Original
Sitting between the pocket bottle and the bathroom bottle, 4711 Original Eau de Cologne 60ml is the size that solves the problem of wanting the scent in two places at once.
It holds enough to last properly, since a cologne is applied generously, yet it is small enough for a drawer at work, a glovebox or a weekend bag. If you already keep a large bottle at home, this is the one that travels with you. The contents are unchanged and have been for a very long time. Three citruses lead: lemon, which is the sharp and slightly sour one, bergamot, which is rounder and carries a perfumed bitterness, and orange, which is sweet and takes the sting out of the other two. Behind them lavender introduces a clean, soapy, gently herbal calm, and rosemary adds the green resinous snap of a fresh sprig. The finish is the part worth paying attention to, because it is where most simple citrus scents give up. Neroli, taken from the bitter orange blossom, is white flowered and softly honeyed. Petitgrain, taken from the same tree's leaves and twigs, is dry, green and distinctly bitter. The two together hold a recognisable trace on the skin after the bright opening has burned away.
The oil load in any cologne is light, so the honest expectation here is a couple of hours of clear wear rather than a full day of it. Reapplication is part of the pleasure here and not a chore to be resented. Hot weather, early mornings and long journeys are its natural territory, it reads as entirely unisex, and it has the useful quality of never being the loudest thing in a room.
A number rather than a surname became the name of this house because occupying French troops numbered the buildings of Cologne in 1794, and the Muelhens premises happened to be 4711.
Please note: images are a guide only. Packaging and bottle design may occasionally differ from those shown due to manufacturer updates or promotions.
Similar Notes
The Scent Vault
Join thousands earning on every order
Earn points as you shop, redeem for money off, and unlock member perks.
Find out more
The Scent Vault Gift Cards
Give the gift of choice
One card, every scent. Let them pick the fragrance that is truly them. Send it instantly by email, or schedule it for a future date with a message of your own.
Shop gift cards
