GRITTI
MUSKARIA
2025
powdery spices
bergamot
rose
incense
ambrette
leather
patchouli
benzoin
vanilla
musk
‘In the refined world of haute perfumery, where mystery and elegance intertwine, Gritti Muskaria Extrait de Parfum is born. An olfactory treasure, both intimate and enigmatic, crafted for those who appreciate the rare and the refined. For years, master perfumer Luca Gritti kept this scent as his personal signature, a fragrance reserved for himself alone. Now, as a gift to his devoted audience, he unveils its secrets. Muskaria is an opulent blend of noble musks, rare spices, and precious resins—deep, sophisticated, and irresistibly magnetic. More than just a fragrance, it is an invitation into Luca Gritti’s private world. A scent of allure and confidence, wrapped in mystery, designed to be worn like a whispered secret on the skin.’ – Harvey Nichols
Muskaria was released around the same time – and has lived in the shadow of Vanilla Tana‘s hype since. I smelled them both in store before and was surprised to find Muskaria equally sweet and more interesting. How does it hold up on skin.
Sadly, not great. Which is a shame, because I thought for a moment that this would sway my opinion back to center somewhat. I’ve been a pretty harsh critic when it comes to Gritti; for some releases the quality simply isn’t there, while others are clearly inspired by other fragrances. It’s a brand undeserving of its recent popularity in my book. That said; I always go in with an open mind, and as in-store, the first impression of Muskaria is good. Really good.
It comes across boozy, nutty, roasted, very sweet. Quite a lot going on for such a sweet fragrance and the star of the show for me, is the little hint of rose that comes through. It cuts through an otherwise dry and sweet composition, which needed that.
What happens after the opening is that for a while, this becomes truly grating, screechy, harsh. It goes from gourmand leaning to spicy cardboard. Hints of Babycat-esque tinges. It’s a strange (un)balance of woody and sweet; too sweet for a woody fragrance, but definitely too harsh for anything cozy or gourmand.
As it dries down further, patchouli and its earthiness becomes the most prominent and ultimately totally dominant facet. Not bad, but as someone who’s not the biggest fan of patchouli as a main focus; I don’t love it here.
Overall, I’d say the scent profile far exceeds the perceived quality. I could picture a similar smelling scent, being much more to my liking, but the way Muskaria executes it, leaves loads to be desired. Above average from what I’ve smelled from Gritti, but I still can’t give it a solid thumbs up.
