1725 Casanova
by Histoire de Parfums

Gèrald Gheslain founded Histoire de Parfums with the idea of interpreting colorful historical characters as scents. To appreciate the scent I find it useful to understand the nature of the character it seeks to represent. For example, Casanova was a charmer not by virtue of his physical sex appeal but rather his way with words; he was the sweet-talking smooth operator - a classic ladies man. Casanova was never about macho posturing or sexual agression; I was therefore correct not to expect 'heavy-duty masculinity' nor anything 'raunchy' from this release. Instead, like its namesake, 1725 CASANOVA is a smooth teasingly sweet scent that seeks to romance its way into the hearts of many ladies. I find it closer in spirit to Guerlain's Spiritueuse Double Vanille than it is to Givenchy's Pi. A welcome addition to my decant collection.

Found 1725 Casanova to be quite stunning. A very charismatic scent as it opens into a warm (*surprise*) concoction of bergamot and grapefruit. The liquorice does an excellent job in ensuring that it doesn't become over citrusy and remains fairly dominant even after a good 3 hours making this a fairly full bodied scent. The citrus notes are almost totally opposite to the transparency typical of Jean-Claude Ellena's Gentien Blanc.

The mids and base notes charm with ever so slight gourmand notes of almond and lavender that envelops the warmer woods of cedar, amber and sandalwood. It does however, remind one occasionally that this is not a youthful scent, but something for the more matured. 1725 is a not a brutish, arrogant and slick Casanova, but one who is playfully confident, who teases and enjoys a the challenge of the pursuit.

I’m actually quite surprised that iris isn’t one of the notes listed in the pyramid, as it largely comes across as a better blended version of Dior Homme. I suppose it’s the lavender and star anise creating this illusion but it’s an intriguing (albeit brief) illusion nevertheless.

But I’m afraid that’s where my fascination with 1725 ends. Personally, I do not find it sexy in the ubiquitous sense and can only just about comprehend the use of the name ‘Casanova’ for this composition

With medium longevity and very low sillage, I suppose I was expecting something with more richness and oomph. A stereotypical Casanova is renowned for having a highly noticeable presence and charisma, while overwhelming his ‘victims’ with irresistible and manipulative qualities (while making other men pale in comparison). Based on this, 1725 falls completely on its face because, unlike the Casanova it aspires to, it is too modest and unconvincing in its nature.

Overall, it’s desperately in need of more gumption and excitement.

This is like a cross between Pi and pour un homme.
I've tried and tried to love pour un homme, but I find the lavender opening a bit much, and the vanilla a bit strong.
Pi is too sugary sweet and cloying.
This takes the best aspects of both. Doesn't really fit the whole "cassanova" thing very well, but it's of the better histories releases.

1725 is deemed to be a cult fragrance...in time. a classic fougere done so well. 1725 wastes no time and gets straight in the mids-base accords after the intial opening accords of citrus and fruity notes. towards the mids. powdery notes of lavender melts in to an ink like note warmed on a glowing base of vanilla, ambre & leather. Though this scent may seem linear, i felt it has a unique character to it..the sillage is mesmerising and a kind which envelopes the wearer. for a very broad reference..this is how MPG would interpret Dior Homme while they were composing Iris Bleu Gris or a Parfum d'Habit. .

I smell and citrus and lavender sweetened with vanilla and amber. Although the notes sound promising in theory, I did not like this at all, in fact the ambery sweetness almost made me feel physically sick. Oddly, it does fit with the idea of a Cassanova: the mix of stereotypical masculine notes with over-the-top sweetness. But the result is cloying and not something I'd want to smell on a man. For a better take on a sweet citrus cologne, I'd go for Dior's Cologne Blanche.