The history and composition of the triple cologne

As much as 300 years ago, such a unique product as the triple cologne appeared, and then it became one of the most sophisticated and popular perfumery products for men. We will find out what it is, what it was needed for, what is its history, composition, as well as the alcohol content in this product.

The popular product known today as the "triple cologne" has been around for a long time. The researchers note that its history originated in the German city of Cologne in the early 1700s... It was then that the German perfumer I.M.Farina founded his manufactory, which operates to this day, being the oldest perfumery enterprise in the world.

The work of the enterprise began with the release of "Cologne Water", which the creator named in honor of his new homeland - Cologne. At one time, he managed to learn the recipe from his uncle Giovanni, a native of Italy (Florence). At the same time, IM Farin improved the composition, so the "Cologne Water" was born. However, the triple cologne began to be called much later - in Napoleonic times.

In the beginning, water from Cologne did not belong to perfumery products - it was considered a medicine.... The elixir was considered a panacea for many diseases, this liquid was said to help "from plague, colic, burns, jaundice."

At first, this water outside Cologne was unknown to the European public. But during the Seven Years' War from 1756 to 1763. French soldiers ended up in Germany, and they liked the "Cologne Water". So, thanks to the military, she became extremely popular not only in Paris, but throughout France... In the French language, the name of the elixir sounded like eau de Cologne.

As you know, in the 17th century Europe did not really like to wash, preferring to anoint the body with various aromatic agents. Therefore, the Europeans liked this aroma so much - it was rich and perfectly masked the smell of an unwashed body.

But the year 1810 came, and the emperor Napoleon issued a decree, according to which he forces to publish all the recipes for medicines. And "Cologne Water" just fell under this category of drugs.

And then the perfumers went for a trick. So that it is not necessary to reveal the secret of the composition, the manufacturer of the elixir turned the medicine into eau de toilette and aromatic water. For this, some fragrances were added to its composition, and also 3 more components were added.such as bergamot, lemon and neroli. Thus, the elixir was declared a cologne, which came out with a persistent and very pleasant aroma.

It is worth saying that as an eau de parfum, this product was extremely liked by the emperor, who literally never parted with it for a minute. Eau de Cologne has become the most exquisite perfume product for a European man. And the remedy is in the one we know today a triple cologne that owes its legendary appearance to the emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

The elixir from Cologne came to Russia during the invasion of Napoleon. Then it had 3 groups of ingredients in its composition: lemon (including not only lemon, but also orange), bergamot and neroli, in turn containing petitgrain.

But there is another version of the name. So, after the victorious end of the Patriotic War of 1812, the product eau de Cologne enters our country, and already perfumers from Russia improved the product by adding 3 essential oils: from bergamot, lemon and neroli, after which the cologne was named triple... Regardless of how this name appeared, our compatriots liked the cologne extremely, and it was even decided to open an entire enterprise that was engaged in the production of this product.

By the way, the production of triple cologne in Russia was taken up directly by the founder of domestic perfumery - Heinrich Brocard himself... As a result of the October Revolution, Brocard's enterprise was nationalized, but not closed. It continued its work, however, under a different name: "New Dawn". But the representatives of the proletariat really liked the triple cologne, and its production continues to this day.

The triple cologne has taken root in the USSR, primarily due to its healing properties. and, oddly enough, its strength, the presence of 70 percent alcohol in the composition.

Initially, the aromatic component of Cologne eau de parfum included ingredients typical of any chypre. In addition to alcohol, the composition contains essential oils of lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, as well as extracts from bergamot, cedar, zedrate, leaves and peel of bitter orange and many other trees from the citrus family, mandarin oil, as well as essence of herbs and flowers.

"Cologne water" became widespread in European countries, first as a remedy. It is expected that the demand for eau de Cologne grew strongly during the years of plague and cholera epidemics... Healers even used herbal alcoholic tincture with aromatic oils to fight infections, as it had antiseptic and disinfectant properties.

Currently, manufacturers often add other essential oils to the main components, such as sage, lavender, geranium, and musk oils. And also other ingredients are introduced, such as coriander, lavender, neroli, lemon, bergamot, which are already traditional.

The modern version of the triple cologne is 64% alcoholic, this is a whole aromatic bouquet of essential oils, in addition to the main composition, fixed historically.

This is a unique remedy that is, in fact, a cologne, has antiseptic, warming, wound healing and soothing properties... Cologne can be used to lubricate small wounds, abrasions or cuts, as well as mosquito and other insect bites.

The triple cologne is still very popular today not only in Russia, but also in the whole world. Many professional perfumers, when discussing triple cologne on various forums, classify it as a niche fragrance. This is a unique aroma, it smells tart, fresh, awakens nostalgic feelings in many.

For example, in Europe, they remember the good old water from Cologne with great pleasure and respect. Many eminent perfumers even draw inspiration from her scent. when creating your own fashionable and modern compositions.