Our take
What does Mandorlo di Sicilia smell like?
Acqua di Parma added Mandorlo di Sicilia to its Blu Mediterraneo line in 1999, built around almond trees in bloom on the island. The opening brings together Italian bergamot, orange and star anise. It is bright, with an aniseed twist that already hints at almond. The heart is the point of the whole thing. This is green almond, closer to the fresh nut than to marzipan, with ylang-ylang adding sunny softness. The base mixes Bourbon vanilla, Lebanese cedar, musk and Tolu balsam. Together they give a light and milky sweetness. It sits far from the heavy, dark almond of Dior's Hypnotic Poison. Mandorlo di Sicilia is a summer gourmand, airy and nearly sheer. That is also its weakness. Longevity is modest and the eau de toilette is gone within a few hours, like most of the Blu Mediterraneo range.
When to wear it
A daytime summer almond for holidays or a café terrace. Spray generously and keep the bottle close.
It belongs to the Gourmand family. Mandorlo di Sicilia is one of 6 creations by Acqua di Parma in our encyclopedia.
