Lisbon

Olfactory Experience

Lisbon opens with an intense, almost candied fig leaf. The fig itself leans toward a syrupy sweetness, akin to a concentrated fig jam, lacking the green bitterness that defines the more authentic Philosykos opening. The heart introduces a pronounced coconut note, which unfortunately veers into sun-tan lotion territory, masking some of the green nuances that should be present. The claimed "green notes" are rather indistinct, a generic vegetal accord rather than a specific identifiable green. The drydown presents a fig tree accord, though it has a synthetic woody aroma, almost like manufactured wood paneling. The cedar is perceptible but muddled, lacking the crisp clarity of high-quality cedarwood. Overall, it diverges from its inspiration by emphasizing sweetness over verdant realism.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is moderate, at approximately 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length, but quickly settles into a skin scent after the first hour. I tested this during a moderately humid day outdoors; it performed adequately, without being overwhelming, but faded noticeably by late afternoon.

The Verdict

Wearing Lisbon offers a gourmand fig experience, prioritizing sweetness and coconut above the green aromatic qualities found in Diptyque's original. While it captures a semblance of the fig concept, it loses the naturalistic feel, opting for a sweeter, more synthetic presentation. The key difference lies in the nuanced balancing act present in the original, whereas this is a somewhat simplified and intensified, less refined experience.