by Floris
Bergamotto di Positano by Floris is a light, elegant, and fresh citrus-amber fragrance with marine and gourmand undertones. The opening is bright and zesty, with bergamot, mandarin, sea notes, and a hint of ginger and green tea, creating a crisp, airy, and slightly salty aroma. It transitions quickly into a creamy, warm, and softly sweet drydown dominated by vanilla, amber, spices, and woody musk. The scent feels poised between a refined cologne and a subtle perfume, with a soft sillage and immediate skin-like effect. It evolves linearly but transforms rather than fades, shifting into a vanillic, slightly gourmand base that many find appealing but some perceive as overly sweet or idiosyncratic. Though not long-lasting, it is most enjoyable in warm weather and works well during spring and summer. It carries an Italian coastal elegance—evoking a sun-drenched beach resort in a dreamlike, nostalgic haze—perfect for casual smart-casual wear and daytime settings. The fragrance is well-made and aromatic, with a clean, natural character that stands out in a market often dominated by synthetic or heavier scents. However, its performance is notably brief, with most users noting that it remains on the skin for less than three hours. This lack of longevity and moderate sillage mean it functions more as a cologne than a full perfume. The bouquet leans slightly feminine due to the vanilla and white floral notes, though others argue it holds a subtle unisex presence through its citrus and spice structure. Despite its qualities, the perfume has a divisive dry down. For some, the creamy vanilla-amber-spice mix is a moving, sensual sophistication that recalls a luxurious seaside retreat. For others, it becomes frustratingly unbalanced—swelling into a gourmand-mossy, sweet-salty note that feels excessive or even unpleasant. The scent’s shift from radiant citrus to vaguely sugary marine gourmand is what many describe as the core of its appeal and its biggest limitation.