MICALLEF
GNTONIC

2023

PERFUMER
Sidonie Grandperret

bitter orange
ginger
lime
mint
pink pepper

cedarwood
lily-of-the-valley
nutmeg
orange blossom

amber
moss
sandalwood
vetiver
white musk

‘A cocktail of nobility and sport, classicism and avant-gardism, transparency and depth, GnTonic is characterized by its tonic, fresh, sensual and refined trail. A shot of a rare aromatic vivacity to be offered “anytime, anywhere.’ – Micallef

I had high hopes for this, as the idea and especially the ginger seemed right up my alley. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a fresh ginger scent; Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger came out around the same time, and while absolutely lovely, it is a bit sweet. So Gntonic seemed to be what I was looking for.

And there’s potential, but ultimately, I don’t love it nearly as much as I hoped.

I’m not a drinker, so I won’t compare it to an actual gin tonic cocktail. My brother (who’s bottle I borrowed for the review), mentioned he was missing the boozy essence and bitterness. I personally do get a lot of bitterness here, but more in a rooty ginger, almost woody direction straight away, more so than a sparkling drink. I also agree with my brother that this is quite a soapy scent.

There is a refreshing element, but it’s harsh (which I guess is appropriate given the notes), and it’s giving way to an aromatic woody drydown quickly.

It wasn’t until I read some more reviews that mentioned Parfums de Marly Sedley that I can see that connection, although it’s not identical by any means. I think Sedley is one of the better fresh Parfums de Marly’s however and I think it’s better constructed and more pleasant than Gntonic, which is overall a much harsher wear.

While the idea of (very masculine leaning) aromatic, luxury soap-type scents doesn’t oppose me, there’s a sharp, green woodiness throughout that mainly seems to serve performance/longevity. It’s (yet another) one of those accords that makes me recall Frederic Malle Uncut Gem or the late drydown of the aforementioned Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger. It produces a linear wall of scent. Once the citrus brightness wears off, it starts getting on my nerves.

I do like this fresher, less sweet concept of the Micallef. Unfortunately, the problem I had with the Goldfield & Banks several hours in, I have with Gntonic several minutes in, making for a much less enjoyable experience.