Fragrance review: The Different Company Divine Bergamote

Jean-Claude Ellena’s take on citrus results in a brilliant clarity supported by a minimalistic and subtly sensual foundation. When Divine Bergamote first debuted in 2003, my expectations were of a straightforward citrus fragrance supported by a cedarwood base—a common pairing in perfumery. However, from the first explosion of silky sweet and astringent bergamot to the base notes of soft delicate musk, the fragrance never developed like I imagined.

Ellena used 70% of natural bergamot in the composition and fused it with ginger, which highlights the spicy and chilly quality of the top notes. Like Cologne Bigarade, another Ellena creation, Divine Bergamote is ornamented beautifully with both floral and verdant touches, none of which are distinct enough to be readily recognized. Yet, they weave seamlessly through the composition, modifying and softening the astringency of citrus. One moment, I smell a cup of chilled ginger tea; the next, a crushed flower bud. Through this impressionistic mélange, I notice a delicate scent of skin after a day in the sun. There is a mere hint of warmth, yet it is enough to lend a whisper of sensuality to the drydown and a doze of interest to what could have been just a sparkling citrusy fragrance.

Notes: bergamot (70% of natural bergamot), ginger, orange blossom, leaf green, rhubarb (wood), musk.

Divine Bergamote will soon be available in a candle form.

Available at Aedes, Beautyhabit, Luckyscent and Germany-based First-in-Fragrance. The fragrances and candles can also be purchased directly from The Different Company.

Comments

[parislondres]

I think I like this the best from TDC. Also like their Osmanthus.
great review.

xoxo

[BoisdeJasmin]

Thank you, dear N! It is very easy to wear, but at the same time, it is an interesting composition that takes citrus on a whole another level.
I also like Osmanthus, which I revisited after your review.
xoxo

[mreenymo]

V, I love this fragrance. It's on my top ten summer fragrance list, too. But I have to admit that it took several testings before I "fell."

This is a fragrance that must, absolutely must, be sprayed, because if you dab it on it will fade quickly.

I agree with you that it develops over time and goes through several stages of sheer opulence. :)

Hugs!

[BoisdeJasmin]

Dear R, sheer opulence is a perfect way to describe Divine Bergamote. I remember you mentioning once that it must be sprayed, therefore that is exactly what I have been doing. I received a lovely gift from our fcappy, and I transferred it into a small purse atomizer to have in my possession at any moment.

xoxo