A scent is not chosen in an afternoon.
In Veglie, between Lecce and the Salento coast, we sat down with our producer around a table holding 23 scent compositions. By the end of the day we still had no final choice. That was never the intention.
An exceptional scent takes time.
Why 23 compositions and not three
Choosing from three scents means choosing the best of three. That is something other than choosing the right one.
Our laboratory put together a broad selection: woody compositions, fresh citrus accents, spiced scents and warmer Mediterranean profiles. Every composition tells a different story. Only when you experience them side by side do you discover which scent truly matches the identity of the brand.
How a testing session works
Under the guidance of the head of Research and Development, each scent was assessed separately. First on blotter, then on the skin and finally in the beard, where a scent develops differently again.
Between each series we took deliberate breaks. A nose saturates quickly, and only with fresh perception can you compare honestly.
Why our laboratory is based in Salento
Veglie is not an accidental choice.
Salento is the soul of Il Belga Barbuto. The landscape, the olive trees, the limestone and the Mediterranean scents are an inseparable part of the brand.
Our laboratory works to GMP and ISO standards and develops its formulations together with Italian universities. Creativity and craft move in step with scientific control and quality assurance.
From 23 to 8 finalists
After the first selection, eight scent profiles remain.
The next step only begins now. These scents are tested by a panel of men and women, with and without beards. A good beard oil should be pleasant not only for the person wearing it, but for the people they meet.
Only when a scent keeps convincing in everyday life does it earn a place in our first collection.
We would rather launch a month later than put a compromise in a bottle.
Would you like a say in which scent is finally chosen? Join our test panel and follow the development of Il Belga Barbuto from the front row.