I've wanted to circle back to this one for a while and given the beautiful day today, it's time I reach for this one.
I don't expect anyone to remember the first time I reviewed this, but it was quite the show-stopper. It was my first introduction to the perfumer, Alessandro Gualtieri. If there is such a thing as a showman in the niche arena, this guy has got to be close to the top of the list. This is a dense, (very) non-linear fragrance that feels incredibly realistic with its bitter grapefruit and bergamot, yet this isn't your typical light, warm weather scent.
It starts off with that sharp, "rindy" blast of grapefruit and bergamot, which soon gives way, and you pick up on the mid notes of pineapple and (presume to be) blackcurrant that add a tart sweetness. Again, this is NOT at all linear, so you can expect it to change fairly dramatically over time. At the base you can pick up on the ambroxan, (unmistakable )musk, and amber. That base is loud, and the metallic ambroxan that sticks to the skin for hours.
The longevity is exceptional (like most Orto Parisi scents), this one lasts 12+ hours and will likely stay on your clothes until they are washed. Not kidding... The sillage is very strong too, again, go easy on that trigger. Risvelium is NOT blind-buy safe.
After doing a little more research on it, I understand that the first batch of Risvelium was infused with water from the Nile River blessed during a shamanic ritual. (I told you this guy was a showman.) The bottle itself is a collector's item, featuring an antique brass cap inlaid with a HYPER-realistic eye design, which may be any one of seven different variations, making each bottle feel like a unique artifact.
It's an extrait and you can expect to pick it up for about $100-$140 for a 30ml. Today, I'm giving this a:
8.75 / 10.00. It really hit the spot for me today.