Note: Review is of the current re-issued version.
Domenico Caraceni 1913 is a restrained rose fragrance with a structure that approximates to a modern fougere. There's no lavender or oakmoss. But there's a tonka-like sweetness. The fragrance, with the rose note removed, doesn't smell very different from what Casanova 1725 would smell with the lavender toned down. There's a slightly creamy texture to the fragrance - very similar to 1725 (and vaguely similar to Rive Gauche Pour Homme, Antico Caruso, and perhaps by a stretch Invasion Barbare).
Rose is the most obvious note. The rose is highlighted when benchmarked to the aforementioned fragrances. The rose is in the background when compared to any 'rose' fragrance, such as Lyric Man. The rose is paired initially with a brisk orange note that quickly fades, and later by a subtle geranium - which is still very much in the background. The central rose-'slightly creamy barbershop fougere' accord is dominant, and the linearity of the composition ensures that it persists throughout.
While I'm partial to these styles of fragrances, DC 1913 slightly misses the mark for me. I consider it to be an improvement on Casanova 1725 (which offers nothing new). However, the fragrance feels a bit hollow, two-dimensional, and the base comes across as thin. The best moments are during the 'heart phase' when it's engaging and simply - smells good. Unfortunately this phase doesn't last, and soon gives way to the thinness of the base. It wears more like an eau de cologne, than an eau de toilette.
An admirable and attractive composition, but eventually compromised by cutting corners.
3/5 (neutral)
Domenico Caraceni 1913 is a restrained rose fragrance with a structure that approximates to a modern fougere. There's no lavender or oakmoss. But there's a tonka-like sweetness. The fragrance, with the rose note removed, doesn't smell very different from what Casanova 1725 would smell with the lavender toned down. There's a slightly creamy texture to the fragrance - very similar to 1725 (and vaguely similar to Rive Gauche Pour Homme, Antico Caruso, and perhaps by a stretch Invasion Barbare).
Rose is the most obvious note. The rose is highlighted when benchmarked to the aforementioned fragrances. The rose is in the background when compared to any 'rose' fragrance, such as Lyric Man. The rose is paired initially with a brisk orange note that quickly fades, and later by a subtle geranium - which is still very much in the background. The central rose-'slightly creamy barbershop fougere' accord is dominant, and the linearity of the composition ensures that it persists throughout.
While I'm partial to these styles of fragrances, DC 1913 slightly misses the mark for me. I consider it to be an improvement on Casanova 1725 (which offers nothing new). However, the fragrance feels a bit hollow, two-dimensional, and the base comes across as thin. The best moments are during the 'heart phase' when it's engaging and simply - smells good. Unfortunately this phase doesn't last, and soon gives way to the thinness of the base. It wears more like an eau de cologne, than an eau de toilette.
An admirable and attractive composition, but eventually compromised by cutting corners.
3/5 (neutral)
