Italiano

Spoiler alert: this is a SAVIOR after trying to appreciate my bottle of Xerjoff Italica for sooooo long and not being able to. If you love Italica as is and are looking for an alternative, I would not suggest this. If you have a few minor issues with the scent and performance of Italica and loveeee caramel/toffee, Italiano is a MUST TRY! Opening: Smells very different from Italica. This is very caramel-forward and isn’t dry. I actually like it for a straight caramel fragrance, but was hoping for a more luscious, dark caramel version of Italica. I don’t really get a similarity to Italica when I smell it on its own or side by side. Compared to it, Italica is incredibly dry and almost gives off a dry cookie-like texture. The caramel is so dark (like roasted) that it almost gives me a slight cappucino vibe, but that goes away after a few minutes... even though I quite like it. Top: Buttery toffee/caramel. A small amount of that Italica almond in the background. If I smell really hard, I get the slightest of sandalwood in the background. At this stage, I prefer it over the drier Italica though it’s not as unique and artistic of a fragrance like Italica is. My decision will be based on wearability since that's the primary issue I have with the original creation. Heart: The fragrances are a bit closer together now than they were before and Italiano is turning into that caramel version of Italica that I wanted it to be! The saffron is popping out now as well. Not only that, but the fragrance is a way better performer at this stage. Yes, yes, yes! I’m so excited! Coincidentally, I just found a buyer for my bottle of Italica, so this is a perfect time to decide. Let’s see how the next couple of hours go. Base: This is where Italica starts to turn a bit acidic on my skin - some people called it a “baby vomit” smell, but I see it as the saffron and milk note pulling almost like buttermilk on my skin. I never get that amazing almond and vanilla base that others do. Conclusion: For most of the wear (after the opening and top notes), Italiano pulls heavy inspiration from Italica but maintains that amazing buttered dark caramel. I’m sold on Italiano, which is still this moist toffee and almond cookie! I got a 10ml Italiano travel spray, but the full bottle might be on my list after this! And to think that I didn’t even let the fragrance macerate (Dua is notorious for needing to settle before expressing its full glory) - I’m so impressed! Sidenote: I also compared these (on skin) to Alexandria's Italian Caramel and would say Italiano has even less in common with it than Italica does. Italian Caramel comes off as an almost fresh/soapy version of Italica and I don't think it is a very good dupe at all. In general, Italiano is more pleasant if you want something slightly sweeter and mouth-watering. If you love Italica, I don't think you will prefer Italian Caramel at all - as it ruins the best parts of Italica with those non-gourmand touches it has. If you love Italiano - don't even bother trying Italian Caramel.

The review below this one from @Hollis Queen is 100% on point. Duas have got to macerate. Even if you get one that smells awesome straight out of the mail box, it will improve even MORE after a few sprays and sitting for a month or so. This one smells, not bad, but... unfinished when you first receive it. After I let it sit for a month, (and I understand not wanting to invest in a scent just to have to put it out of sight and mind for a month, believe me), it is just scrumptious. It's actually BETTER than Italica imo. It is heartier, and smells like what I think they had in mind when they created Italica, or maybe it's what I wanted Italica to be. It's totally gourmand without smelling like a sticky mess, I don't know how to describe that sensation but there should be a word for that in the fragrance kingdom. Gourmand lovers want to smell delicious, but they don't want to smell sticky and dirty, and they appreciate manufacturers who get that. If you like this scent profile, nutty, sweet, caramel, toffee, etc., and fragrance is a hobby to you, get this fragrance and let it sit for a month. It will blow your mind. I love it so much that I will even use it ever so lightly in the warmer months so it won't choke others out. I could spray a hundred times and be fine, it's delicious to me, but I don't want to be an olfactory jerk. And this stuff is potent, so, you can get away with a couple light sprays and it will last for hours, but it won't take anyone to the floor. It is just delicious. It's outstanding.

I just reviewed Italiano Pomme - which is the fusion between this and Apple Brandy, and it's not my favourite. But I've got this on my other wrist and it's just lovely. Toffee, almond, vanilla, musk. There are no coffee notes listed, but as others have noted it does give off a cappucino/latte vibe. Maybe it's the milk and almond notes mixing with the woods. The distinctive fresh almond note quiets down after the top burns off, and the scent is fairly linear after that - almond cake and a latte. And it stays that way for HOURS and HOURS. If you like straightforward straight gourmands, highly recommend.

OK, so straight to the point when you get this, it’s going to smell crazy at first.... lol harsh , a little burnt .. and you’re gonna sniff your arm a say “ what is that “,!? ..... BUT.. the true beauty just like many other duas... is the mid an dry down ... it smells like a toffee caramel dreammm and she’s going to last you all day definitely worth trying, especially if you have the original mix it up!!

First off I can't believe no one has left a review on here yet for this fragrance! It is hands down the best realistic gourmand scent that I own! Intoxicating and so damn yummy! Smells like an almond, buttery toffee cookie or Italian treat with a creamy milky sweet cappuccino drink all in one. 5 stars 😍😍