Italica, The Gourmand Star of Xerjoff Casamorati 1888
In its first edition, "Italica" was exclusive to Harvey Nichols and released in limited quantities, but Xerjoff has apparently had a change of heart, and once again we have the pleasure of welcoming this exceptional fragrance to the market, with no limits and no exclusivity restrictions.
A scent for true gourmand fans
True to the traditions of a brand that loves to spoil its fans, we get nothing less than an epic gourmand masterpiece with extraordinary proportions, a source of pride for its creator. An ultra-realistic biscuit in the form of a fragrance, not an air freshener but a scent of the highest caliber, in which there's nothing synthetic. With just a snap of your fingers, you're transported to Christmas markets, the kind traditionally set up on grand cathedral squares, festive decorations sparkling everywhere, and the smells of freshly baked pastries wrapping around you, served alongside a warm caramel latte.
Almonds and saffron lead the charge in the opening. Wonderful milky almonds and sharply spicy saffron stand in opposition to the sweetness, and that sweetness is intense, vanilla-laden, and merciless! The interplay between the different accords is simply masterful! The caramel spreads out after a few minutes, and the overall character becomes more and more edible. The sharpness of the saffron fades after about an hour, while the trio of almonds, milk, and caramel keeps resonating, underscored by a note of alcohol with vanilla that isn't listed anywhere in the notes. You can almost hear festive toasts against a backdrop of fogged-up windows and classical arias. The atmosphere, however, isn't as innocent as the gingerbread cookies of Baptême du Feu by Serge Lutens. It's more like those particular alcohol-infused sweets that you weren't allowed to try as a child, so you'd sneak a piece when no one was looking.
The sweetness is poignant and restrained at the same time, at every stage, with an opposing note keeping it in balance.
Casamorati Italica is a delicious, perfectly balanced gourmand. Its presence is bold, especially up close, and its longevity is downright impressive. A fragrance for true gourmand fans who can handle it, very distinctive and special, one you can add just in time to your Christmas gifts.
