1861 by Xerjoff, 2011

With the exception of Xerjoff Homme, I'm coming to the conlcusion that the main points of strength of Xerjoff are citruses. As previously experienced with Nio, the aromatic quality of these elements is handled to never turn into the usual chemical blast, and 1861 is here to confirm it. Fizzy, invigorating, sparkling and clean but, at the same time, it avoids the "synthetic-laundry" vibe of many modern compositions of the same family. I'm not among the biggest fans of this type of fragrances but 1861 is incredibly well done: no doubts! Bergamot, petit grain and a sort of minty-greeeeen-lime are joined by a subtle yet clearly remarkable lily-of-the-valley note while a clean woody/musky base provides the necessary support to an otherwise efemeral fragrance. I suspect the presence of woody amber somewhere, but if it's there, it's surely not overdone. Overall, if you're looking for a long lasting, fresh throughout, citrus centered composition, 1861 is one of the best option you can have on the market and, if compared to other deliveries from the same house, it's also "reasonably" priced. A refined spring/summer fragrance. Neither original nor groundbreaking yet incredibly lovely. Creed lovers should definitely check this out.

1861 opens with a beautiful lemon and mandarin orange mixture that starts things off on a promising note. The lemon quickly fades, but the orange remains turning into orange blossom on my skin and then in the heart notes coupling with a mint leaf. The mint is definitely present, but make no mistake, this is not about the mint, and much more about the orange with other floral- like powdery citrus notes including petitgrain in the heart supporting it. Hours later as the mandarin and its supporting florals recede a light musk and patchouli tandem takes center stage in the dry-down, melding with what remains of the orange. Projection is below average and longevity is average. I guess I am one of only a few who have been less than impressed with Xerjoff's offerings on the whole, and 1861 adds to my list of disappointments. That is not to say that 1861 is a failure or smells bad (it doesn't), but rather it is just like too many other lesser citrus scents on the market that sell for considerably less money. The lemon in 1861 was impressive, but it was all too fleeting, leaving the mandarin and mint combo that was just a bit off to my tastes at least. If looking for a high quality Italian citrus, I could think of any number of worthy candidates costing much less that I would reach for over 1861, but one that immediately comes to mind is Acqua di Parma Colonia. In the case of 1861, I give it an "above average" rating of 2.5 to 3 out of 5 stars for its smell, but only 1.5 to 2 out of 5 for its relatively poor value proposition. Not recommended.

Top Notes: Bergamont, Mandarin, Lime, Petitgrain Middle Notes: Rose, Lily of the Valley, Mint Base Notes: Cedar, Patchouli, Amber, Musk This juice does not take the epic journey that I was expecting. It is a quiet whisper that begins speaking of wind-swept citrus fields on a sunny day. The top notes lend to a bright and zesty accord that is true to its origination in that it is very surreal and live. Taking a spray is like cutting through the fruits and the talent here is how they've maintained the character, bite, and freshness of the fruit. The appendage of the middle notes is seamless and brings a tough of greenness to the experience but somehow remains subdued as to let the top notes still shine. After thirty minutes to an hour, the real magic for me is in the dry down. Its not a brut like the notes may suggest; think of it as a clean musk accord that is fresh and whispy. I find this more wearable than something like Creed's SV, albeit that SV has superior longevity. This is fun fragrance that can be enjoyed anytime you need a pick me up, and can't be over-applied. Longevity: 2/5 Sillage: 1/5 Thoughts: Nice and clean but no WOW factor The Juice: To thin and whispy Verdict: I can't justify the price based on longevity and sillage, which is mildly better than something like Hermes EDOV