Cologne 1871 / Commune de Paris
Astier de Villatte (2010)

Smooth, no rough edges, soft, supple...

Commune de Paris is fragrance classism executed impeccably by Francoise Caron, bringing into relief the most delicate features of the essential aromatic elements in perfumery. The lavender is almost candied, yet still understated as it swirls through the bergamot and herbs and is anchored by tartness and benzoin.

Its translucency would lead the wearer at once to believe there is no weight to this scent; however, elusive as it might seem, its cedar and coumarin in the dry down is just dazzling to my nose. To have both without there being any high treble or screech is a rare treat in modern perfumery.

This is a perfect accompaniment for the dog days of summer.

I also have a Youtube review on my channel. JJColbourne.

An old-fashioned cologne that mostly stands out for smelling green and herbal instead of citric, but still maintains that classic feel.

I definitely smell mint on top and tarragon in the heart, while everything else kind of melts together into something mostly resembling fennel.

I'm a bit conflicted, because I'm impressed that they've fully embodied the spirit and feel of a classic cologne without relying on citrus, and I'm also impressed that they've incorporated upfront tarragon without turning this into an oily, meaty mess (tarragon can be a really problematic note, but this gets it perfect). But at the same time, I don't really like minty colognes, tarragon, or fennel, so I don't really LIKE this, despite my acknowledgement that it's technically well constructed. I guess I'll just vote neutral and move on.