It’s entirely possible to rank the best bergamot fragrances without knowing what bergamot actually is, but as with selecting an oud, vetiver or other fragrance note, it sure as hell can help. We here at GQ love bergamot for its intensely citrusy, Earl Grey tea overtones, as lovingly used by a great number of your favorite perfumers. Bergamot perfumes have even been said to be the finest from the citrus family. The bergamot essential oil is a boon for perfumers looking to create an uplifting and invigorating scent; one that pairs well with comparable aromas such as orange blossom and green tea, and that contrasts beautifully with spice and amber. But what is it, actually?
The Best Bergamot Fragrances, at a Glance:
It might look more like a lime, but bergamot is in fact an inedible, bitter orange that’s predominantly grown in Calabria. It first came into fashion in perfumery in the 16th century around the time of Louis XIV. The essence comes from the rind of the fruit—the same rind that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive smell and flavour. This is pressed by hand into a sea sponge to collect the essence. Hermès perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena talks of his trip to the bergamot orchards in Messina in his book, The Diary of a Nose. He explains that production commonly runs from October to February, the season beginning with a floral aspect that gradually becomes fresher as the winter wears on.
“Bergamot is considered to be the finest of the citrus notes,” says perfumer Roja Dove. “Whilst it is very fresh, it is much richer and more rounded, making it a highly prized ingredient.” A key component in any cologne, bergamot is a common bedfellow with its relations: neroli and petitgrain. It is also the headline act in his scent, Risqué, and also in the latest offerings from Tom Ford and Ermenegildo Zegna, plus a host of modern classics. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best bergamot fragrances.
