Item Description
Always a fan of Muelhens 4711 cologne in the warmer weather, I recently sprang for a bottle of the Roger and Gallet Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne. These two colognes have a common ancestry. It came in a very nice 200th anniversary (actually 2006) refillable atomizer bottle reminiscent of a Penhaligon's bottle.
The cologne is quite different from 4711, more in the league of Acqu di Parma. It opens with a "citric blast" again similar to a Penhaligon's product -- Blenheim Bouquet. The citric is not nearly as powerful or long lasting as BB but has the same grapefruit sharpness. This wears off after about 1/2 hr. followed by a heavier bergamot-rosemary scent with some residual citric elements. The scent then levels off with the heavier notes lasting 3-4 hours after which they are barely detectable. Time for another spray.
I recommend this for summer use, especially good on hot, sticky days when a heavy or very floral scent might be too much. While 4711 is very short lived and nice to use after a shower, the Farina has a bit more staying power and a real dry down making it more suitable for an evening out.
The cologne is quite different from 4711, more in the league of Acqu di Parma. It opens with a "citric blast" again similar to a Penhaligon's product -- Blenheim Bouquet. The citric is not nearly as powerful or long lasting as BB but has the same grapefruit sharpness. This wears off after about 1/2 hr. followed by a heavier bergamot-rosemary scent with some residual citric elements. The scent then levels off with the heavier notes lasting 3-4 hours after which they are barely detectable. Time for another spray.
I recommend this for summer use, especially good on hot, sticky days when a heavy or very floral scent might be too much. While 4711 is very short lived and nice to use after a shower, the Farina has a bit more staying power and a real dry down making it more suitable for an evening out.