Nero was launched in 2011 by Italian apothecary Farmacia SS. Annunziata.

The inspiration was: ‘A licorice-flavoured fragrance, small shops full of goodies, the magic of remaining a child.”

Nero opens with sparkling bergamot and herbaceous dill, creating a delicate, fresh green accord. The dill’s spicy facet lends warmth, and as the fragrance develops, sweet basil joins it. Together, their anethole facets create the most evocative licorice accord I’ve ever experienced, while citrus notes keep it bright. Slowly, creamy vanilla rises to meet the licorice, making Nero irresistible. It teeters on the edge of gourmand but is held in check by the green notes. As it settles, the vanilla deepens, softening earthy patchouli. Powdery benzoin enhances the vanilla with its balsamic sweetness, taking Nero fully into gourmand territory, while musk rounds out the scent.

In Nero, the notes are so well blended that it’s comforting and soothing without any sharpness and dries down to an aromatic, creamy, elegant seducer of a scent.

For me, Nero is not the literal smell of licorice candy, but a beautiful memory of it.

Notes: Bergamot, dill, basil, licorice, citrus, vanilla, partchouli, benzoin, partchouli and musk.