A sensory guide to Claus Porto’s home country, the Agua de Colonia collection reflects a journey through the landscapes of Portugal. Each capturing a particular moment and place, from the Comporta Pine forests touched by the sea breeze, to the tropical gardens of Lisbon or the sunburnt fields of Alentejo, each cologne has its own unique story to tell. Created by the master perfumer Llyn Harris the collection acknowledges the extensive history of Claus Porto, a company who have been developing their exquisite perfumes for over 130 years. Modern yet timeless, each cologne is dressed in its own distinctive tone with boxes formed from golden embossed paper- a tribute to the refined art deco design of the original Agua de Colonia collection. Referencing the journey which led to their creation, the boxes have the feel of antique passports granting the wearer their own opportunity to explore the intriguing scents of Portugal. Perfect for gifting (or keeping!), the colognes can even be layered and blended to create exclusive fragrance combinations. To find out more about the range, see below as we delve into each of the cologne’s inspiration and profile.

Pictured: The Agua de Colonia collection by Claus Porto

#1 Agua Vetiver

Inspired by the dry plains of Alentejo, Agua Vetiver is a warm, elegant and complex cologne. Invoking parched landscapes baked under a relentless sun, Llyn Harris uses Vetiver to give a dry, smoky note to the fragrance for a warm, earthy tone similar to that of uncut grass. Muted by heavy clouds, the Sea Moss base illustrates a sudden sweep of salty sea breeze as it mingles with the dry air. Blended with notes of aromatic lavender the cologne has a sense of humidity and fullness which contrasts with the sharp, camphoraceous eucalyptus. Intangible yet evocative, the cologne is dressed in a greenish shade of cyan, the packaging as timeless as the fragrance itself.

Pictured: Agua Vetiver by Claus Porto

#2 Agua Geranium

Inspired by the Botanical Gardens of Lisbon, Agua Geranium is a strong cologne with an unexpectedly distinct personality. Opening with aromatic notes of bergamot and lavender, the heart of the fragrance is formed from a bouquet of peppery geranium complimented by sweet rose petals. With an earthy and musky base, patchouli embodies the wet soil of an exotic orangery- an island of tropical flora surrounded by the city of Lisbon. Dressed in a dark, pure, geranium redberry with a brick undertone to complement this cologne’s bold fragrance.

Pictured: Agua Geranium by Claus Porto

#3 Agua Fougere

South of Lisbon, inspired by the village of Comporta and the peninsula of Troia, Agua Fougere is an ode to the region’s endless beaches and pine forests. Daring, adventurous and distinctive the cologne incorporates a Sea Moss base to convey the vitality of the bracing sea air. Complimented by the rich green scent of Galbanum, pine needles add an earthy pepperiness to the fragrance, transporting you to the region’s sun-soaked forests. Appropriately styled in deep, classic forest green.

Pictured: Agua Fougere by Claus Porto

#4 Agua Clementina

Inspired by the Citrus groves and winter fruits grown by the Douro River, Agua Clementina is a clean and fresh fragrance reminiscent of bottled sunshine.  A region best known for vineyards; it was the vibrant basket of clementine’s Llyn was greeted with after hours of travel that left a lasting impression. A joyous fragrance, bursts of zingy citrus form the top notes of Agua Clementina with sweet hints of orange blossom bringing to mind fragrant Portuguese summers. One of the bestselling and most adaptable fragrances, this cologne is cheerful and uplifting, dressed in a warm persimmon orange.

Pictured: Agua Clementina by Claus Porto

#5 Agua Porto

A contrasting and contemporary scent, Agua Porto is one of the most changeable fragrances of the collection, shifting and moving as the scent settles. Reflecting the light and shadow of the city it was based (Porto- Claus Porto’s hometown), the cologne opens with bitterly clean notes of lemon. Developing over time, fennel-like Elemi leaves a peppery, woody finish whilst a Sea Moss base perfectly captures the ever-present sea scent found in the city. A great cologne to layer, if too harsh Agua Porto can be combined with the orange blossom of Agua Clementina to help soften and sweeten the plentiful citrus notes. Alternatively, Agua Vetiver adds an earthier, vetiver element and Agua Geranium brings greener, more floral tones that highlight the fragrance’s spicy galbanum notes. Combining tradition and history with the modernity and the audacity of new times, Agua Porto is a deep and mysterious fragrance, dressed in a solid midnight blue tone.

Pictured: Agua Porto by Claus Porto

#6 Agua Flores

Sophisticated and refined, Agua Flores is a delightfully feminine fragrance inspired by one of the 9 islands of the fragrant Azores archipelago. Reflecting the duality of femininity, Agua Flores is a fragrance of two souls. Opening with the perfumed lighter florals of the white petalled water lily, orange blossom and jasmine the cologne also employs deeper, heavier notes enhanced by the warmth and sweetness of tonka bean and creamy richness of sandalwood. A modern yet feminine cologne, Agua Flores dresses in a deceptively delicate pale pink.

Pictured: Agua Flores by Claus Porto