Les Nuits d'Hadrien (2003)
by Annick Goutal

This one it's an elegant citrus fragrance that can be worn without any problem, in a hot/humid country.

It starts out with a blast of citrus notes. A lot of mandarin combined with the acidness from bergamot, a very pleasant smell, not too harsh.

As time goes by, the herbal/semi-sweet tone starts to appear, leaving behind the strong citrus opening. Staying so, as a comforting and easy to wear fragrance.

21st August, 2011.

This is just like Eau d'Hadrien (realistic and pleasant citrus), but less sharp, more mellow. Also, like Eau d'Hadrien, this lacks projection, complexity, and longevity. I get one hour out of it max. Not a bad smell, but not bottle worthy for me.

4th August, 2011.

A wonderful citrus that has depth, even though handled with a soft hand.
Lemony opening blends beautifully with herbal, green notes. Amber is introduced, but with a deft hand. The blend of still slightly citrus, yet herbal, yet warm notes is beautifully handled.
If the original was too tart, do give this a try. Airy and light enough for hot weather, but yet, not just your average citrus fragrance.

28th June, 2011.

A very nice fragrance that opens in the classical Eau De Cologne style with tart citrus and bergamot and immediately takes a much more interesting twist with the appearance of an astringent artemisia note joined by herbs and some coniferous. Nice ambery / musk drydown. Despite longevity it's not among the best around, Les Nuits D'Hadrien is still a remarkable aromatic-citrus-oriental fragrance worth to check out. Good work.

1st June, 2011.

I like this – it is an oriental which I can appreciate for its restraint and light style. It has two distinct phases. The first is an herbal-green scent very much in the style of Eau D’Hadrien. There is an aromatic citrus/green aspect which suggests a fine, classic EdC. Good herbs and spices emerge. The Eau D’Hadrien notes become smoother and rounder. This phase is beautiful and classy. The citrus notes have great duration, and pick up the cypress to create a lemon-wood chord. The second phase presents the heavier oriental basenotes. Due to the restraint of their treatment, they don’t overwhelm or become cloying. They suggest a slightly smoky, woody cloud of light musk, spice and amber. Yes, a little vanilla is here but even I can appreciate it (a rarity for me!). Very well done. For those who find Eau D’Hadrien interesting but too austere, this is worth checking out.

8th April, 2010.

GROUP. Citrus-Aromatic.GENDER. Safe choice for both male & female.CREATIVITY. Another citrus scent but very wisely blended. You certainly won’t impress wearing this one, but that is not always the point. DAYorNIGHT? For a scent with the word ‘’Nuits’’ in its name you would expect something bolder, long lasting and impressive. On the contrary it is light, quiet and fades relatively quickly (at least on me). The majority of the citrus fragrances are intended for daywear and I am afraid this one goes with the majority as well, despite the patchouli-sandalwood base. LONGEVITY. A disadvantage, for this very refined scent. COMMENTS. The finely balanced hesperidic opening (lemon zest, mandarin, bergamot and a touch of star anise) is the best part of it. The citrus notes are mild and not pungent at all. Very soon (unfortunately) come the basil and the cypress notes which are excellent, last longer but are a little boring. Base notes, patchouli, sandalwood and musk (sorry, I don’t get the vanilla) are well combined but don’t last for long.Overalll, a fine daywear scent. I wish it could last longer.

22nd September, 2009.