Tramonte by Botanicae

I’m absolutely smitten. This is pure art and deserves far more attention. Upon spraying, those sharp citrus notes are perfectly balanced by nutmeg. After 10 minutes, the incense takes over, reminding me of Versace Dylan Blue—not because it copies it, but for that same incense DNA with a well-crafted amber and vanilla base that isn’t cloying at all; it’s just there to balance things out. It’s incredibly versatile, suitable from casual to semi-formal occasions. It’s an Italian scent that’s easy to enjoy. Lasts 8-9 hours on skin; the projection isn’t beastly, but the first three hours are top-tier, after which it settles into a pleasant personal bubble (noticeable within a metre). Botanicae is a niche brand offering great value and top-notch quality. Scent 9/10, Longevity 9/10, Projection 7.5/10

Smells similar to Reckling’s Ich Habe eine Ganse Dorf, but softer with less of a freshly shaved beard scent. Curious and clean.

Perhaps I don’t have the same sense of smell as others to detect all the notes… the Botanicae DNA just doesn’t convince me… just like Matin by Mogador, which seems like a masterpiece to me… this one feels dispensable. In this and others from the brand, I see that powdery note that I hate and it doesn’t fully convince me… it’s my taste, I suppose… but I don’t see the hype around Tramonte… it smells like things I’ve heard many times before. It seems to me they value it too much for that powdery note that gives longevity, but it doesn’t seem pretty to me. I’d prefer En Route a thousand times, even if it’s Adventus-style… that freshly cut grass scent I love… those with a powdery base, ew, nothing… in Highlands the powdery note bothers me less and is well integrated… in the rest where it’s prominent, like Chan Chan, they seem dated and overused… I like Martin or Mogador, En Route, Highlands, Stereo… those that step outside that powdery sensation are different… for now I only have Mogador in 100ml, the rest in a discovery kit. It’s all about taste; Mogador might not suit you because of the cumin or whatever… but the originality and magic it has on my sense of smell is on another level, plus it lasts and projects more… perhaps Onda has a particular soapy scent when dry but it’s rich and clean… of the perfumes, maybe that fresh grass from En Route… or that Highland which reflects that wild coldness and hay grass incredibly well… a masterpiece. Anyway, as everything is about taste and brands fill in to cater to a range of clients… you can see the particular masterpieces and those that are rehashed or typical things.

Smells of amber and wood, very similar to Grand Soir by Frederic Malle or Interlude by Amouage. It’s from the Murcia-based house Botanicae and they use first-class ingredients.

If you like Chanel Egoïste, here is something very similar and even more versatile; the citrus notes accompany it in the heart, giving more brightness to a very dark fragrance like Chanel Egoïste.