Italiano Nero

Is it Worth It?

Italiano Nero is most suited for casual evening wear in cooler weather. The sweetness and spice lend themselves well to a relaxed social setting like a casual dinner. It presents a youthful and energetic vibe that might find favor in crowded venues or gatherings.

How it Smells

Italiano Nero opens with a sharply acidic lemon, immediately recognizable but lacking the nuanced zest of natural citrus. The sage is detectable but muted, lending a herbaceous counterpoint that barely tempers the lemon's intensity. The heart introduces the praline, though it presents more as a generic, saccharine sweetness than authentic caramelized nuttiness. The cinnamon is a welcome addition, providing warmth and spiciness. However, the tolu balsam remains conspicuously absent. The drydown reveals the rosewood, rendered with a synthetic woody effect, alongside a damp patchouli that struggles to rise above a heavy black amber accord. Compared to its inspiration, this clone emphasizes the sweeter notes, lacking the refined dark chocolate and smoky depth of the original. Where the original offers layers, Italiano Nero remains somewhat linear and simplified. The absence of key basenotes detracts from the overall aroma.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, reaching about an arm's length for the first hour before settling closer to the body. I tested it during moderate indoor activity and found it held its own but gradually faded into a skin scent.