Today I’m wearing Bergamask. This is citrus with some attitude, a sharp, bitter bergamot character sitting over a substantial musky base. The citrus brings brightness, but the musk gives it that slightly dirty, animalic character. Together, they create something fresh with a raw edge. There’s a push and pull between the two that makes this more interesting than a straightforward citrus fragrance. Spring and fall are a good fit, along with summer evenings. I’d reach for it for a day out or a casual evening when I want something fresh with a little more character. Bergamask is a good example of Alessandro Gualtieri’s approach to fragrance. Familiar scent ideas, taken somewhere a little unusual and that’s part of the appeal of exploring houses like Orto Parisi. Bergamask has a reputation for strong projection, a noticeable scent trail, and long wear especially on clothing. This is one I’d start with a couple of sprays and adjust from there. Fresh citrus doesn’t always mean light performance. Projection: 2-3 Feet Sillage; 2 feet Longevity: 10-12 Hours

Heading up to northern Arizona today, where it’s cooler. Black Berries felt like a good choice for the trip the dark fruit, herbal touches, and warm, resinous woods fit the fall setting. Think ripe, dark blackberries with a little tartness, surrounded by leaves, herbs, and warm woods. The chamomile brings a soft herbal touch, while the rose adds a floral layer. Immortelle brings that honeyed, dried-hay character, giving the fruit some warmth and depth. Cedar, fir balsam, and Hainan oud provide a resinous, woody foundation with a slightly animalic edge. The idea here is the whole setting the berries, the greenery around them, and the woods underneath. There’s more to explore than the name alone suggests. When to wear: Cooler fall and winter days, spring evenings, or a dinner out. Today, I’m taking it into the cooler northern Arizona weather. Listed notes: Blackberry, chamomile CO₂, raspberry leaf absolute, elemi, rose, immortelle absolute, Atlas cedar absolute, fir balsam absolute, and Hainan oud. There’s plenty to explore beyond the big names, and DeskLab Parfums is one of those Puerto Rican artisanal houses I’m glad to have in my collection.