Reviews of Acqua di Genova Colonia (1853)
by Acqua di Genova

I'm a bit confused -- there seems to be 2 versions of this -- one in tribute of 150 years of the original. I purchased the tribute version, which is a more subdued take on the vibrant lemony classic original, being more concentrated on neroli and wood notes and more suited to Autumn.. It reminds me very much of Hermes Concentree Orange Verte, but is slightly more complex. Anyway, both versions are magnificent.

Wow, this is a truly wonderful cologne!

I’ve always been an admirer of both Acqua di Parma original and Assoluta but never became a big fan of either (the original was a tad too sharp and very short-lived, while the Assoluta version always turned on my skin). Personally, I prefer Acqua di Genova so much more. The floral notes really help to soften the sharp citrus notes, making it a better balanced scent than Acqua di Parma (albeit slightly sweeter).

It’s been mentioned that Acqua di Genova’s softer than Acqua di Parma and I would wholeheartedly agree. However, I think its longevity is much better than its Italian counterpart. Although the drydown is a very subtle and musky skin scent, this can still be detected hours later.

In addition, I don’t agree about it smelling feminine at all. Personally, this is a beautiful creation that can (and should) be enjoyed by both genders.

[Original submission date: 29 December 2007]

This is a true classic, a lovely scent in the typical cologne style. It has a soft character, the citrus is gentle yet prominent. The citrus notes combine graciously with the rose. The rose is beautiful, not heavy or too sweet. I think this is very similar to R&G Extra Vielle. Light wood notes at the end. No surprises here, but quite enjoyable.

Notes:
Lime, Bergamot, Orange, Neroli, Lavender, Rosemary;
Jasmin ,Rose, Neroli;
Patchouli, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk.
Nice. The top note citrus here is not lemon, but lime, which makes a considerable difference, as you know if you like Caipirinhas - or the various traditional English lime colognes. The lime note is sharper, brighter, zestier than lemon, as well as lighter and makes for a nice citrus sparkle. The other top notes are typical Eau de Cologne ingredients, so, not surprisingly, this bears a resemblance to Guerlain's Impérial, du Coq or Farina Gegenüber. It is sweeter though, and florally so, through the midnote presence of neroli, rose, and jasmine in particular. Of those I know, Coq comes closest, in fact, as it also contains jasmine, but it has a stronger herbal counterweight, while Genova fuses the jasmine, rose and neroli into a soft floral impression, reminiscent of the recently acquired Azahar by Adolfo Dominguez. As always with EdCs do not expect too much from the basenotes, they are at best very subtle. Compared to the better known EdC in the neighbourhood, Acqua di Parma, this is softer, lighter and a good deal more feminine. Parma’s lemon entwined with rose is almost assertive in contrast. Thus, if you find Parma too floral or short lasting, Genova is a definitive nono. Personally I clearly prefer Aqua di Parma, as the lemon is deeper and the smooth rose darker (relatively speaking), longer lasting, simply with more oomph to it. For hesperides I’ll choose Farina or Guerlain, for florals Asprey or, better even, Dukes of Pall Mall Cotswold, which delivers white blossoms in a manlier fashion. Genova is a well-made scent, an Italian spring day in a bottle, but due to its floral sweetness it will not become a huge favorite of mine. Nonetheless, fans of classic Colognes are obliged to try it and draw their own conclusions.

I tried this for the first time about a week ago in a specialist perfume shop London. I know Aqua Di Parma very well, but had not come across Acqua Di Genova before.

It's a delightful, light fragrance reminding one of the pure essence of an Italian summer distilled into a bottle. The lemon, orange and bergamot top notes give way to the citrus and woody basenotes. It's quite lovely, can be worn by either sex and is so much more subtle than Aqua Di Parma.

Despite the range of one-off perfumes on display in shop I purchased it in, I was surprised to discover Aqua Di Genova was the single biggest seller.

Highly recommended!