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.

Yes it was mentioned many times in other places that it is similar to 4711. But 4711 disappears straight away and NPF stays. I find it weak too, sadly. Got my bottle yesterday. It disappears from me straight away. After 1 hour can only smell a little bit. PS: it actually stays close to the skin for about 4 hours. Longer on the clothes. And after testing Aqua and NP, NPF performs so much better. PPS: Compared it with other similar perfumes. ADP Essenza is substantially more masculine. Ferrari Bright Neroli is not complex enough and longevity is almost like 4711. Zegna is more bergamotty. Varvatos too masculine. Neroli Outrenoire is good, but not bold enough. Really the closest one is Parfum Parlour, but it also misses complexity and therefore smells cheap. Also I am against buying dupes in general. Did it for the research purpose - they are very similar to originals, but only capture top and middle notes. The cheap base kills the overall impression.

This was my first TF real purchase. It was a toss up between NPF and the original NP. At the time I bought it, my main consideration was the longevity, but after many years of enjoying NPF during extremely warm days here in Manila, I've come to appreciate its denser, richer structure because of the woody notes. The woods and musk certainly help make NFP hold up to cooler weather or in my case, cooler environments like the office. NPF is a classic, cologne-style, perfectly unisex fragrance that exudes freshness, joy, and quiet luxury. It shares the same "golden, olden days" feel as Acqua di Parma's original Colonia but manages to stay modern and young. That neroli and citrus blast, balanced by the sweetness of basil, and supported here by the woods and musk -- it's a classic! I measure other neroli scents against the quality of NFP. It never fails to uplift me during difficult times. Try it!

NPF was my first love from the house of Tom Ford. What an amazing scent.... Where to even begin? NPF starts off with an incredibly fresh and bright citrus burst that hits you like a ton of bricks. You're instantly transported to some citrus farm off the coast of Italy. This is my most worn summer scent and for good reason too. It is just incredibly uplifting and joyous. Throw on a loose cotton button up, a pair of dark shades, blue jeans, and enjoy the long summer days/cool summer nights. Longevity on this one is pretty good too. After 2 hours or so, it becomes a skin scent, perfect for those close encounters. I get about 5-6 hours performance with heavy projection for the first 2 hours. Love this scent and this will always be in my collection! 10 out of 10!

If you like citrus fragrances but always find them dissipating too quickly give this fragrance a try. I catch whiffs of this lovely fragrance for 8+ hours after application. This is a great fragrance that’s incredibly fresh and sparkling. You’ll smell it heavily after first application and it dies down to moderate projection for the most of the rest of its life. Comparing this to the original Neroli Portofino the main differences I get are the longevity, projection and depth to the scent. I’d go with this one over the original personally. A little soapy but mainly you get a bright citrus smell that’s incredibly uplifting and overall very beautiful. Definitely try this one. Oh and Tom Ford PLEASE make a forte version of Mandarino Di Amalfi :)

This is amazing summer scent and a staple for Neroli fragrances, THE ultimate Neroli fragrance. Some that I've tried come off as soapy and smooth, with Neroli lingering somewhere behind. But not Neroli Portofino Forte. It's fresh, bright, very citrusy and green - sharp and zesty, but not too sharp. No hints of of that soapiness - pure quality. Speaking of soapiness - Néroli Intense by Jeanne en Provence comes very close at a fraction of the price, except it's less strong on the sharp green, and gives more into soapy white florals, but still has a very similar feel to it. For a Neroli frag it performs excellent too - strongly projects for a few hours, and stays close to skin for the best part of the day. Shame it's discontinued.

This is the best neroli perfume in the market right now. My hunt for the best neroli started a few years ago and I tried nearly everything from designers to niche. This is the most impressive take, so perfectly balanced, no too citrusy, not to floral, not to soapy. Great longevity, great depth, feels so luxurious. The bottle with the gold label is a piece of art. Solid love from me. Can't think of not having this one in my collection. Follow my scent journey on instagram instagram.com/scentsexual *This review was written after several full wearings of the perfume and not just after smelling this on paper or on wrist.

The gentleman at the Tom Ford counter at Nordstrom gave me a decent sized sample of this since unfortunately it’s discontinued and I almost wish I wouldn’t have tried it because I quite like it. It’s definitely darker and stronger than the original but I don’t get the leathery notes that many refer to. Instead there is a humid, aquatic feel to the dry down on my skin that teeters on the edge of being overwhelming, but never crosses that line. I wish this was still available since I don’t find the EDP similar enough to be a substitute. I also don’t see how this is compared so often to Colonia Essenza - not even close.

For those seeking this fragrance which now appears to be discontinued, Generic Perfumes oil based version is 100% identical on my skin in side by side comparison - but with the added benefit that GP’s version has even better projection and longevity. That and can be had at a fraction of the price! Be warned you only need a little and like all oils it needs 15 to 30 mins to warm up on the skin for best result. GP also does sprayers which to the best of my knowledge is just the concentrated oil mixed in perfume alcohol, but I prefer the oil anyway as it lasts longer.

This is so damn good and a much better take on the original, probably the best neroli ever. It seems to have an extra woodiness to it that the original doesn't. I would class it as a masculine fragrance really but I can see how it may appeal to some women. I get decent longevity from this, a good 8+ hours. My batch is from 2019. It is definitely worth the money at a discounted price. It's expensive but you get what you pay for here. I don't get the comparison with Bright Neroli, which is a soapy, floral, almost feminine fragrance that lacks any real quality.

NP Forte is one of the best citrus blends that Tom Ford has released since Rive D'Ambre. It still has the heart of the original NP, however the opening and dry down are more powerful than the original. The opening has a prominent woody citrus hit that almost smells herbal? The dry down (on my acidic skin) has this beautiful oceanic floral scent. Whenever I wear this scent, I have people stopping me on the street asking what I am wearing. In my opinion, this fragrance is worth every cent, and should be a permanent release! The projection is 4/5, longevity 4/5

It is more like a mineral water that saturated with flowers “neroli, orange blossom, jasmine” some citruses, slight of herbs with wood leather touches and musk , elegant and I find it suitable for most of the year and fit to be a signature and casual , comfortable, clean and refreshing Acceptable performance specially on clothes.

Super strong fresh citrus but with a hearty bite (maybe from the leather?) I really like this. Not a big fan of citrus scents as they all seem to smell similar to me. Not this one, its pronounced, unique and a force to be reckoned with. A moody, dark, citrus noir. I haven't seen one like this yet. Thumbs way up.

واحد من اجود واروع وانقى عطور النيرولي التي مرت على انفي على الرغم من تكرار الرائحة وبساطتها اجد ان هذا العطر قدم شيئا فريدا في مسألة الجودة والنقاء واراه يستحق ثمنه وبجدارة محظوظ من يقتني زجاجة من هذا العطر الذي يجلب السعادة الرائحة ١٠/١٠ الاداء ٦.٥/١٠ التميز ٥/١٠ النقاء ١٠/١٠ تعدد الاستخدام ٧/١٠

NPF is more strong version of Neroli Portofino. The opening it's bergamot with the blood orange and lavender . But later it's even better . The white musk , woody and leather accords make this smell rich and deep. I agree NPF it's expensive stuff. But well worth it. This smell is pure class!

Great version, smells like the original, but more intense. Settles nice on the skin. Longevity is ok, but the intense feel wears off quick. Love the dry down and it’s noticeable from an arms length. Recommend