Over the last two decades, Escentric Molecules has revolutionised the very concept of perfumery, subverting the foundations and challenging our perceptions as to exactly what perfume is and what it can be. The brand’s first cologne is no exception. It takes Escentric Molecules’ signature blend of science and nature to take olfactory forms to the next level, stripping back the very concept of Eau de Cologne and rebuilding it anew.
Cologne One represents a centuries-old idea entirely reimagined and revolutionised. It is a concept plucked directly from the 18th century and reforged in a modern context, shaping a scent that pays homage to the genre’s essential coda of freshness, transparency, and simplicity, twisting them with presence, longevity, and complexity to create something entirely unexpected. It is not a traditional Eau de Cologne, but then, Escentric Molecules is not a traditional fragrance house.
Cologne One is a cologne of contradiction. One that boasts a complex simplicity. It is a minimalist cologne that centres intricacy over boldness, with a signature that can be worn by all genders at all times.
It all starts with a simple idea: the image of a freshly poured gin and tonic in a tall, crystal-clear glass. A fragrance that smells the way an ice-cold G&T feels – a shower of freshness that packs a punch and awakens the senses.
The top notes fizz out of the bottle with clarity – a crystalline transparency that is total and absolute. Juniper berries, the signature aromatic within gin, bring a biting, bitter edge that crackles like the fizzing bubbles dancing atop the surface of an effervescent cocktail. This joyful effervescence, as described by Escentric Molecules perfumer Geza Schoen, is “your nose in the drink”, almost as if one can feel the tickle of the bubbles against their skin.
Complexity comes in the form of cucumber. Just a slice, or maybe a drop. It’s a hint and a touch. A subtle contrast of minerality, of sweetness, and of aquatic, dewy freshness. It changes the tone of the composition in a microscopic way, adding an almost imperceptible shade of green. This is a cologne of intricacy, where every drop and each molecule is carefully positioned with concise precision.
No cologne or cocktail is complete without citrus, and Cologne One boasts a generous squeeze of lime, accented by bergamot and mandarin. The effect of this citrus trio is bracing, creating an icy wave of tart juiciness that radiates freshness. Ginger adds a spicy kick, amplifying the sharpness, turning its transparency into shades of luminous gold.
All that sits beneath the bracing opening accord of citrus and spice is in place to serve and support Cologne One’s spirit of freshness. Hedione, with its jasmine-like glow, radiates at the heart, supercharging the power of the top notes, extending their lifespan and reach, making them larger and brighter. It serves as the battery that keeps Cologne One powered, blending with the subtle textures of iris and rose to hint at an underlying sense of softness.
The foundations of Cologne One pay homage to the heritage of Escentric Molecules, with the hero aroma-molecules of Molecule 01 (Iso E Super) and Molecule 02 (Ambroxan) combining to amplify a sense of everlasting freshness. The silvery, marine facets of Ambroxan add clarity, whilst the blanketing, woody effect of Iso E Super adds an expansive softness and warmth. Musk is the third element in the equation that enlarges Cologne One, pulling it in shapes with longevity, space, transparency and diffusion.
Cologne One represents a new generation of Eau de Cologne, where aroma-molecules work in harmony with beautiful naturals to create a powerful, present cologne with everlasting freshness. But Cologne One never overpowers. It is a fragrance that has mastered the art of subtlety, acting as an olfactory backdrop – a clean canvas that can be worn and styled in any manner. It is the foundation of expression, and how you choose to wear it is entirely up to you.
