Blu Mediterraneo - Fico di Amalfi

There comes a time in the life of every fragrance aficionado when you choose your prefered fig, just like your sandalwood, musk, patchouli or vetiver of choice. In fact I´d go as far as claiming that fig, or more correctly fig leaf, is the one note that has become a benchmark for numerous houses the last decade. Shortly, many houses feel they have to represent this increasingly popular ingredient in their ranges. And subsequently we have a lot to choose from: Diptyque´s Philosykos, L'Artisan Parfumeur's Premier Figuier, Hermès´s Mediterranean Garden, Marc Jacobs For men, Davidoff's GoodLife, Salvatore Ferragamo's Pour Homme, Christian Dior's Dune for men - the list goes on... Therefore it´s also fairly easy to compare within this category and find the individual merits of each fragrance. The Acqua di Parma people (like most of the time) certainly suceeded with their take.

Immediately upon application you´ll sense that Fico di Amalfi is a tad more synthetic compared to Diptyque's and L'Artisan's juices, but definitely less artificial smelling then Hermès´s and Marc Jacobs dito. Overall this slightly synthetic touch doesn´t hurt the fragrance or it´s general feel. There is a bit of that same dryness as with most fig-leaf based scents, but FdA also adds a luscious sweetness of crushed fig pulp to the mix along with a sparkling touch of jasmin.

Longevity is excellent although the fragrance is very linear, but I think this is the point with the entire Blu Mediterraneo series, simple, few-note, feel good fragrances at an affordable price. With FdA they continue the good vibe that started with their excellent roasted almond gourmand Mandorlo di Sicilia and the uplifting piney freshness of their Tuscan fougere Cipresso di Toscana.

To sum up the charateristics of Fico di Amalfi in comparison to it´s peers and competitors I´d say it´s less dry, mossy and green than Philosykos, lacking the milky almond note from Premier Figuier, completely absent of the acidity in Un Jardin en Mediterranée, avoiding the coconut-sun-tan-lotion bonanza of Marc Jacobs - but instead sporting a fleshy-fruit sweetness and a plesant cedar base balancing the composition very well. Also the staying power is probably the best within this genre. A big thumbs up, and just like Guerlains Aqua Allegoria line, AdP have found a consequent and interesting aesthetic in this range - Blu Mediterraneo, that will hopefully release more care free, sunny and high quality fragrances in the future.

Review originally published on http://www.basenotes.net/

Year of Launch: 2006
Gender Classification: Unisex
Reminiscent of: Diptyque Philosykos, Hermès Un Jardin en Mediterranée, L'Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier
Longevity & Sillage: Both excellent

Overall rating: 7/10