The New Rose

The New Rose by Montale presents itself as a soft, effervescent floral with a pronounced fruity and sweet profile, dominated by rose, peach, black currant, and raspberry. The opening is bright and slightly soapy, with a sharp, almost metallic or detergent-like note that some users find overwhelming or nauseating—particularly in warm weather. This initial sharpness fades after a few hours, giving way to a more balanced, subtle floral heart with ylang-ylang and lily-of-the-valley, before settling into a soft, vanilla-sandalwood base. Longevity is moderate to long, with reports of the scent lingering for several hours, even after showering, though many agree it’s not a powerful or aggressive sillage. The fragrance is overwhelmingly perceived as feminine, with almost no male or unisex voting—fitting for casual, spring or summer wear, especially in warm environments. It feels light and accessible, evoking a wholesome, youthful elegance, akin to a natural rose-water or a clean linen scent, though some find its simplicity lacking in depth or character. Overall, it's best suited for those who enjoy gentle, inoffensive floral scents without bold olfactive statements.