I've had Serge Lutens' Louve as the solo bottle in the "bitter almond" category for a long time and we were initially happy with our arrangement. But of course, nothing lasts forever. She was feeling lonely. I occasionally felt that she was a little too cold for me when I needed a hug and comfort.
In came Alessandro. Apparently the name Alessandro means "the defender of man", but I beg to differ on two points. Firstly, I would humbly rename it Alessandra as the juice is as feminine as can be without being being theatrical. Secondly, this is a not a defender of man but it is a defender of bitter almond.
Alessandro shares the same bittersweet almond facet of Louve without the chilly air I feel in the Lutens. Actually it smells so much like my favorite chinese desserts made from almonds, namely hot almond cream and almond jelly. Anyone who has eaten these will know instantly the smell of Alessandro.
The notes listed on Fragrantica are roasted almonds, vanilla, heliotrope, powdery notes and honey. I get a whole load of the almonds and some vanilla essence. The powdery notes are present but not stealing the show and for that I am glad as I want an almost pure bittersweet almond scent with some warmth and coziness i.e a 180 degree turnaround from the ice queen Louve.
This would have been a match made in heaven had it not been for the softer-than-a-whisper scent trail this leaves on me despite heaping it on. The longevity is almost as abysmal, I didn't get more than two hours out of the few trials I gave this.
I can't quite get Alessandro out of my head but I have been given some hope that Hilde Soliani's Conaffetto (such a beautiful name isn't it!) or Profumum Roma's Confetto might be a better candidate for what I am seeking.
Despite the longevity issues, I would still recommend this as a refined and excellent almond scent.
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