Summer for Men 2011

The Verdict

Burberry Summer for Men 2011 is one entry in the brand's long-running series of annual limited-edition summer fragrances. It aims to capture the tranquil atmosphere of an English summer morning, and in its opening minutes, it succeeds admirably. The blend of yuzu and mandarin with herbal aromatics creates a clean, refreshing impression that avoids the sharpness of many citrus-forward colognes.

However, the community consensus is that this pleasant composition is undermined by its fleeting nature. With longevity ratings around 2.7 out of 5 and sillage at roughly 2.1 out of 4 on Fragrantica, this is a fragrance that introduces itself well but excuses itself far too quickly. The result is a mixed reception where appreciation for the scent itself is tempered by frustration at how fast it vanishes.

What It Smells Like

The opening is bright and crisp, led by yuzu and mandarin orange that create a citrus impression somewhere between lemon and bergamot. There is an out-of-the-shower freshness here that avoids smelling soapy, instead landing in sharp, clean aquatic territory.

The heart brings mint, juniper berries, and thyme into play, adding an herbal-aromatic dimension that keeps the composition from feeling one-dimensional. Green herbs and a touch of woodsy spice emerge as the citrus recedes. The base of cedar, sandalwood, musk, and amber provides warmth, though reviewers note it is subtle and short-lived. In outdoor heat and with some perspiration, the fragrance can reawaken slightly, with herbs and wood holding equal ground to the remaining citrus.

When to Wear It

This is exclusively a warm-weather fragrance. Its light, airy character suits casual daytime outings, beach days, and outdoor activities during spring and summer. The clean profile makes it appropriate for morning wear and active settings where a heavier fragrance would be unwelcome.

Given its limited projection, this works best as a personal freshness enhancer rather than a scent meant to be noticed by others.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is the Achilles heel of this composition. Multiple reviewers report the fragrance fading within two hours, with some barely able to detect it after the initial dry-down. Projection is minimal from the start, staying very close to the skin throughout its brief life. One reviewer noted that compared to the 2013 version, this 2011 edition is more refined and smoother around the edges, but the trade-off is even less presence on the skin.

The Community Says

Forum opinions are split between appreciation and disappointment. Those who enjoy it call it a "classic summer edition" with "very well done citrus and spice" and a masterful blend that is more refined than other entries in the Burberry Summer series. Critics counter that it smells like "generic guy cologne" and that any positive qualities are negated by the vanishing act it performs on skin. The limited-edition status means it is now discontinued and harder to find, which adds a collectors' angle for those who appreciated it.

Who Should Buy This

Burberry Summer for Men 2011 suits men who enjoy light, uncomplicated summer fragrances and do not mind reapplying frequently. It appeals to those who want a clean citrus-herbal scent that will not overwhelm colleagues or companions in warm weather. Collectors of Burberry's annual summer releases may seek it out for completeness.

The Bottom Line

Burberry Summer for Men 2011 is a well-crafted but frustratingly ephemeral warm-weather cologne. The citrus-herbal composition is genuinely pleasant and captures its English summer morning concept effectively, but the performance issues make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. It is a fragrance that makes a lovely first impression but rarely gets the chance to make a lasting one.