Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot

Tom Ford produces some of my favourite fragrances and their latest Private Blend named Venetian Bergamot seemed made just for me.  Bergamot is my favourite citrus note, and I love the glamour and romanticism of Venice.  The marriage of the 2 hints at a wondrous and exciting journey that I could not wait to unravel!

I had a first whiff of Venetian Bergamot about 2 months ago, and it was a wondrous change from all the light-hearted florals that had been plaguing summer.  Although Bergamot is the central figure in this fragrance, it is not the fleeting opening burst that is common in colognes and other citrus perfumes.  Instead, its characteristic sharpness and tanginess lingers on long after the top note fades.  What makes Venetian Bergamot interesting is how Tom Ford has taken it away from the light-hearted spring-summer colognes and added more depth to create a full-bodied fragrance suitable for the cooler season.

Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot opens with a tart bite of its namesake bergamot, accentuated by the bitter sharp black and pink pepper, and juicy ginger.  This mix swirls around and lasts for about 30 minutes before easing into the background, making way for a heady floral bouquet of ylang-ylang combined with gardenia and magnolia.  These never really make it to the forefront, instead they remain to tantalise the senses, anchored by a rougher base of cedar and pepperwood.  After over an hour, a warmer base starts to emerge, filled with sandalwood, tonka bean, amber and cashmeran.

Through the expert hands of Tom Ford, the common Bergamot has been elevated to the heights of Venetian opulence.  It is a provocative tease, a tart with a sharp bite that transforms into a sensual, warm embrace.  There is something almost animalistic after the 2nd hour, an exotic blend of amber and tonka bean combined with the heady florals and lingering pepper.

Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot has good sillage and lasts 6-8 hours on me, so I would recommend to start with just a light spritz especially for the day.

_{This post featured a product that was provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest and unbiased views.}