Old 4711 aroma - is this stuff bad?

[Mr. Bonney]

Went into an antique store and found a display with old fragrance bottles in it. One was a glass bottle half full marked 4711. Took a whiff or two. Smelled like black pepper with a fruity background. Normally I don't trust old fragrances that aren't full due to oxygen infiltration and the associated deterioration, but I've seen 4711 mentioned on the forum. Is this the real scent?

 

[patrickthebassbash]

I never got black pepper from 4711, just something very reminiscent of Froot Loops cereal.

 

[KUfan]

4711 is citrusy, fruity, floral, and finally woody at drydown. I would say the contents of the bottle you found today have taken a turn for the worse. If you have yet to own and try 4711, it is a "must have". It is a jewel in the fragrance world.

 

[sarimento1]

Went into an antique store and found a display with old fragrance bottles in it. One was a glass bottle half full marked 4711. Took a whiff or two. Smelled like black pepper with a fruity background. Normally I don't trust old fragrances that aren't full due to oxygen infiltration and the associated deterioration, but I've seen 4711 mentioned on the forum. Is this the real scent?

probably not. as above, 4711 is citrusy, cologney, light, very fleeting.
your antique store bottle is certainly old and aged.
which does not mean that the antique item is worth/not worth anything.
an antique is unique.

 

[BigJ]

4711 is citrusy, fruity, floral, and finally woody at drydown. I would say the contents of the bottle you found today have taken a turn for the worse. If you have yet to own and try 4711, it is a "must have". It is a jewel in the fragrance world.

+1! Great description or a classic scent!

 

[guitarslinger]

It smells like Orange Flower Water. Go to a grocery or liquor store and smell some.

If the 4711 smells way different, don't put it on your skin.

 

[Atlantic59]

Should smell like a U-boat captain, minus the diesel fuel, machine oil, cigarette smoke, and stale B.O.

 

[honeycutt]

My wife said it smelled like bug juice.

 

[The situational shaver]

Definitely a classic! Late spring, it’s perfect for the situation.

 

[skavoovie]

I personally definitely get a peppery smell from 4711 AS. It's the same peppery scent I pick up from Speick AS.

 

[Jorocom]

All I know is that my wife said 4711 smells like dirt.

 

[Tomo]

Did it make you gag? If yes, that’s what it is meant to smell like. If no, it’s probably mellowed with age...

 

[xiletero]

I have had 4711 wipes gone bad! then they don't smell good at all.

 

[Tomo]

All I know is that my wife said 4711 smells like dirt.

That is unfair to dirt.

 

[Jorocom]

That is unfair to dirt.

Ha, maybe. There is old school and really old school. 4711 is pretty old. Anyway, I think it smells decent. Not really for me though.

 

[Tomo]

Ha, maybe. There is old school and really old school. 4711 is pretty old. Anyway, I think it smells decent. Not really for me though.

My dad likes it. I can’t stand it.

 

[MilfordNJGuy]

From the Fragrantica Site:

"https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/4711/4711-Original-Eau-de-Cologne-3256.html

4711 Original Eau de Cologne was launched in 1792. The nose behind this fragrance is Wilhelm Muelhens. Top notes are orange oil, peach, basil, bergamot and lemon; middle notes are cyclamen, lily, melon, jasmine and bulgarian rose; base notes are patchouli, tahitian vetiver, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss and cedar.