Zagara
Borsari 1870

I have hoarded a bottle of this for years. It's a shame this is no longer in production, because it is the one perfume I have ever found (yet) that near-duplicates the scent of a freshly-opened bottle of orange-blossom water, which is one of the most sublime and perfect scents, as far as I'm concerned. And as others have noted, its lasting power is greater than most orange-blossom solifleurs.

I think that I have a questionable Borsari mini-bottle: Zagara or Orange Blossom has been long discontinued and my 3.5 ml mini does not seem to me to be exactly right. I detect an offness (offity?) to the orange blossom, which is unusual according to my previous experience with Borsari's fragrances – an unpleasant note just never happened before in the twelve Bosari fragrances I've tried – they are consistently clear, subtle (OK, one or two were dramatic), and well balanced.

I'm assuming that this is a pretty much a orange blossom solofleur, because the orange blossom is mostly what I smell. This orange blossom does not smell quite clear, and it has less of a citus smell that I usually get in orange blossom. Besides that, there is an off note that accompanies the flower. The off note is a bit sharp, a bit resinous… but not an attractive resinousness. Besides that touch of resin, the orange blossom note seems well done – orangey… blossomy – but not as citrusy as the orange blossom usually is. It has decent projection, and it has a bit more longevity than usual for a orange blossom scent (a common benefit I've found in Borsari's fragrances). I think that I would like this scent very much if it were from a more recent production or the mini had been better taken care of.

This is an excellent, basic orange blossom scent. Exactly true to form and a gorgeous cloud of that floral note. Rich but not heavy or sweet. Slightly soapy/woody in the dry-down, this is typical of a good orange blossom. Nothing distinctive apart from the longevity which is very good. Still, it does what it does extremely well. Pity that these Borsaris are discontinued, they are generally very interesting. Quality in the old-school style.