Perfumery is a complex field that requires just as much interest in chemistry as an innate sense of creativity. Thus, to always find new sources of inspiration, many perfumers travel the globe in search of sumptuous raw materials. It is therefore a tribute to this practice that Guerlain paid through its Aqua Allegoria collection.
The house of Guerlain shines throughout the world with its always refined olfactory creations, in step with the latest trends yet inspired by a rich heritage and artisanal know-how. This is precisely how the Aqua Allegoria by Guerlain were conceived. Paying tribute to the perfumery of yesteryear, they are, in a sense, modern-day Eaux de Cologne, their scents seeming to come from the four corners of the globe. So, what about Mandarine Basilic? Where does it come from? Here is our review on the subject.
Olfastory’s review
Mandarine Basilic, a particularly joyful aromatic freshness
Mandarine Basilic is a fragrance that smells of summer and sunshine. This juice owes its existence to perfumer Marie Salamagne, who decided to imagine a highly summery juice, as though steeped in sunshine. To that end, Guerlain first relied on a sparkling opening of citrus, notably dominated by mandarin, clementine and blood orange. Thus, Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic immediately offers a joyful, sparkling breath. Then, this garland of freshness is further relayed by a floral bouquet of white peony and orange blossom. Ivy leaf adds a hint of green to the whole, while basil gradually makes its way into this composition. Green and almost spicy, it lends the fragrance its aromatic breath. Added to this is also all the energy of green tea. Finally, Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic gradually softens, until it releases a sillage of chamomile, amber and sandalwood. As always, Guerlain here relies on a composition rich in numerous facets, made from raw materials of very high quality.
The return of Guerlain's legendary Flacon aux Abeilles
Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic does not merely showcase prestigious raw materials. In terms of bottle, it also draws inspiration from one of the most prestigious bottles in all of perfumery: Guerlain's legendary Flacon aux Abeilles. Originally designed for the Eau de Cologne Impériale in 1853, it is here revisited in a more refined, modern shape. A transparent glass cylinder is topped with a finely carved honeycomb dome. The whole radiates an absolutely captivating golden color. Guerlain's emblematic bee, meanwhile, has not been forgotten. It is found perched on the cap, finely engraved in the roundness of the gold. It should be recalled that all the Aqua Allegoria fragrances share exactly the same bottle. Only the color of their juice changes, while a label distinguishes them from one another.
Mandarine Basilic Aqua Allegoria draws inspiration from a particular region of the planet. Like all its predecessors, it plunges us into a single place in one breath. Here, it is Asia. Basil comes to us from India, while mandarin comes from China. The magic works and captivates us with its herbaceous, almost anise-like aroma. The whole forms a joyful fragrance, a sparkling, luminous water that pairs wonderfully with warm summer days.