Blu Mediterraneo Basil / Fogile di Basilico (1999)
by Acqua di Parma

My least favourite from the Blu Mediterraneo line. But then again, herbal scents are not really my thing. However, it could have been a lot worse (think Virgilio).

[Original submission date: 10 April 2008]

Another Blu Mediterraneo… this time basil is the honored note. When I first saw this, I thought that it might be a bit redundant because I find Blu Mediterraneo Cipresso quite herbal / green. Well, this one glorifies the basil. It is basil, basil, and basil but it is quite an interesting presentation of basil. This basil is smooth rather than sharp probably because it is a very true basil, as odysseusm says; it is softened – just softened – by other herbs / spice …sage and clove. Besides the basil, the bergamot is the other major player in the fragrance. The bergamot is citrus and calming within the otherwise lively accords. The whole feeling of Blu Mediterraneo Basil is one of freshness and cleanliness … and it does that very well. As with several of the other Blu Mediterraneos, it could use better longevity.

Notes: bergamot, basil, sage, clove.
Blu Mediterraneo Basil is a bracing, citrus/herbal tonic. It is a great summer and daytime scent, with an attractive Mediterranean vibe. The bergamot is very citrusy. The basil has a licorice note, to be expected in true basil and rather nice. In fact, I’d say this is one of the most accurate and pleasing basil scents I know (I'm thinking of Baïme, Vigilo, even the very good Basile Uomo). Thankfully the sage and clove are restrained notes. This is a unisex scent, and because it doesn’t have sweet or floral notes I consider it quite suitable for a man to wear.

I really enjoyed the salty, herbal quality of this now out of production scent. It was more of a "tonic" than cologne which was perfect for me on a summary weekend day. I have some left and regret that it has been discontinued. I think LVMH should have considered at least keeping the body creams etc if not the cologne.