FRAGRANCE | Fahrenheit Summer (2006) EDT by Dior: A flanker that leaves much to be desired

halfwhiteboy - Dior Fahrenheit Summer EDT 01

Fourteen years after the release of the original Fahrenheit, Dior decided to release a flanker: Fahrenheit Summer. This was in 2002 and was followed by two more editions in 2006 and 2007. I believe neither of these are in production anymore. My bottle here, gloriously marked with scratches, is from 2006.

As you would expect from a fragrance with "summer" written on the bottle, Fahrenheit Summer is a fresher take on the iconic original. Like a cloud hanging overhead, the OG's DNA is still very much evident in this flanker. That hallmark petrol accord, however, is toned down considerably—and quite understandably so. It's a summer fragrance, in case you forgot.

halfwhiteboy - Dior Fahrenheit Summer EDT 02
halfwhiteboy - Dior Fahrenheit Summer EDT 03

The opening is filled with soft, peppery citruses. The spices aren't really nose-tingling; just enough to further lift the bitter citruses up and project a fresh, perky scent altogether. Before long, the scent introduces a woody facet into the mix, also soft. Whatever rough edges it may have had, they've been sanded off completely by a developing mild sweetness and the lingering citruses. The sweetness is controlled so it doesn't weigh the composition down at all. As such, the scent remains fairly dry and to an extent, light.

After some thirty minutes, the citruses ease and the toned-down gasoline note takes over, underscored by a gently sweetened wood. The peppery citrus, however, makes random reappearances throughout the fragrance's life, which isn't too long for that matter. I don't know if age or storage have affected its quality but my Fahrenheit Summer doesn't project as much either. Save for the citruses and spices, everything about the OG has been dialed back significantly. I understand the need to lighten it up as befit its intended season but I just wish it performed a little better. I mean, Hermès was able to create Terre d'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche, a fresher version of its modern classic Terre d'Hermès but with performance that's practically at par with the OG. So why can't Dior? 

While I'm happy to have copped this bottle, you're not really missing much with this one. If you chance upon a nice deal, well and good, but don't pay ridiculous prices for this.

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