Year: 2004
Notes: bergamot, lemon, lime, thyme, verbena, lavender, lilac, jasmine, leather, musk
Released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of Gendarme, Gendarme 20 is supposedly the original Gendarme but with a greater percentage of perfume oils (20% as opposed to 12%).
Gendarme 20 is pristine, soapy and clean but, unlike the original, it lacks a soul. Although the occasional waft indicates that it has a slightly deeper aroma, overall, it's too ethereal for the majority of its lifespan. In addition, it doesn't produce much sillage, and any difference in longevity between the two is virtually negligible. Being an Eau de Parfum, that's completely unacceptable.
For such a release, one wouldn't have expected such a muted version of the original, but that's how Gendarme 20 comes across. What's ironic is that, for a special release, it's probably the least satisfying offering from this house (although not necessarily the worst).
Gendarme 20 is pristine, soapy and clean but, unlike the original, it lacks a soul. Although the occasional waft indicates that it has a slightly deeper aroma, overall, it's too ethereal for the majority of its lifespan. In addition, it doesn't produce much sillage, and any difference in longevity between the two is virtually negligible. Being an Eau de Parfum, that's completely unacceptable.
For such a release, one wouldn't have expected such a muted version of the original, but that's how Gendarme 20 comes across. What's ironic is that, for a special release, it's probably the least satisfying offering from this house (although not necessarily the worst).
