The Quest For The Oldest Cologne: Unraveling The Scented Mystery

The world of fragrances is a fascinating one, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. While the use of perfumes and colognes has evolved over time, one constant remains: our desire to smell pleasant. Colognes, with their light and refreshing unisex fragrances, have become a staple in the world of scents. But which cologne takes the title of the oldest?

The oldest cologne in the world is the Acqua di S.M. Novella, also known as Acqua della Regina or The Queen's Water. It was first made in 1533 by Dominican Friars of Santa Maria Novella as a wedding gift for Catherine de' Medici, who was soon to be married to King Henry II of France. This cologne is believed to be one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in the world, with bright citrus, lavender, rosemary, and oriental sweet herb notes. The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, where it was created, is the oldest apothecary in the world, dating back to 1221.

'Acqua di Colonia' is the oldest cologne

Acqua di Colonia, also known as Acqua di S.M. Novella, is the oldest cologne in the world. It was first made in 1533 by Dominican friars in Florence, Italy, who ran the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella apothecary.

The friars' concoctions served the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Rosa throughout the Middle Ages, when the Black Death ravaged Europe. The friars supplied balms, perfumes, and cocktails of herbal and fruit essences mixed with liqueurs to weary, decaying people in weary, decaying cities. Their perfumes were marketed as having healing properties, which may have been beneficial to the mental health of people living in such dire times.

The fragrance that resulted from this learning was called Acqua di Colonia, released in 1533 for Catherine de Medici. It smelled of citrus and rose. Miraculously, you can still buy it today!

These friars had been creating these concoctions for centuries before that, even back to the 1200s. The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is the oldest apothecary in the world, having been in existence since 1221.

'4711' is the world's first Eau de Cologne

4711 is the world's first Eau de Cologne, created in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina in Cologne, Germany. The original Eau de Cologne is a citrus-based perfume with a subtle, refreshing, and strengthening fragrance. Giovanni was inspired by the scents of his motherland, Italy, and created a subtle perfume as a tribute to the city of Cologne. The perfume was initially called 'Aqua Mirabilis', meaning miraculous water, and was believed to have antiseptic and healing properties.

The name 'Eau de Cologne' means the water of Cologne and was written in French as it was the language of high society at the time. The perfume became popular in the 18th century when running water was not always clean, and people often took a quick wash without using water. They used a mixture of essential citrus oils and alcohol to clean themselves. The fragrance rapidly gained popularity worldwide and became a must-have accessory at every royal court.

The recipe for Eau de Cologne has been kept a secret since its creation, and the brand has guarded it closely. The perfume is still produced today by the eighth generation of the Farina family, and the factory in Cologne is the world's oldest perfume factory.

The term 'Eau de Cologne' has become a generic name for perfumes containing low concentrations of citrus-based essential oils. However, 4711 has the distinction of being the 'Original Eau de Cologne' to differentiate itself from the generic name. The brand has a rich history, with famous wearers including Napoleon, Mozart, and Queen Victoria, who never appeared in public without using 4711.

The success of 4711 can be attributed to its high-quality ingredients and essential oils, which create a bright, fresh, and revitalizing effect. The combination of bergamot, lemon, orange, lavender, and rosemary results in a unique and harmonious fragrance that has endured for centuries.

'Jean-Marie Farina' is the oldest cologne for men

Jean-Marie Farina is the oldest cologne for men, created in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina (also known as Johann or Jean-Marie Farina). It is a subtle, refreshing, and unisex fragrance with citrus top notes and a woody base.

Farina was an Italian-born perfumer who settled in Cologne, Germany, and founded the world's oldest perfume factory, which still exists today. He chose to name his creation "Eau de Cologne" after his new hometown and used French, the language of high society at the time. The perfume became rapidly famous and contributed to the city of Cologne's global reputation.

The original formula for Jean-Marie Farina is still a closely guarded secret, and the cologne is now produced by the eighth generation of the Farina family. It has been a favourite of notable figures such as Napoleon, Mozart, and Queen Victoria, who never appeared in public without it.

Today, a 1.7 oz spray of the original Farina 1709 cologne is priced at 4000 euros, reflecting its rich history and the high cost of its ingredients when it was first created.

'Florida Water' is one of the oldest unisex colognes

Florida Water is one of the oldest unisex colognes, first introduced in New York City in 1808. It was created by a Florida-based American brand called Murray & Lanman, now known as Lanman & Kemp. The cologne was designed to address the issue of colognes at the time being too strong and associated with femininity and royalty. Florida Water offers a more elegant and subtle citrus-based scent with undertones of cinnamon, lavender, and cloves.

Florida Water has a rich history, weaving itself into cultures worldwide. It has been mentioned in the novel "Gone with the Wind" and was a favourite of actress Lucille Ball. The cologne was even provided to American troops during wartime. In Hoodoo, Florida Water is used in spiritual cleansing and home protection practices, and it continues to be a ritualistic product for many.

The unique formula of Florida Water remains unchanged, with the original patent owner still manufacturing it. The beautiful hand-drawn label, inspired by the search for the Fountain of Youth, adorns every bottle of authentic Florida Water. The cologne's light and refreshing scent is energizing and soothing, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate its effect on the mind, body, and soul.

Today, Florida Water is widely available, offering a delightful fragrance experience that has stood the test of time. Its longevity and cultural significance make Florida Water one of the oldest and most iconic unisex colognes in history.

'Eau de Cologne Impériale' is the first cologne for Guerlain

Eau de Cologne Impériale is the first cologne for Guerlain. It was created in 1853 by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain and was the first Eau de Cologne by the brand. The cologne was composed for Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. The Empress enjoyed exclusive use of the fragrance before giving her authorisation for it to be sold commercially.

Eau de Cologne Impériale is a citrus aromatic fragrance for women. Its top notes are citruses, lemon verbena, bergamot, neroli, lemon, and orange, while its base notes are rosemary, cedar, and tonka bean. The cologne is characterised by a fresh, light fragrance trail and is considered subtle, refined, and delicate.

The bottle of Eau de Cologne Impériale features the symbol of the Empire with the coat of arms chosen by Napoleon: the eagle, the imperial crown, and the sceptre. The bottle also bears a constellation of 69 bees, the symbol of the Empire and the emblem of the Guerlain family. The bottle can be customised upon request, with hand-gilding and the recipient's initials.

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