GUERLAIN
Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca

1999

PERFUMER
Jean-Paul Guerlain
Mathilde Laurent

clover
lemon

curly mint
green tea

cyclamen
lily-of-the-valley
pear blossom

For me there are two distinct elements or rather, connections I make to Herba Fresca.

The first being toothpaste. On the face of it, I almost discarded this as simply a toothpasty, chewing gum type of mint. And in my own defence, I think that style of mint is very prominent in Herba Fresca and I never looked for that in a perfume. I wouldn’t at all say it’s off putting, but I don’t love it.

After a more thorough analysis, I do find a more natural side to this composition. With not only a green, grassy side, but a very floral core. Dewy, crisp florals on a morning with a clear sky.

There is a tiny hint of citrus and tea, but don’t confuse this with a citrussy scent akin to Mandarin Basilic for example. It’s much more understated and leans completely into the minty, green, fresh side.

A virgin mojito is probably the closest comparison. It doesn’t resemble the sweeter, more vibrant and boozy Guerlain Homme as a mojito scent however. Herba Fresca is again more minty, more green, more fresh and bitter as well.

Not something that I would ever consider purchasing, but an interesting wear nonetheless.