The house Guerlain has always been synonymous with excellence and respect for tradition. However, this does not prevent it from pushing its boldness ever further and enriching its existing collections with new prestigious fragrances.
The house Guerlain is considered one of the greatest perfumery houses on the planet. Its olfactory catalog is simply immense, so much so that some of its creations of the past have had to disappear in favor of more recent fragrances. Yet Guerlain does not forget its prestigious heritage. The brand never misses an opportunity to highlight its history and artisanal expertise. It is precisely to pay tribute to the Eaux de Cologne of the past, while taking our senses on a journey, that the Aqua Allegoria collection was designed. In 2017, the perfume Bergamote Calabria came to enrich this assemblage. So, what about this refreshing citrus-based juice? Here is our review on the subject.
Olfastory’s review
A delightful freshness inspired by the orchards of Calabria
All the Aqua Allegoria fragrances differ from one another. However, they share the common trait of drawing inspiration from a particular garden of a region of the planet. From India to Venezuela, Spain, or Indonesia, they transport us to unique places. As the name Bergamote Calabria suggests, this time Guerlain makes a stop at the heart of Calabria. The result is a juice designed as a stroll in the shade of orchards. A signature material for Guerlain, bergamot emerges here like a ray of sunshine. Guerlain chose to pay tribute to this emblematic fruit, also nicknamed the green gold of Calabria.
Created by Thierry Wasser, official perfumer for Guerlain, Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic draws its source from the brand's partner growers in Calabria. Its bergamot scent is ever-present, while being elevated by other ingredients placed in the background. The result is a sun-kissed perfume, both soft and smooth, slightly bitter yet sweet, green and floral. Cardamom, meanwhile, reinforces the spicy, anise-like touch of the whole, while pairing with pink pepper and ginger. Bergamote Calabria is an infinitely sun-drenched perfume, leaving behind a breeze of white musk warmed by golden vanilla.
Guerlain revives its legendary Flacon aux Abeilles
On the aesthetic side, prestige is also present. The bottle of all the Aqua Allegoria fragrances draws inspiration from the emblematic Flacon aux Abeilles by Guerlain, designed in 1853 for Empress Eugénie. Once entirely covered in fine gold, this bottle is now transparent. However, its cylindrical shape and its dome inspired by Place Vendôme have been preserved. Gold shines here through a yellow-colored juice, also evocative of citrus fruits and the sun-kissed climate of the Mediterranean. The bee, an icon of Guerlain, is also present at the top of this structure, on the small ball crowning the bottle. With Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria, everything seems to have been considered down to the smallest detail. Whether in terms of scent or visual design, Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria is a true masterpiece that pays wonderful tribute to the brand's artisanal expertise.