Silvestre (1946)
by Victor

Often, Silvestre is compared to Pino Silvestre BUT, Silvestre was definitely richer smelling. This was launched by the house of Victor of Milano (Acqua di Selva, Fresca, and Victor). I used this way back in the 60's when I was still living in Milano. It was one of my favorites. To this day, I can still remember its wonderful scent in my head. Unfortunately, the house of Victor was taken over by another company and they have definitely "watered down" the original formulas. In actuality, when companies do this they are eventually going to "water down' their own profits, too. Never change a good thing !!

I was determined to sample this; it sounded like the "holy grail" of pine scents...boy was it to be disappointed...

Cheap, sneeze-inducing, and very "household cleaner-like".

Aqua di Selva is far superior, even though I would personally award AdS nothing more than a neutral, and considering it's lack of lasting power, almost bordline with a thumbs-down.

On the other hand, I think the pervasive lasting of Silvestre was part of its downfall.

Spruce, Sandalwood, Cistus and Galbanum, a bit of Basil,and perhaps some Marjoram and Mint, with less Pine, could have balanced this perfume out more effectively.

Even if I this was marketed by Chanel, in classic Chanel bottle, with $170 put on the price tag, I would have declared loudly, to all in the perfumes department of David Jones, "This is abhorent, and smells cheap!"

In my quest for noble pine scents I treated myself to a discontinued treasure: Silvestre by Victor (aka G. Visconti di Modrone). I was not disappointed in my purchase, and consider this to be a highlight of my collection. I suspect that I’ve acquired a “vintage” bottle (from days gone by) the contents of which, although in fine condition, may have lost the bloom of youth. Like vintage wine, it may be that some of the lighter notes have retreated and the more solid and earthy notes have developed. So be it. What we have here is a big, woody scent – but a classy one. Pine and cedar notes, gratifyingly persistent, provide a very nice counterpoint to the rich musk and vetiver base. This is not floral at all, and projects a mature masculine austerity. It is a serious, deep fragrance; dark but not saturnine. This can be a powerhouse due to the incense and musk. If applied sparingly, it is an absolute winner in my opinion. So here’s my daydream as I wear it: I’m Marcello, dressed in a casually elegant suit. Having applied Silvestre, I drive my Bugatti to meet Sophia for lunch at a charming Roman cafe. There, we discuss our latest film project with Frederico. All that from a spritz of fragrance!

This definitely lives in the same forest camp, if not exactly in the same tent, as those other sylvan soldiers Acqua di Selva, Pino Silvestre and Agua Brava. My provisional ranking: Acqua di Selva: Captain Calm; Victor's Silvestre: Lieutenant Worthy; Agua Brava: Sergeant Strange; Pino Silvestre: Private Dull but Brave.

One of my all time favorites, a classical scent... hard to find ...