Question:
I think Colonia is the best, but Colonia Assoluta is excellent too, just
not the stunner that its forerunner is.
The Blue Meditteraneo line is decent but not up to the standard of
Colonia. The "Mandorlo di Sicillia" body lotion is very pleasant, and
has a great single-note scent to it.
Colonia is definitely a five-star fragrance, and my favorite citrus.

Answer:
What else can I add? I think Aqua di Parma is THE scent for warm weather, it exudes class. In an act of unmatched generosity, I gave my cherished bottle to my brother, and I sorely miss it now. I still have the Assoluta version, but I prefer very much the freshness of the original. And after reading some of the previous posts, I'm looking forward to trying the Collezione Barbiere, next time I need an aftershave I must remember this line.

Answer:
I love the timeless and great original Colonia but havent tried the Assoluta yet. Further I have tested a few of the Blue Mediterrraneo line which failed to impress me. Iris Nobile is a very good iris frag but as mentioned in this thread before its definitely on the feminine side.
The Collezione Barbiere is high quality stuff, especially the Colonia scented After Shave Balm and Lotion. Unfortunatelly the Shaving Cream fell short of my expectations. Mainly regarding consistency its IMO not on par with the classics like Taylors, Castle Forbes or Musgo Real.....
Christian

Answer:
Wow. I have just read the_good_life's epic review/history lesson/social and economic commentary on Acqui di Parma and I refer everybody else to go there straight away.
the_good_life: ever thought of writing a book?

Answer:
How do you know he hasn't done it already? I wouldn't be surprised if he has!
Is the Collezione Barbiere After Shave lotion somehow different from the EdC in a spray bottle. I'm seriously thinking about buying it as soon as today. There is huge difference in prices between the two in my department store, so I'm very interested to hear your insight. Thanks!

Answer:
My preference lies with the Colonia as well, which I think is a citric masterpiece. While others have found it to be short lived, on me the frag lasts well into the day, primarily due to the rose note.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Johnny_Ludlow How do you know he hasn't done it already? I wouldn't be surprised if he has!
Is the Collezione Barbiere After Shave lotion somehow different from the EdC in a spray bottle. I'm seriously thinking about buying it as soon as today. There is huge difference in prices between the two in my department store, so I'm very interested to hear your insight. Thanks! Yes it is different. It is an alcohol based after shave with moiturisers or whatever stuff they put in aftershaves. It is very nice but not a substitute for the colonia, it will have some colonia fragrance but lots of other stuff too.
And I happen to know he is meant to be writing a book right now, instead of hanging out with the likes of us.

Answer:
Originally Posted by hirch_duckfinder Yes it is different. It is an alcohol based after shave with moiturisers or whatever stuff they put in aftershaves. It is very nice but not a substitute for the colonia, it will have some colonia fragrance but lots of other stuff too.
And I happen to know he is meant to be writing a book right now, instead of hanging out with the likes of us. Thanks for reminding me, cough cough