Bergamask by Orto Parisi

Paying for a potent citrus is a gamble: it smells like disinfectant and that turns me off, even though it lasts a long time.

It is a very heavy animal musk with cedar at full strength. The longevity is excessive and can become annoying. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are just starting out in niche perfumery.

I was really keen to try it; a niche citrus scent with good longevity according to everyone, but in the end it reminds me of an older person. Totally ruled out for me.

I usually lower my expectations to avoid disappointment, much like with restaurants or films. But with Bergamask, I let myself be swept away. I thought it would be a disaster given the season, yet when summer and the mosquitoes arrived, I bought the perfume. Two sprays and it was already a masterpiece, better than imagined. The problem: an hour later, it vanished. I searched online and it was the cursed batch 01245. Orto Parisi said there had been no reformulation and told me to get lost. I swallowed my disappointment, but as it smells wonderful, I use four sprays in the morning and at night. People chase me down the street asking what I’m wearing. It will last me through summer, and I’ll buy it again once I’ve checked the batch number.

I’m absolutely in love with it, even though I’m not usually a citrus person. It’s creamy and makes me salivate. I feel elegant and versatile for cold and heat, all ages and sexes. It lasts a very long time and isn’t expensive for a niche fragrance. Highly recommended; I think no one could dislike it.

Right, first time with a heavy Orto Parisi and I’ll say: what relief! I strongly recommend trying it as a sample because every nose is different. The opening is a sharp, well-acidic citrus blast that will remind you of a lemon dishcloth or some furniture cleaner; luckily this doesn’t last long, and once it dries down it’s buzzing with a citrus-musk scent that lasts at least an hour. All that musk gives it a soapy, strange touch—soft rather than juicy. After two hours the projection is enough to be noticed across half the city, and that initial force mellows out while maintaining the trail without losing much intensity. The scent doesn’t change; it remains that acidic, musky lemon. In the final phase, to be honest, it lasts over 10 hours and I detect a slight floral note—bergamot? lavender? Who knows. When, how, and for whom: spring, summer, and autumn when it’s still warm. Ideal with a smart light-coloured suit or shirt and straight trousers, the elegance this fragrance demands. Daytime or late afternoon events, but always outdoors so as not to overwhelm the person next to you with lemons. For over 30s, no debate. I’d say unisex, though sometimes I see it as more masculine, but it would look ridiculous on a lady. Warning, this will hurt many: Costa Azzurra Parfum would do well to reach this level of lemon. In summary: for those special occasions where you’re dressed to the nines and want everyone to know it.

Brilliant, much like almost everything Orto Parisi creates. Citrus with a touch of the 80s, elegant, long-lasting and very Italian.

Bergamask is a distinct bergamot, that’s the word. There are countless perfumes opening with bergamot, which is why some call it ‘the least crazy of Gualtieri’s’, though that may or may not be true. It opens with a mature, very juicy bergamot, an unusual citrus that oozes quality. The evolution is worlds away, and it’s true. I’ve worn it on three different, non-consecutive days and each time I’ve had different sensations, but all of them good. Perhaps it evolves with the weather, temperature, or your mood? I don’t know, but it’s captivating. The citrus of Alessandro Gualtieri, no more, no less. In short: the citrus of Alessandro Gualtieri. Ideal occasion: spring, summer, a date or event. Alternative: Tom Ford Noir EDT for that dark citrus. Buy blind? Absolutely.

Bergamask: A fragrance that either captivates or repels. Bergamask by Orto Parisi is no ordinary scent. It is an explosion of bergamot, but not in the way you would expect. It is a bergamot reinterpreted, dark and mysterious. What makes it special? It either captivates or repels; it leaves no one indifferent. It is a fragrance that transports you to a world of sensations, but not always a pleasant journey. It evolves with you: it is not linear, changing throughout the day to reveal different layers. Sometimes it is citrusy and fresh, other times woody and deep. First-class ingredients: Alessandro Gualtieri, the creator, does not play small. Calabrian bergamot is mixed with incense, patchouli, and leather, creating an intense and complex olfactory experience. Who is it for? Those looking for something different: if commercial fragrances bore you and you want something that intrigues and surprises, Bergamask is for you. For lovers of citrus with a dark twist: if you like them with mystery and sensuality, you will adore it. Who is it not for? Those seeking something light and fresh: if you prefer classic and discreet scents, this is not your best option. For those with a sensitive nose: it is intense and can be overwhelming. In summary: Bergamask is unique, special, and controversial. It captivates or repels, but leaves no one indifferent. If you are looking for something different and are willing to take a risk, try it. Remember that perception is personal. What I love, you might find horrible. Try it before buying. Where to buy? On the official website or specialist shops. Price: around £150 for 50ml. PS: Do not let reviews sway you; try it and decide for yourself.

I do not understand it; it is peculiar. I had somewhat high expectations that it fails to meet absolutely; after 15 minutes, I no longer sense its aroma, and I truly do not understand it.

Bergamask: for some, bergamot and musk. But that would only be a typical dance hall mask, playing on the words referenced by the perfume, and the main dancer here is actually sandalwood. With Gualtieri’s perfumes, suggestion always plays an important role. Marketing predisposes people to smell accords that are not even present in this gentleman’s perfumes on many occasions. Here, the musk has little to say… It is a citrus fragrance built around several molecules replicating sandalwood, especially Javanol. This Javanol, used here in a tremendous overdose, makes the perfume last a lifetime with enormous trail and projection. Sometimes I do not know if Gualtieri is a genius for taming certain components in ingent quantities, or simply a lucky man. Be that as it may, he achieves in Bergamask a citrus fragrance that maintains its character with bergamot and mandarin notes throughout the life of the perfume, perhaps hinting at a slight reminiscence of orange blossom. Using this perfume with moderation on the trigger, as it fills a room and can overwhelm somewhat sensitive noses if over-applied, you will leave a very rich and perceptible trail for others, which believe me, many times they will let you know. For me, without a doubt, one of the best perfumes by the perfumer. Greetings.

@carcanuelo and how’s the perfume?

On my skin, the citrus note lasts about two hours before turning creamy with a potent musk that smells of human skin, clean sweat, and animal. The longevity and projection are almost insane; 14 hours; it projects over two metres at first and then settles at a metre and a half. Even when it’s no longer detectable, it leaves compliments and presence. My favourite, surpassing Megamare. It’s polarising, so try before you buy.

I’m a fanatic of citrus, fruity, and aquatic scents; living in Panama with those infernal heat and humidity, that’s where they truly shine. I bought Bergamask blind out of curiosity and was surprised: I expected an invasive nuclear bomb, but it disappointed me a bit. It’s strong and has projection, yes, but not to the level others claim. I wear it all day without issues and my girlfriends and friends love it. It smells of lemons that have fallen and dried, a linear, masculine scent without being too refined. The longevity is brutal, over 10 hours. In short, try before you buy because this isn’t a monster that destroys your sense of smell; in my collection, it’s more normal than things like Eau de Cyan or CHAOS by Vertus. If you’re looking for something equally or more potent but more pleasant, I recommend HATKORA WOOD by Ajmal, it’s delicious and worth it. I have the 2019 batch and it’s top.

I bought Bergamask by Orto Parisi blind at Megamare and it was a mistake; the dry-down notes didn’t convince me, so I gifted it to my brother. To learn the lesson, I looked for a 2ml decant. They say it’s a potent and long-lasting citrus, and at first, for the first 30 seconds, it does smell of bergamot and ripe lemon, which I liked a bit. But after 15 minutes, the scent changes to naphthalene or mosquito repellent. My wife and I monitored it, and after 10 minutes, it got stuck in that naphthalene smell. At 7 hours, it was still smelling strong with no evolution. My wife got an itchy nose, so I washed my arm with soap and water; despite 10 washes, the smell persisted. In conclusion, it’s not a citrus: the first minutes are very ripe fruits and then it’s a potent chemical musk that projects and lasts, but it smells of naphthalene. I didn’t like it and thank God I didn’t buy the bottle. At 40+, that naphthalene smell isn’t attractive. I’d only wear it in the cold, max 2 sprays. Scent: 1/10. It’s vital to try it several times before buying, because if you don’t like it, nothing fixes it. If you do like it, it’s a jewel. Longevity: 10/10, lasts 24h or more. Sillage and projection: 10/10. Versatility: 1/10. Value for money: 5/10. Final score: 6.16/10.