The Alluring Scent Of 4711 Eau De Cologne: A Fragrance Icon

4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne, produced in the city of Cologne since at least 1799. The brand has expanded to include various perfumes and products, but the original formula, known as Echt Kölnisch Wasser, has remained unchanged for over 200 years. The scent has been described as tangy and citrusy, with notes of bergamot, lemon, orange, neroli, petitgrain, lavender, and rosemary. The unique flacon, known as the Molanus Bottle, is highly recognisable and contributes to the perfume's brand recognition. The number 4711 itself was assigned to the building where the cologne was manufactured during the French occupation of Cologne in 1796.

The origins of 4711 date back to 1792 when a Carthusian monk gave the recipe as a wedding gift to businessman Wilhelm Mülhens

The origins of 4711 cologne are deeply rooted in history, dating back to the late 18th century. In 1792, a significant event took place that laid the foundation for the creation of this iconic fragrance. It all began when a Carthusian monk presented a special recipe as a wedding gift to a businessman named Wilhelm Mülhens. This recipe was not just an ordinary blend of scents but held a secret formula for a unique and captivating fragrance.

Wilhelm Mülhens, the fortunate recipient of this wedding gift, recognized the potential of the monk's recipe. He understood the value of a fine fragrance and the impact it could have on one's presence and allure. With a keen business sense and a passion for perfumery, Mülhens set out to bring this special scent to the world. He established his business in the heart of Cologne, Germany, a city renowned for its rich history in perfumery and the art of creating exquisite fragrances.

The year 1794 marked a significant turning point for Mülhens and his fragrance venture. He acquired the property located at Glockengasse 4711, which became the birthplace of the now-famous cologne. The address number, 4711, was subsequently adopted as the name of the fragrance itself, sealing its place in history. This location served as the heart of the production and distribution of the cologne, spreading its captivating scent beyond the borders of Germany.

As the production of 4711 cologne commenced, its popularity began to soar. The fragrance captured the essence of elegance and sophistication, appealing to a diverse range of individuals. The scent, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featured a harmonious blend of citrusy freshness and subtle spice notes. This unique combination set it apart from other fragrances of its time, making it instantly recognizable and highly sought-after. The cologne's popularity extended far and wide, gaining a loyal following that spanned generations.

The name 4711 comes from the address of the Glockengasse building in Cologne where Mülhens set up a small factory to produce the fragrance

The name 4711 is steeped in history and owes its existence to a series of events that began in 1792. In that year, a merchant named Wilhelm Mülhens received a secret recipe for "aqua mirabilis" or "miracle water" as a wedding gift from a Carthusian monk named Franz Maria Farina. This "miracle water" was intended for both internal and external use and was believed to have healing properties. Mülhens recognised the potential of this formula and set out to capitalise on it.

Mülhens established a small factory in the Glockengasse area of Cologne, Germany, to produce and market his miracle water. This area was known as "Clock Tower Square", and the building he set up in was assigned the address Glockengasse 4711. This numbering was a result of the French military occupation that began in 1794. The French commander, frustrated by the disorganised layout of the city, ordered that all houses in Cologne be sequentially numbered to aid orientation and troop quartering. This new system replaced the previous method of naming buildings, which could be confusing for newcomers.

The address Glockengasse 4711 became synonymous with Mülhens' enterprise and remained unchanged even when the continuous numbering system was later replaced by a street-based system. The building itself no longer exists due to city redevelopment, but the 4711 number has endured and is now inseparable from the fragrance it helped create. The original 4711 store at this address in Cologne has become a popular tourist attraction, preserving the legacy of the fragrance's birthplace.

The name 4711, born from the address of the Glockengasse building, has played a pivotal role in the branding and longevity of the fragrance. It has not only served as a unique identifier but also contributed to the product's marketability and enduring appeal. The numerical moniker, combined with the location in Cologne, influenced the decision to market the fragrance as "Eau de Cologne" or "Cologne Water". This association with the city further enhanced its popularity and established it as a classic German scent.

The Glockengasse address holds significant historical value for the 4711 brand, representing the humble beginnings and the perseverance of Wilhelm Mülhens in bringing his miracle water to the world. The fact that the name 4711 originated from this address underscores the impact that a simple location can have on the trajectory of a product, shaping its identity and its journey through time.

In 1810, Napoleon ordered that all internal medicines list their ingredients, so Mülhens began marketing 4711 as a fragrance to protect his secret recipe

4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne that has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799. The brand has expanded to include various 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.

In 1810, Napoleon ordered that all medications intended for internal use publicly list their ingredients. At the time, 4711 was considered a medication and was marketed as a health drink served undiluted or mixed with wine. Wilhelm Mülhens, who received the original recipe as a wedding gift in 1792, did not want to disclose his secret formula. To protect his recipe, Mülhens began marketing 4711 as a fragrance.

Mülhens' decision to reposition 4711 as a fragrance was a strategic move to maintain the exclusivity of his product. By classifying it solely as a fragrance, Mülhens could continue to sell his miracle water without revealing its ingredients. This shift in marketing also helped to distinguish 4711 from other producers using the name "Farina," with whom the Mülhens family had been in a dispute over the use of the name since 1800.

The change in classification from medication to fragrance allowed 4711 to become one of the world's first Eau de Colognes. This new category, created by Italian perfumer Johann Maria Farina in the early 18th century, was named after his new home in Cologne, Germany. Over the next century, the fragrance became increasingly popular, and 4711 played a significant role in its growing fame.

The year 1810 marked a pivotal moment in the history of 4711, as Mülhens' response to Napoleon's decree shaped the positioning and perception of his product. By adapting to external circumstances, Mülhens not only preserved his secret recipe but also contributed to the evolution of Eau de Cologne as a distinct category, helping to establish it as a fragrance in its own right.

The 4711 bottle design was created in 1820 by Peter Heinrich Molanus. It features flat surfaces for easy packaging and transport, with plenty of room for label design

The 4711 bottle, also known as the Molanus Bottle, was designed by Peter Heinrich Molanus in 1820. The bottle is hexagonal and upright, with flat surfaces that make it ideal for packaging and transport. The design also leaves ample space for label design. The bottle was originally sealed with a crown cork and included a bottle opener.

The Molanus Bottle is named after its inventor, Peter Heinrich Molanus, and is a significant contributor to the perfume's brand recognition. The bottle's unusual shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical. The striking arch in the bottle's neck aids in the aromatic release of the ingredients, enhancing the olfactory experience.

The 4711 bottle has undergone some changes since its creation in 1820, including the addition of a cork stopper. However, the modern iteration of the design was finalised in 1900 and has remained unchanged since then.

The 4711 cologne is a traditional German Eau de Cologne, produced in the city of Cologne since at least 1799. The brand has expanded over the years to include various perfumes and products, but the original formula, known as "Echt Kölnisch Wasser" or "Original Eau de Cologne", has remained unchanged for over 200 years.

The origins of 4711 can be traced back to 1792 when businessman Wilhelm Mülhens received a secret recipe for "aqua mirabilis" or "miracle water" as a wedding gift from a Carthusian monk named Franz Maria Farina. Mülhens began producing and selling his miracle water as a health drink, marketing it as "Cologne Water". The French military occupation of Cologne began in 1794, and in 1796, the Mülhens Glockengasse building was assigned the number 4711, which became the fragrance's trademark.

The 4711 headquarters and factory were destroyed in 1943 during the American bombing of Cologne in World War II

The 4711 Eau de Cologne is a traditional German fragrance that has been produced in the city of Cologne since at least 1799. The brand's headquarters and factory were located in the Glockengasse area of the city, which was named after the square's clock tower.

During World War II, the German city of Cologne was bombed in 262 separate air raids by the Allies. The American bombing of Cologne in 1943, known as the "carpet bombing", resulted in the destruction of the 4711 headquarters and factory, along with most of the city.

The bombing raids caused extensive damage to the city, with nearly 90% of Cologne left in ruins, including the Glockengasse area where the 4711 company was based. The manufacturing plant outside the city, where the products were made, was also completely destroyed. This presented a significant setback for the company, which had experienced substantial growth and expansion in the preceding decades.

Despite the devastation, the company persevered and rebuilt its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the following years. In the 1950s, 4711 erected the "Blue and Gold Building" across from the Cologne Cathedral, reflecting the innovative spirit of the era. They also established new bottling plants in Japan, Guatemala, and Egypt, expanding their global reach.

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