WHAT I SMELL: Aqua Celestia Cologne forte’s first spritz is a very fresh sparkling bergamot that’s fizzy and lightly sweet and tart at the same time. Quickly, a blackberry note joins the bergamot, or I should say, sits on top of the bergamot because it feels layered as if they’re part of a fruit parfait. The perfume is clean and bright, so much so that even if you were a little sweaty and hot from the day, the perfume would make you feel like you just stepped out of the shower. The blackberry note continues to grow as the bergamot begins to fade into the background. As the bergamot recedes, a fruit infused jasmine highlighted by peach comes in to take its place. The fruit is bright and just so slightly juicy, but not enough to add any weight to the perfume. As it continues to develop, a sandalwood pencil shaving note appears adding just the right amount of depth to bring this light and bright beauty back to the earth. In the end, Aqua Celestia Cologne forte rests in a wonderfully light musky floral haze that’s ever so easy to love and easy to wear.
From the Maison Francis Kurkdjian website:
The bergamot becomes tinged with the fruity notes of blackcurrant, mimosa (with its raspberry and blackberry facets), and jasmine (strawberry, apricot and peach accents), before gradually melting into the mellowness of a fruity musky accord. Aqua Celestia Cologne forte releases a bright, crystal-clear aura and offers a flight towards the horizon.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Picking berries in the cool sweet morning air.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE AQUA CELESTIA COLOGNE FORTE: pretty, delightful, refreshing
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT AQUA CELESTIA COLOGNE FORTE: Contents
BOTTOM LINE: The great thing about the Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfumes is that they are so easy to wear and many have this crisp clean finish that is impossible not to like. Aqua Celestia Cologne forte (which is an eau de parfum) is no exception.
- Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Citrus
- Nose: Francis Kurkdjian
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: $235 for 70 ml eau de parfum. Available at Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.
Aqua Celstica Cologne forte was released this year along with two other perfumes for a trio of Cologne fortes. The following are my abbreviated impressions of the other two in the collection:
Aqua Vitae Cologne forte: An inviting perfume that is perfectly delightful with the prettiest of florals that are topped with a mandarin orange. I would call this a warm perfume that would be perfect for wearing even in the heat of summer. Another 4 bones from me as it’s really lovely.
Aqua Universalis Cologne forte: To me, this is the least interesting of the three perfumes. Comprised of citrus and white muted flowers, it’s not bright, nor pretty, but rather salty and musky. 3 bones.
Samples courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.
WHAT I SMELL: Chypre Chrysantheme opens with a citrus blend that ebbs and tides off of the skin with the lemon verbena becoming more prominent as the florals dance in the background. The soft and lively florals are indistinguishable at this point as they continue to whirl over a lightly powdered oakmoss. However, it’s not too long before a rose begins to bloom. It’s slightly metallic and it demands attention. What’s really interesting is that at this point the various components in the perfume bounce in a kinetic energy as if the fragrance had been bottled before it had a chance to settle. And that just makes the perfume that more interesting and exciting as you just don’t know what to expect next. As the perfume continues to develop, a base layer that is thickened with beeswax appears and it seems to be infused with just the slightest of of smoke and honey. Here the perfume begins to settle and the kinetic energy makes way for a smooth wave of florals. And when I say wave, it does feel as if they glide in over the beeswax in waves. The chrysanthemum absolute at this point is front and center and it’s beyond gorgeous. But in all, the florals are warm and thickened with just the right amount of muted sweetness. After quite some time, the sweetness begins to settle into a deepened state and a spiced note attaches itself to the florals making the perfume a bit more mysterious. And it’s here where the perfume rests; soft, but not quiet with just the right amount of mystery for the perfect state of grace.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: The mystery of the chrysanthemum.
WHAT I SMELL: 
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: 
The Scented Hound 