A new addition to Parfum de Nicolai's light Eau Fraiche range: Eau Exotique (others in this collection include Fig Tea and Vie de Chateau).
Mango and patchouli. What about that for a mix? Actually, it's rather more than that, it's bitter orange, mango, iced tea on an earthy, mossy patchouli base. Have you ever tried one of those really good Japanese sakes, the ones that smell of green tea, exotic fruit and pear? Eau Exotique smells much like one of these.
It is a transparent, simple fragrance saved from tasteful minimalism by that joyous big splash of mango at its heart. Like the others in the Eau Fraiche series it doesn't have the depth and fiendish complexity of classic Nicolai perfumes such as New York, but what has?
Good for men and women. Light, summery, a fine beach scent and good value at around 35 euros.
I'm also giving Nicolai's Vetyver another run. I had mixed feelings about this scent when it was released last year: Compared to marvels like New York, Pour Homme and Baladin it seemed thin, but it has really grown on me recently. It has a few tricks up its sleeve, too.
Vetyver opens with a soft, fresh, almost mossy green note tinged with anise before plunging into a spicy, skin-tone heart of cumins, clove, tobacco and pepper. I keep getting whiffs of that 'powdered orange confit' accord that crops up in Cuiron and Baladin.
The base is intriguing: A very warm effervescent lemon and damp hay note. Lasting power is good to very good. Highly recommended - and again, excellent value at 55 euros for 100ml.
Mango and patchouli. What about that for a mix? Actually, it's rather more than that, it's bitter orange, mango, iced tea on an earthy, mossy patchouli base. Have you ever tried one of those really good Japanese sakes, the ones that smell of green tea, exotic fruit and pear? Eau Exotique smells much like one of these.
It is a transparent, simple fragrance saved from tasteful minimalism by that joyous big splash of mango at its heart. Like the others in the Eau Fraiche series it doesn't have the depth and fiendish complexity of classic Nicolai perfumes such as New York, but what has?
Good for men and women. Light, summery, a fine beach scent and good value at around 35 euros.
I'm also giving Nicolai's Vetyver another run. I had mixed feelings about this scent when it was released last year: Compared to marvels like New York, Pour Homme and Baladin it seemed thin, but it has really grown on me recently. It has a few tricks up its sleeve, too.
Vetyver opens with a soft, fresh, almost mossy green note tinged with anise before plunging into a spicy, skin-tone heart of cumins, clove, tobacco and pepper. I keep getting whiffs of that 'powdered orange confit' accord that crops up in Cuiron and Baladin.
The base is intriguing: A very warm effervescent lemon and damp hay note. Lasting power is good to very good. Highly recommended - and again, excellent value at 55 euros for 100ml.
