Blu Mediterraneo Sicilian Almond / Mandorlo di Sicilia (1999)
by Acqua di Parma

I must say that this was a delightful surprise. I did not expect this fragrance to be so sweet and feminine.

Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia has barely any citrus in it at all, which makes it so different to the other fragrances in this series. Bergamot is the only citric note present and that in itself has been smothered in icing sugar.

The top notes are absolutely beautiful, smelling almost like roasted marshmallows. The frangipani, almond and liquoricey anise establish this fragrance as a gourmand from the very moment it touches the skin.

The introduction of the coffee note in the heart, while it does create an interesting warmth, remains light and Summery in a way that is very likable. Remaining sweet and fluffy all the way through, Mandorlo di Sicilia is exquisitely strange, finishing with a sugary soapiness in the drydown.

The sweetness will honestly not appeal to everyone, particularly the citrus lovers who expected yet another citrusy winner from this series. I prefer the change and I like that its sweetness is light and weather appropriate.

I give this fragrance a huge round of an applause for managing to shock me, because it doesn't happen very often. I'd love for it to be Summer already so I can enjoy this fragrance to the extreme.

The sillage and lasting strength is very good, unlike Arancia di Capri and Fico di Amalfi whose fragrance diminished on my skin in as little as a few hours.

For those that love sugary gourmands and want something a little less cloying for Summer, please give Mandorlo di Sicilia the best chance possible.

14th November, 2011.

I went to get a refill bottle of Arancia Di Capri but the store was completely out! I tested the other Blu Mediterraneo fragrances and this one really amazed me. It initially smells like almonds and rootbeer. its sweet, but not candied sweet and its not quite a gourmand either. The longevity on this one is amazing! I will still smell it the next day after I wake up.

Many people have said that I "smell like I've been tanning," and i think its the vanilla/almond aspect to it. Either way, I have received tons of comments and really love wearing it. I have worn it just about every day since I bought it about a month ago-- that is very unusual for me.

I expect it to still be wearable in winter since it is a warmer thicker scent, and would hopefully do great in the cold dry winter air. I imagine it being extremely potent in the summer months, but I have Arancia Di Capri for that time of year.

13rd October, 2011.

This is a pleasant fragrance. It does smell like an ice cream cone. To me, it also smells like nectar, the red flavoring used in snowballs that is a mixture of vanilla, almond, and coconut. The only reason I'm giving it a neutral is because I think it's more feminine than unisex (at least, on my skin). As always, on your skin it could be different.

20th June, 2011.

Amazing smell with the Vanilla, and Orange notes....the almonds mellows it out a bit.

My only issue is with longevity.

16th March, 2011.

This is a very comforting luxurious fragrance.It's smells like a coffe shop in a place I've never been.It deosn't smell cheap to me at all.I wish it lasted longer. I love the smell of coffeand this reminds me of it without overdoing it.I also like the fact that you can spray yourself liberally times times but you wont really over do it.A+.

28th March, 2010.

I have had this for 6 months now, and sadly, have to put it away now as its winter.

This inst a winter fragrance at all! Summer time, by the beach, in a nice open bar, lazy sunny afternoons works best for me.

Its fun, and fresh and has great sillage and lasts for ages on my skin. Would never wear it to the office! Blown away by the smooth soft vanilla and I get many complements from the ladies.

Think of Barry White singing an ABBA song - Its smooth, but a little cheeky at the same time. :)

13rd December, 2009.