Gucci Fragrance review
Gucci A Forgotten Rose Perfume Oil Review - Vivir
A minimalist rose oil from Gucci's exclusive Alchemist's Garden line.

In this review
Gucci's The Alchemist's Garden is a collection that explores the art of alchemy, blending precious ingredients into olfactory potions. Among its offerings, A Forgotten Rose Perfume Oil, launched in 2019, stands out for its minimalist composition and exclusive positioning. Created by the legendary perfumer Alberto Morillas, this fragrance oil is a tribute to the rose, presented in a 20ml bottle that reflects the line's apothecary aesthetic.
The composition is strikingly simple: just three materials—Bulgarian rose, pink pepper, and musk. This tripartite structure eschews the conventional pyramid in favor of a linear, almost haiku-like expression. The result is a scent that feels both ancient and modern, a distilled essence of rose that invites contemplation.
As a perfume oil, A Forgotten Rose sits close to the skin, offering an intimate experience that prioritizes authenticity over projection. It is a fragrance for those who appreciate the quiet power of a single note, rendered with the highest quality ingredients. In this review, we will delve into the composition, heritage, and performance of this elusive scent, drawing on verified data and user reports to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Longevity
2.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
2.0
$240-$280
Accords
rose
musky
floral
soft spicy
powdery
Notes Pyramid
Top
pink pepper
Heart
Bulgarian rose
Base
musk
Scent Journey
1
Opening 0-30 min
A sharp, peppery burst of pink pepper that quickly softens, revealing a hint of rose.
2
Heart 1-2 hrs
The Bulgarian rose takes center stage, rich and honeyed, with a subtle spiciness from the pepper lingering.
3
Drydown 4+ hrs
The drydown is reached within 2-3 hours, where a soft musk remains close to the skin before fading entirely.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity
2.0/5
Approximately 3 hours reported by multiple users
Projection
2.0/5
Soft, sits close to skin
Sillage
2.0/5
Intimate, low sillage
When to Wear
SpringBest
SummerOK
FallBest
WinterOK
officeeveryday wearlayeringromantic
Pros & Cons
- Authentic Bulgarian rose
- Simple, elegant composition
- Good for layering
- Unisex appeal
- Short longevity (~3 hours)
- High price per ml
- Intimate sillage may disappoint
- Limited availability (exclusive line)
Price & Value
$240-$280
High price per ml due to exclusive line and perfume oil concentration
“Expensive but justified for rose enthusiasts seeking a pure, natural rose oil; not for those seeking projection or longevity.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported
Who It's For
Ideal For
- rose enthusiasts
- those who prefer intimate scents
- layering aficionados
- unisex fragrance lovers
Not Recommended For
- those seeking strong projection
- longevity seekers
- value-conscious buyers
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
A Song for the Rose
Gucci
Rose Elixir Precieux
Dior
Tea Rose
Perfumer's Workshop
English Rose
Yardley London
Clone Alternatives
Rose Perfume Oil
Nemat International
Rose Attar / Bulgarian Rose Oil
various (e.g., Al Haramain)
You May Also Enjoy
Layering Ideas
- Layer with a woody base like Gucci Guilty Absolute or Tom Ford Oud Wood to add depth and longevity.
- Layer with a fresh citrus cologne to brighten the rose.
- Layer with another musk oil to enhance the base.
Final Verdict
Gucci A Forgotten Rose Perfume Oil is a beautifully crafted, minimalist rose scent that excels in its authenticity and elegance. However, its short longevity and high price point make it a niche proposition, best suited for rose aficionados who value intimacy and layering potential over performance.
More fragrances we love
Sponsored picksAlso worth your attention: watches
Sponsored picksYou may also like
Gucciroseperfume oilAlberto MorillasThe Alchemist's Gardenunisexfloralmusky
Rose Prick
Rose 31
Guilty EDT
A Reason To Love
Gucci Guilty pour Homme Platinum
Guilty pour Femme
Gucci Rush
A Floral Verse EDP