Parco Palladiano XI: Castagno

Parco Palladiano XI: Castagno is a dry, spicy woody fragrance with a prominent chestnut note that unfolds into a warm, smoky drydown. It opens with a bright burst of ginger, lemon, and orange, quickly layered with black pepper, green notes, and hedione, giving it a fresh yet spicy intensity. The chestnut note, neither overly sweet nor gourmand, adds a creamy nuttiness that blends well with the oak, cedar, and cumin base, creating a sophisticated and slightly smoky warmth. Some perceive it as incense-like or reminiscent of burning kindling, while others liken it to a cozy winter fire, especially when layered with lighter fragrances like Pera (III). The scent performs best in warm, humid conditions and is suitable for spring through autumn, though it loses intensity in cold weather. It leans masculine but is widely considered unisex, with an elegant and refined character that makes it noticeable without being overwhelming. The fragrance is not overtly sweet, relying instead on its spicy, woody depth to maintain interest. The drydown bears resemblance to Gucci Pour Homme and Amouage Memoir, with a dense, dry woodiness and subtle boozy warmth from the olibanum and vanilla. While the sillage is moderate to strong and longevity is moderate (around 12 hours), some users find its projection too intense for daily wear, with a range of reactions across genders and skin types. Despite reasonably good reception, it often feels underwhelming in comparison to other Parco Palladiano scents, particularly those with more pronounced olfactory distinctiveness.