ROJA PARFUMS
ISOLA BLU

2023

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

Lemon
Bergamot
Lime
Lavender
Thyme

Apple
Blackcurrant
Coconut
Orange Blossom
Jasmine
Lily
Champaca

Cut Grass
Mate
Galbanum
Pink Pepper
Aniseed
Patchouli
Oakmoss
Cedarwood
juniper
Vanille
Tonka Bean
Amber
Orris
Birch
Leather
Ambergris
Musk

Isola Blu Parfum is a re-release and rebranding of Oligarch Parfum (2022).

‘Luminous Citrus notes shine upon warm Amber and Pink Pepper, feeling like a day spent beneath the Mediterranean sun. A coastal breeze billows across a verdant lemon grove as fresh Herbs an juicy Fruits freshen a garden of green, earthy notes. Bringing an indulgent quality, creamy Champaca, Jasmine and Coconut melt into a hint of leather – a nod to fine Italian craftmanship.’ – Roja Dove

Isola Blu is another one of Roja’s ‘new’ fragrances, that’s seemingly a reworking of a previous release. In this case, of Oligarch. Now I never tried the original Oligarch EDP (2016), but I do have the 2022 Oligarch Parfum. To my nose, based on one wearing of Isola Blu, it is fully identical.

So I can refer you to my Oligarch Parfum review for more details.

To recap: This is a great, mature, masculine-leaning citrus. Often compared to Terre D’Hermes and there’s a shared DNA, however, it’s not identical. Most importantly Isola Blu is more tart and bitter, more acidic (‘yellow’) citrus, versus the sweeter orange and stronger vetiver in Terre D’Hermes. From the Terre D’Hermes line Eau Givree is closest, but Isola Blu/Oligarch still has more bitterness and ‘cologne’ vibes. Small nuances differ in the way the jasmine and pepper comes in with the Roja.

Beautiful, crisp fragrance and one of Roja’s best for the money.