Aqua Allegoria Mentafollia by Guerlain, 2004

Top: mandarin, grapefruit, mint Heart: rose, jasmine, green tea Base: Atlas Cedar and woodsy notes. At this point, this is probably my favorite mint scent because of the fact I don't really like mint as a fragrance. Mentafollia has a lot more going on than mint, which pleases my requirement for modulation of this note. And this one is taken in a soft, fresh, summer-air direction, so it's really quite lovely. The opening is a fresh, light-handed citrus mint combination which scintillates. There is a slight green tea note in the opening, which, as most teas notes, is mid-tone and moderating, so it mellows the mint to a pleasing degree. As the citrus dissipates, what comes in is the light soft rose/jasmine accord, and a strengthening of the green tea note. I think the top and mid notes are blended quite well. They seem to flow into each other fairly unnoticeably, and nothing is jumping up and down saying "Me, me!". In other words, it has a cohesive light summer ambiance. The mint at this point is mint tea that syncs well with the florals. The drydown becomes slightly sharper, lightly wooded, but keeps a mint and tea vibe. This one evolves and has enough complexity to keep my interest, and what I consider a successful main theme, an airy pretty one that appeals to me. It is also fairly long-lasting for an effervescent summer scent. Besides, I like the name.

Well, I'll have to write quickly to get this review off, as the last few drops of my bottle of Aqua Allegoria MENTAFOLLIA are now mingling with my skin and will soon dissipate forever into the cosmos. I was reminded of this composition by HERBA FRESCA, mainly because I was so surprised that there should be two mint entries in the AA series. When I reached for my bottle of MENTAFOLLIA, I was also surprised to find that I had drained nearly all of the 75ml. I even had to wrench off the nozzle in order to access the last little bit! To my nose, MENTAFOLLIA is a successful aromatherapeutic mint composition. This is mostly about mint, with an emphasis on spearmint, but some green tea leaves are present as well, ultimately producing something akin to the aroma of Moroccan mint tea. Although mint festivals are not really my idea of the basis for a bona fide perfume, I don't think that MENTAFOLLIA ever aspired to be such a thing. I regard this as a unisex cologne for hot weather wear. This relatively simple combination of notes is super fresh and super clean, in addition to being uplifting. MENTAFOLLIA reminds me somewhat of the BBW TRANQUIL MINT line, which explicitly claims to be aromatherapeutic, and this composition is that to me. I would definitely consider replenishing my now-depleted supply of this refreshing cologne, so I'm obliged to give MENTAFOLLIA a thumbs up, but with the following caveat: FOR MINT LOVERS ONLY!!!!

The mint in Mentafollia has a bitter tinge to it that I enjoy more than the usual fresh mint note. Also, the mint note is strongly augmented by the green tea note I like the combination very much, but to be honest, I think I get a bit more of a green tea note than a typical mint note. The use of mint in AA Mentafollia could have been an inspiration for the mint in Cartiers Roadster another mint fragrance that I actually like. The dry, bitter mint / green tea dominates to the point of overwhelming the openings citrus to my nose.

The top and middle levels hold on for a time way longer than its aqua status would suggest. Mentafollia doesnt seem to have much movement to my nose. It stays pretty linear with its mint / green tea accord. It takes almost two hours before I notice the cedar of the base, which is about all I get from it. The base is rather generic, but it is OK because I already had an extended time with the part of the movement that I most enjoy the top and the middle notes.

Aqua Allegoria Mentafollia is a surprisingly enjoyable, well made mint / tea fragrance and a very nice change from the more usual citrus. I find it surprising because I didnt think that I would enjoy the mint note.