Neroli Portofino Forte

The original Neroli Portofino was one of the first niche fragrances I smelled, and it’s part of how I got hooked on collecting luxury fragrances. For me, it was between Neroli Portofino and Mandarino di Amalfi, and I choose the latter because I thought it was the best thing ever—and I still think it’s great. However, NP always haunted me. I got a sample of the Forte version 2-3 years ago, and I’ve tried numerous times, but just never pulled the trigger. Fast forward to this week, I’ve just bought both a 50 mL and 100 mL bottle of this from a legit retailer who was dropping carrying this scent, so I got them both over half off. The 50 mL I got 70% off retail ($107). Both bottles are batch AA6 from 2016, some of the earliest batches. I’ve not tried them side by side in a couple years, but going by memory, this version is a little deeper and a lot greener. It’s a little heavier and less unisex—leaning more masculine. It still maintains that cologne-type of vibe, so sadly, the longevity on me seemed to be only marginally improved, contrary to to what everyone else is saying. Definitely lasts better on clothes. Having the real bottles that I can spray versus a dab sample has made a big difference. It’s made me realize that the neroli note is actually fairly similar to Creed Pure White, which is an even more expensive fragrance. However, I think Pure White is probably better and definitely lasts longer—although not as complex. This has some evolvement through its life. It’s a skin scent on me within less than 4-5 hours, maybe 3. That’s even being mainly indoors, even if I do two sprays on my wrist. Abysmal performance, especially considering most fragrances seem to perform well on me. Mandarino di Amalfi I can get to last almost all day, which most seem to have problems with. Go figure. Part of me, for better or worse, is attracted to this due to the bottle. It’s so pretty, and the color of it reminds me of the water I once saw in the harbor of the Italian island of Capri. The perfect shade of emerald. It’s very charming. The gold plate on the bottle is a nice upgrade from the gold sticker, too. However, I’m already accustomed to that label type because I’ve got the whole Private Reserve collection (except Amber Absolute). All in all, I recommend this one only if you can get a deal. Personally, if I were paying full price, I’d rather go for Creed Pure White for this type of vibe. It requires less sprays to get the desired performance and smells more expensive. While this is a wonderful fragrance and am lucky to have it, it’s not my absolute favorite in the collection.

It's so easy to hate on Neroli Portofino here. One because it's Tom Ford, people dislike him for his often vulgar campaigns and just the general way he markets himself. Two because of the price. $340 for a 50 ml bottle is no joke. Three because neroli based fragrances are probably the second most uninspired fragrance genre behind barbershop lavender fougeres. They've been around forever and there's hardly any innovation in them at this point. So to a lot of people it doesn't really make sense to spend $340 on a neroli fragrance when they can get something very very close to it for anywhere between a third to a tenth of the price. HOWEVER, I have to admit. Ignoring all of my points above. Forgetting about history, marketing, price, presentation etc. And just focusing on the juice, Neroli Portofino Forte is the best in it's genre. Hands down the best neroli fragrance I've ever tried. I've done side by side comparisons between this and Colonia Essenza, Bright Neroli, Wood Neroli, Eau de Cologne Imperial, Artisan Pure, Original Vetiver, Neroli Portofino Acqua, and the original Neroli Portofino. For me, it beats all of them in terms of complexity, depth, quality, and performance. I somehow get 12 hours of longevity out of this. For the average fragrance enthusiast, there's still no reason to buy this because although it's best in class, it's not the best by a margin that would justify the price. This deserves big respect and recognition for being the best, but still not worth buying. However, for someone who has no problem with splashing the cash, there's absolutely no reason to buy Acqua di Parma over this. For the collectors and the wealthy people, Neroli Portofino Forte is the way to go.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Forte is the answer to those critics of neroli-dominant fragrances, including the original Neroli Portofino, that are concerned that performance is weak or that the scent itself is simply too light-smelling, or even too soapy. Neroli Portofino Forte address both concerns: it performs better (I usually get 8-10 hours, not bad) but more so, the scent is more well-rounded. Involving not only an opening of bergamot, but also a dry down invoking leather, woods, and musk, the signature neroli is complemented by notes that it make it neither sharply soapy nor disappearingly airy. Again, performance is definitely an improvement from The original NP though it's not as strong as many of the flagship Tom Ford Private Blend fragrances like Tobacco Vanille, Noir de Noir, and Amber Absolute. NPF won't likely veer into the 16+ hour range by accident. Still, even for the added price (the 50ml/100ml/250ml pricing for NFP is currently $290/$400/$710 contra the standard Private Blend pricing of $225/$305/$595), the performance is sufficiently improved and he scent is significantly improved to make it worthwhile and a valued warm weather option of my collection. It also works as a comfort scent, relaxing in the most casual of environments. Really a superb accomplishment, and probably would be even more popular were it not for the price hike. Perhaps among my couple favorite fragrances for warm weather wear. 9 out of 10

This stuff is pure gold! Years ago, smelling the original always made me think of fruit loops and lemon. It was a hard pass. Now forward a few years. Tom Ford gets smart. He releases an intense a "forte" fragrance if you will! Keeping the original DNA of NP and amping it up with some masculinity. The additions of leather and blood orange really do change this fragrance in a good way! It gives it a more zesty, spicy smell along with a clean soapy smell that I'll admit, am growing towards. The only issue, the price. On a blotter, this stuff is amazing! I have not tried longevity on skin, but this is just pure summertime bliss. Funny how I was never a true Neroli Portofino fan until I smelt the intense. This is how it should of smelt. Forget the original. Forget the aqua. Forte is the real deal for Neroli Portofino! I think I'll buy a 50ml. Might as well seeing as I do really like this stuff! Hefty price tag, but I have paid more for a fragrance so it shouldn't scare me. Yes, unfortunately I pay retail, but at least I know I'll smell amazing doing it!

*edit 20th may 2020 - despite my initial protest at the cost i have purchased a bottle. nothing else on the market, niche or otherwise, holds a candle to NPF.* Forte is everything i wanted from the original Neroli Portofino. the longevity issue has clearly been addressed in Forte and the depth of composition has been noticeably amplified. what a shame that Tom Ford commands £220 for only 50MLs. as beautiful, dare i say sublime as Forte is, nothing about this fragrance is so outstanding that it warrants the price per mil in my opinion. it saddens me to say anything remotely negative about Neroli Portofino Forte because the juice itself is fantastic; the price however is prohibitive even by my ridiculous fragrance spending standards. if the original NP was/is a signature for you and you are comfortable with the price of NPF then go forth and enjoy because it is a spectacular fragrance. if you're looking to familiarize yourself with neroli fragrances NPF is certainly a good one, but far from your only option.