Citron Citron (2000)
by Miller Harris

I'm sorry, but Citron Citron is not worth it's price tag. Yes, the opening mint combined with citrus is somewhat intriguing, though a little over the top, but IMO there are equal-to-better offerings in the citrus genre for 1/5th the amount of $$$ (Hilfiger Athletics, L'eau par Kenzo, Happy, Friends, Echo, and the 2004 CK One Summer). Miller Harris---this certainly isnt Creed or AdP quality, so why the outrageous price? If you're going to expect someone to fork over such a pretty penny, then at least make it worth doing so. Run of the mill Citrus.

This opens with excellent, lovely citrus notes. These are very fresh and true, and have a tart green tone. The scent then moves into its herbal phase. This is well blended, being a green chord rather than distinct elements. The drydown is gentle and subtle, with very mild spices and hints of wood. This is a classy EDC – nothing particularly new or innovative here; but everything is well done.

As much as it pains me to be a dissenting voice in amongst so many esteemed reviewers, I absolutely loathed Citron Citron. The opening few minutes gave me Bratwurst and black pepper, which made me wonder whether this fragrance should not be called "Imbiss". As I write this some hours later, I cannot get beyond the pepper sensation, with only a soupcon of citrus to sweeten the pill. With the numerous citric ingredients, I am surprised how lacking in freshness this is. This is an ill conceived blend with no redeeming features.

If complex is what you're looking for, don't go looking for it here. If, however, you have always wanted to meet a non-foody, crisp, clean, uplifting, positively anti-nauseating good citrus fragrance, Citron Citron does the job. Completely unisex and perfect when travelling I only wish it came in smaller bottles to put in your pocket when on the move.

I was not impressed by this when I first tried it among a flurry of many other scents (because it seemed thin and a little too basic to warrant such a high price).

However, it was only after I took the sample with me on a long journey that I suddenly "got" this fragrance. It is actually quite difficult to make a citrus scent without the off-notes: one that isn't too synthetic-smelling, too sour or too much like over-ripe, fermenting fruit. This one makes it look easy.

Amazing peppermint citrus that smells quite natural. Recommended for an uplighting daily fragrance.

The Miller Harris website describes Citron Citron as " a blend of all the citrus notes plus mint leaf, basil and marjoram. It is made up of contrasting notes of citrus with spices such as cardamom, cumin and some cedar." So, comparing this to the pyramid presented here we see the addition of marjoram and cumin and no indication of oakmoss.

I am very impressed with Citron Citron. The first wearing intrigued me more than anything and subsequent wearings have been learning experiences. First, the opening citrus accord is very bright and pristine. Soon after the mint and spices emerge on top of the citrus. It brings to mind Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet (vaguely, not suggesting it is a copy or anything of the sort), but is more inviting. One thing that intrigued me was how different aspects of the accord were discernable depending on how I smelled it (whether passively or deeply). Later in the development, I barely detect the cardamom (which is fine) and don't detect any cumin. I give it a high recommendation and hope to test other Lyn Harris creations in the future.