It rarely happens, in the perfume world, as well as in the world of film or books, that the sequel is better than the original, and that is exactly the case with New York Intense. New York Intense is a showcase of two things: that it is always possible to improve an existing, perfect formula, and that when a brand says Intense, they really mean it. Of course, the prerequisite for these two things is talent, integrity, and immeasurable passion for this job, which Patricia de Nicolai has in abundance. She is, from head to toe, the heiress of Guerlain.
When I compare New York and New York Intense side by side, the raw force and seemingly unrestrained potency of the Intense version completely astounds me. What I “disliked” in the first version, that flawless, almost unnatural design, is now brimming with passion, energy, and new vigor. All of the facets that were previously present are still present: juicy citrus, rich spices, and warm fragrant resins, but they are much brighter and crisper now.
Patchouli and oakmoss notes are also significantly more dominant in New York Intense, giving the entire composition more depth and an earthy, almost gloomy undertone. Like when a man grows older, he becomes more mature, more experienced, and a little darker and more intense, yet he never stops being a perfect gentleman.
There’s something about New York Intense, something that makes you smile as soon as you smell it, correct your pace and posture, and makes you believe that the world is truly your playground. In that sense, it is very similar to Guerlain Chamade for Men, Azzaro Pour Homme and Chanel Pour Monsieur. Perfumes like this don’t have to be the most inventive compositions ever, no. Their strength lies on a completely different plane. What matters to them is how they make you feel. And the feeling with the New York Intense is – intense bliss.
[Fragrance notes] top notes: bergamot, lemon, thyme, artemisia, petitgrain; middle notes: black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, lavender, chamomile; base notes: oakmoss, tonka bean, styrax, incense, musk, civet, castoreum, vanilla. [Fragrance group] woody-spicyThe nose behind this fragrance is Patricia de Nicolai.
