Acqua Fiorentina The Encore

The Verdict

Creed's Acqua Fiorentina The Encore, released in 2012 and composed by Olivier Creed, is a refined fruity-floral composition inspired by the art and culture of the Florentine Renaissance. Building on the original 2009 Acqua Fiorentina, The Encore offers a bright, energizing scent experience that has earned genuine admiration for its quality while generating the usual Creed debates about value.

The fragrance community generally appreciates what Acqua Fiorentina delivers: a sophisticated fruity-floral that manages to feel refreshing without being trivial. Its surprising longevity for such a fresh composition is frequently cited as a pleasant discovery.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a burst of crisp fruit: apple, plum, greengage, and prunella create a tart, juicy introduction with a slightly sour quality that immediately signals freshness. Reviewers describe this opening as "bright and energising with absolutely no sharp or bitter notes," though the tartness of the sour green apple can initially take some by surprise.

The heart shifts toward floral territory with carnation and rose, joined by bergamot, lemon, and pear that maintain the citrus-fruit thread. One Basenotes reviewer praised the "basic plum note with gentle sweetness from the pear" and the overall smoothness of the composition. The base of cedar, sandalwood, and grapefruit provides a light woody framework that keeps the composition grounded without heaviness.

The overall effect is what one reviewer described as "lightly floral with fruit as the centerpiece," a composition that prioritizes freshness and energy over depth and mystery.

When to Wear It

Acqua Fiorentina The Encore is at its best in spring and summer, where its bright, fruity character resonates with warm weather and outdoor settings. Brunches, daytime gatherings, garden parties, and casual outings provide ideal contexts. Its clean, approachable nature also makes it appropriate for daily wear in professional settings where a subtle, pleasant fragrance is desired.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is one of Acqua Fiorentina The Encore's pleasant surprises. One Fragrantica reviewer reported the scent remaining detectable on skin for nine or more hours, with the fragrance still noticeable on clothes after seven hours. Reviewers consistently note being "surprised by its strength for such a fresh scent." Projection is moderate, creating a pleasant fruity-floral aura without overwhelming those nearby.

The Community Says

The Fragrantica and Basenotes communities offer generally positive but nuanced assessments. One reviewer called it their "favorite female fragrance from Creed," appreciating how smooth and soft it is. The fruity-floral balance earns particular praise, described as "refined and gorgeous" with a "softer, more luxurious and well rounded composition" than similar offerings. However, not everyone agrees: one Basenotes reviewer questioned whether there is "an antonym to synergy" or "a word for the whole being less than the sum of the parts," suggesting the individual notes, while pleasant, do not always coalesce into something greater. Price remains a recurring concern across forums, with reviewers debating whether the composition justifies the Creed premium.

Who Should Buy This

Acqua Fiorentina The Encore suits women who gravitate toward fresh, fruity fragrances and want something that feels polished and luxurious rather than generic. If you enjoy the interplay of tart fruit and gentle florals over clean woods, this delivers that experience with impressive longevity. Creed fans looking for a warm-weather feminine option will find it a reliable choice. However, those who already own well-made fruity florals at lower price points may find the upgrade difficult to justify.

The Bottom Line

Creed's Acqua Fiorentina The Encore is a polished, energizing fruity-floral that delivers quality craftsmanship and surprising staying power. It may not redefine the genre, but it executes the concept with a sophistication and smoothness that its admirers find genuinely compelling.