FRAGRANCE | Casamorati Lira by Xerjoff will forever be synonymous with Vice Ganda to me

 

When I started expanding my interest in fragrances several years ago, Casamorati Lira by Xerjoff was among those that figured in my radar early on. I've read a lot of good things about this gourmand, so I thought of getting a bottle. However, I held back because whenever I see Lira, I couldn't shake the thought of Filipino comedian Vice Ganda off of my head. The image of the lady plastered on both box and bottle shares an uncanny resemblance to the comedian—and apparently it's not just me who noticed. As a result, I always thought I couldn't take this fragrance seriously. 

But then Xerjoff started updating the labels across its Casamorati line, and fragheads suspected a reformulation, with a few even swearing that it's been watered down. Crazy me, I panicked a bit but managed to secure a tiny 30ml bottle with the old label (no tassel, though). So yes, I now have the "Vice Ganda frag" in spite of my silly reservations. Although the likeness has lessened because of the redesign, I still see Vice in the current packaging.

True to what I've come to expect, Lira is a delicious, sweet tooth of a fragrance. A luscious caramel flecked with hints of citruses dominate the opening, delectably swirling around while supported by a creamy undercurrent. I like how the citruses are clearly discernible from the mix, like some bits of orange candy crunch tossed into the caramel—but not for long. The citruses quickly lose their individuality as if they were whisked vigorously into the viscous liquid with some heat applied to it. 

Vanilla soon becomes apparent and the fragrance goes on full sticky gourmand. Not long after, though, an odd, rubbery accord starts wafting around as well. It's not really strong but it's noticeable up close and has the faintest hint of something burnt. To be fair, I find it interesting. 

Over time, the scent becomes less of caramel and more of vanilla, with that strange rubbery accent still around. I'm honestly underwhelmed with the fragrance's progression or lack thereof. It doesn't strike me as that complex, especially when compared to other Xerjoff releases like, say, Casamorati Italica. Well, when I stick my nose to where I sprayed, I get a subtle, dry woodiness at some point and later, a deep-seated musk. Still, it's a sweet vanilla-caramel scent in the air, moderately projecting an overall elegant vibe. It's far from monstrous but it can leg out for several hours. 

Overall, I still think Casamorati Lira is a pretty good fragrance. Not great but good. It leans a little feminine and is likely to appeal more to lovers of sweet gourmands. Probably the only drawbacks would be its less than ideal performance and rather high price point. And perhaps the Vice Ganda likeness. 😄