Colonia Fiorentina, from Profumo di Firenze 1954 was released in 2004. The perfumer behind this creation is unknown. It has the top notes of Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, and Orange, middle notes of Jasmine, Lemon Verbena, Orange Blossom, and Petitgrain, and base notes of English Marigold, Guaiac Wood, and Musk.
This is quite simply what people expect from a neroli fragrance, waxy, fresh in the vein of 4711 or Neroli Portofino (which although later) is the staple of this genre and is an actual neroli fragrance in that sense rather than a cologne. My experience of natural neroli materials is anything from a greener, truly unique smell to a hardware store or recently painted wall, rather than the fatty, white floral accord so indicative of ‘neroli’ based perfumes, but I digress. The opening of this is a stunning, If slightly short lived zing, with the natural metallic quality of petitgrain joining it and immediately fresh with the ripe, creamy, white floral accord. It’s a beautiful thing and although the initial zing is short lived, the citrus and white floral combo is perfect for extending and boosting the citrus aspect and for me rivals the power of a neroli Portofino for example but has a much classier, classic cologne delivery. It’s more of a Floris or M&W 4711 type fragrance and just in between as the citrus settles into more floral dominance there’s hints of basil type herbs maybe a bay leaf or a touch of spice? It’s carefully made and well executed perfumery. The bottles from this brand are simple but elegant, the price is great, I can’t fault them other than to say that this is slightly more dominant with neroli than suits my tastes but occasionally I will rock this and enjoy it. On a hot day you could do a lot worse than cooling off wearing some of this. Highly recommended.