Agua de Colonia Concentrada Barberia
Alvarez Gomez (2012)

Tried in conjunction with other Spanish masculines, and other than Loewe's Esencia, this is the best. This is slightly darker in tone than something like Agua Brava, more cedar here and a good hint of coriander - really very good (although poor value when buying locally).

This is my first review and I am by no means an expert with regard to fragrance, however I feel that this scent deserves a review on basenotes, so here goes!

Agua de Colonia Concentrada Barberia is a shared/unisex 2012 release from Alvarez Gomez, a Spanish house famed for their Aqua Colonia Concentrada.

Compared to Agua Colonia Concentrada, Barberia is a much more subtle fragrance, in fact on me it stays very close to the skin. However longevity is very good on my skin - easily 7+.

In my opinion Barberia smells more expensive than its older relative and is also much more complex - there are no bursts of tart citrus here - the ingredients work together to produce a fragrance that is smooth and comforting (I am guessing the sandalwood, ginger, white musk and cedarwood are pivotal here?), whilst being refreshing enough for warmer temperatures.

Barberia is generally available in a 150ml splash bottle that comes complete with an atomiser, which, in my case at least, is very generous when sprayed. According to Alvarez Gomez it is suitable for men of all ages, but personally I think the unassuming, gentle and sophisticated smell may be preferred by those who are 30+.