible - not unlike 4711. i'd say if i wanted to wear this all the time i'd need to reapply every 4 hours, if not 3. VERY happy to own a bottle and will definitely revisit this classic from time to time!

Best Cologne ever!! So much better than 4711 !! This is, an obvious thing comming from the Farina family.. Firsth of all, I can feel the yummy citrus playing with my skin, which is a bit strong but pleasant, then the fragance will become more softer.. and finally about 1 hour later, you began to feel a soothing smell of herbs combined with the smooth citrus.. is fantastic.. I always thought colongnes only lasted about 20 min, but not this one.. It is slightly more expensive than 4711, but has much better fixation so Jean Marie Farina Extra Vieille worth a try..

I like that the bottle I bought is refillable. This is a nice cologne in the Koln tradition; neroli/petigrain lead the way, followed by some green herbs and a small dose of amber. Doesn't last long, and an eau de cologne isn't meant to. It's a nice refresher on a hot day or to spritz before bed. If you own 4711 you probably don't need this, too--unless you use this type of product as part of your normal routine and you want to have variety. I usually use Jean Nate, but I'm glad to have this for its historical value!

@ karlovonamesti -- I agree with you, that this is a well crafted cologne with an older, higher-fidelity rendering of 4711. To me, this has a slightly richer lemony fragrance than 4711, but alas... it is more like an aftershave than an EdC as it does not last long (like 4711). I use 4711 as an aftershave and then layer another fragrance over it after the dry down. Extra Veille would serve the same purpose, but at a higher price. Given that... I'll stick with 4711. 8.5/10 for fragrance, 6.0/10 for value.

On hot summer days, this was way too bitter and sharp, leaning far too much on the masculine side, and becoming truly annoying on me after ten minutes. Now with the 6° outside, it is very refreshing, despite the obvious bitterness. Still masculine but a very special eau. Not comforting by any means, just awakening, invigorating. In my opinion it is a fougere citrus, an oldy! A difficult eau, and i can see why it isn't liked by women on them. It is simply a man's business!