Andy Tauer Le Cologne du Maghreb - Brief Review

Today, Sorcery of Scent is proud to be a part of Andy Tauer's 2010 Advent Calendar Giveaway! Each day in December, Andy is giving away a 50ml bottle of his strictly limited edition fragrance Le Cologne du Maghreb. This scent is not for public sale, and has already become a highly prized perfume! More details on how you can win your own bottle below.

But first, a quick review.

When one hears the word "Maghreb" when associated with the work of Andy Tauer, one immediately thinks of his much-loved fragrance release: L'air du Desert Marocain. This fragrance release of several years ago embodies the aromas of the spice markets and soukhs and the dry, swirling desert sands. Where Le Cologne du Maghreb differs, is in its interpretation... this cologne evokes a feeling of a far-flung desert oasis... an Eden of lush green on a parched desert plane.

Le Cologne du Maghreb is a scent using 100% natural oils, and follows to some extent the format of a traditional cologne composition. It is a scent focusing on zesty citrus and dry woods, but this blend is resolutely Andy Tauer in its approach. It opens with a detonation of juicy citrus; bergamot, lemon, clemantine, grapefruit, lemon, orange blossom and neroli... each of which contribute to evoking a feeling of replenishment and rejuvenation with its lush, mouthwatering greenness. A rich heart of rose becomes instantly apparent and lends an exotic 'near-eastern' facet to the fragrance... it is velvety and soft and is balanced well against the sharp citruses. Cedarwood plays a starring role in the basenotes, as inspired by the trees of the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains... it communicates a sense of dryness... like the desert is near, just beyond the boundary of this extraordinary sanctuary.

An eau de cologne by concentration, Andy recommends it be worn liberally, as most colognes should. I find its longevity to be on par with an eau de toilette, but revel in its generous application also. Whilst it is not L'Air du Desert Marocain, it is certainly comparable as its sister scent... one that celebrates the fertile green of a desert sanctuary, whilst the dunes shift around it.