4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne, first created in 1792. It has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799, and is therefore allowed to use the geographical indication 'Original Eau de Cologne'. The brand has expanded to include various other perfumes and products besides the original Echt Kölnisch Wasser, which has used the same formula for over 200 years.
The original 4711 store at Glockengasse 4 in Cologne is a popular tourist attraction. The brand's headquarters and flagship store were redesigned in 2011 with an emphasis on the trademark Molanus bottle.
The original eau de cologne is a unisex fragrance with citrus top notes of lemon, bergamot, and orange, middle notes of lavender and rosemary, and a base of neroli and petitgrain. It is an inexpensive, light, and refreshing scent, perfect for hot weather.
The name 4711 comes from the address of the original store, which was assigned the number 4711 by the French military in 1794. The brand was founded by Wilhelm Muelhens, who received the cologne's secret recipe as a wedding gift. The hexagonal, upright bottle was designed by Peter Heinrich Molanus in 1820.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Year Introduced | 1792 |
Fragrance Notes | Jasmine, Lily, Bulgarian Rose, Musk, Sandalwood, Lemon, Bergamot, Orange, Lavender, Rosemary, Neroli, Petitgrain, Peach, Basil, Cyclamen, Melon, Lily, Bulgarian Rose, Patchouli, Tahitian Vetiver, Musk, Sandalwood, Cedar, Oakmoss |
Brand | 4711 |
Country | Germany |
Main Activity | Fragrances |
Parent Company | Maurer & Wirtz |
Designer | Wilhelm Muelhens, Florian Gallo, Alexandra Monet, Alexandra Kalle, Philippine Courtière, Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Elise Benat, Geza Schoen, Natalie Gracia-Cetto, Mathieu Nardin, Fanny Bal, Cecile Hua, Soizic Beaucourt, Dora Baghriche, Angéline Leporini, Miro Senjak, Julien Rasquinet, Mirella Pomina, Mark Buxton, Daniela Marty, Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, Daphné Bugey, Lucas Sieuzac, Vincent Schaller, Nicolas Beaulieu, Delphine Lebeau, Nathalie Lorson, Alex Lee, Celine Barel, Angeline Poubeau Leporini |
History of 4711 Cologne
4711 is a classic German Eau de Cologne that has been worn by men and women since the 18th century. The scent was first created in 1792 when Wilhelm Muelhens received a secret recipe for "miracle water" as a wedding gift. Muelhens opened a small factory in Cologne, Germany, and marketed his miracle water as a health drink to be served undiluted or mixed with wine.
In 1794, the French military occupation of the city began, and a French commander ordered that all houses in Cologne be numbered. Muelhens' factory was numbered 4711, and the name has stuck ever since. In 1810, Napoleon ordered that all internal medicines list their ingredients, but Muelhens didn't want to disclose his secret recipe, so he began marketing his miracle water as a fragrance.
In the 20th century, the 4711 brand experienced significant growth. They introduced new perfumes, cosmetics, hair care, and skin care products, and expanded internationally. However, in 1943, their headquarters in Cologne were destroyed during World War II. The company rebuilt in the 1950s, erecting a new manufacturing plant and expanding their presence worldwide.
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4711's popularity
4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne that has been in production since 1792. It is marketed for both men and women. The scent has notes of lemon, bergamot, orange, lavender, rosemary, neroli, and petitgrain. The fragrance is described as citrusy, herbal, clean, and refreshing. It is also said to be inexpensive and timeless.
The popularity of 4711 can be attributed to its versatility, affordability, and historical significance. It is suitable for all genders and can be used as a perfume, aftershave, or room spray. 4711 has a long and fascinating history, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The brand has expanded its product line to include various perfumes and cosmetics. The original 4711 store in Cologne, Germany, is a popular tourist attraction.
The unique and nostalgic scent of 4711 has garnered a loyal customer base. Many reviewers associate the fragrance with fond memories of their grandmothers and childhood. The long-lasting popularity of 4711 can be attributed to its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and provide a sense of comfort and freshness.
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4711's scent profile
4711 is a citrus aromatic fragrance with a scent profile that includes top notes of lemon, bergamot, and orange; middle notes of lavender and rosemary; and base notes of neroli and petitgrain. It is a unisex scent that is light, fresh, and clean, with a citrusy, neroli smell. It is not particularly long-lasting, but it is inexpensive and can be reapplied throughout the day.
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4711's performance
4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne, first created in 1792. It has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799, and is therefore allowed to use the geographical indication 'Original Eau de Cologne'. The brand has expanded to include various other perfumes and products besides the original.
The original 4711 store at Glockengasse 4 in Cologne is a popular tourist attraction. The Glockengasse building was assigned the number 4711 in 1794, and the brand was renamed to match in 1990. The building no longer exists, but the number remains.
The original Eau de Cologne was created by Italian Johann Maria Farina, who named it after his new home of Cologne. Over the next century, the fragrance became increasingly popular.
According to legend, on 8 October 1792, a Carthusian monk gave merchant Wilhelm Mülhens the secret recipe of a so-called 'aqua mirabilis', a 'miracle water' for internal and external use, as a wedding gift. Mülhens then founded a small factory at Cologne's Glockengasse and established the first 'Eau de Cologne' as a remedy.
The Mülhens family has produced the cologne ever since, though the company has changed hands several times. It was bought by Wella hair care in 1994, then by Procter & Gamble in 2003, and finally by Mäurer & Wirtz in 2006.
The cologne follows its traditional 'secret' formulation of citrus oils, herbals, flower extracts, water, and alcohol, though subtle changes have been made over the years to update the formula. Its 200-year-old history and formulation have faced challenges in today's market, but there are still perfume and cologne aficionados throughout the world who live by 4711's original clean, crisp, and fresh scent.
The cologne's top notes of orange, bergamot, and lemon are stronger, while the peach and basil notes are more subdued. The middle notes of cyclamen, melon, lily, and Bulgarian rose are overshadowed by the jasmine and basil, which are the most prominent of the middle notes. The base notes of musk, patchouli, Tahitian vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, and oakmoss give a lasting impression.
As it is a cologne, 4711 is more of a freshener than a long-lasting scent. Its sillage is a matchless blend of citrus fruit and savory herbs, but its staying power is lacking. However, its natural freshness makes up for this, and a splash or spritz can work wonders as a refresher.
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4711's price
The price of 4711 cologne varies depending on the size of the bottle and the retailer. Here is a list of prices for 4711 cologne from various online retailers:
- FragranceNet.com: $6.99 - $33.59
- Jomashop.com: $13.99 - $40.99
- Amazon.com: $29.81 for a 13.5 fl oz bottle
- FragranceX.com: $761 for a 3.4 oz body spray, $846 for a 3 oz cologne spray (tester), $936 for a 1.7 oz eau de cologne, $1125 for a 2 oz cologne spray, $1356 for a 5.1 oz eau de cologne, $1513 for a 3 oz cologne spray, $1584 for a 5 oz eau de cologne, $1729 for a 6.8 oz eau de cologne, $1945 for a 10 oz eau de cologne, $2305 for a 13.5 oz eau de cologne, $3998 for a 27 oz eau de cologne
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 4711 is a unisex fragrance that can be worn by both men and women.
The top notes of 4711 cologne are lemon, bergamot, and orange.
The name 4711 comes from the address of the original store in Cologne, Germany, which was Glockengasse 4.