Agua de Colonia Concentrada
Alvarez Gomez (2000)

If the current version of Agua de Colonia Concentrada is on a par with my probably-vintage "90º" bottle, then, at under 50¢/ml, it's the best bang for the buck this side of Florida Water. The eucalyptus, lavender, and herbs steer this to its own space in the world of lemony eaux des cologne. If there's any compromise in the quality of the ingredients, you couldn't prove it by my nose, even 6 hours after application.

Maybe everyone in Spain wears it. Maybe everyone everywhere else should. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a distinctive alternative to 4711, here it is.

Sunny yellow and red retro box - I imagine the design of which has probably remained basically unchanged for decades - containing an equally cheerful embossed glass bottle. My first spray delivered a stimulating blast of bright and emphatic lemon which gradually moderates but remains a key theme. The other main fragrance notes are bergamot, geranium and lavender, but the company website states it also contains eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme and other natural essences, so a little more complex than at first sight, but the whole creating a classic but lighthearted Mediterranean vibe. It's inexpensive and ideal for either sex to have to hand on a summer's day for a refreshing spritz. Thoroughly deserves a place in any gent's collection, particularly as it's such good value.

Wonderful fragrance.

A scene from the Mediterranean for sure.

Massive dose of lemon up front followed by some lavender and a few spicy notes thrown in for good measure. Refreshing and clean with a classic aura. Surely one of the best bang for the buck fragrances out there. Wouldn't want to be without this.

Love it!!

Do not miss out on
This exuberant citrus
At drugstore prices.

Endless days of sunshine. Cloudless skies. Hot, dry winds peppered with tiny bits of sand. Stucco and terra cotta tiled roofs.

A perfect balance of lemon, geranium, bergamot, and lavender. Geranium can seem obnoxious to my nose but here, it is perfection.

A scent to take with you on vacation. You don't have to think about it -- just spray!

Beautiful eau de cologne...

This is a beautiful cologne in it's own right. From a Spanish house and one which is unique and uplifting. I find this one refreshing and full of character.

I think most of the reason why I like this is because it has lavender in it. Not just lavender, but actually two types of Lavender: Spanish and English. In addition, it also has I believe thyme and juniper berry. It is a great, sweet and sour mix which along with the the zesty lemon really lifts up the fragrance and sets it apart from the others.

I would happily pay for a big bottle of this I find it well worth the money for my taste. A cologne which has just the right balance (in my opinion) of sour, tangy citrus and green herbs and lavender. I do recommend everyone out there to try it and enjoy it. Highly recommended, especially for spring and summer, and hot weather. Elegant and sparklingly refreshingly beautiful in it's balance and composition.