If you’ve been following the contemporary fragrance scene, the name Lorenzo Pazzaglia is no longer unfamiliar. Every time you look around, there seems to be news of a new release from his line, and almost every bottle quickly finds a devoted audience. His fragrances possess a distinct identity that is both unmistakable and aligned with the modern market: audacious, unapologetically sweet, and visually striking. The packaging alone is arresting, featuring bright labels juxtaposed against stark black gothic bottles, ensuring that any Pazzaglia release instantly commands attention on a retail shelf. This combination of visual and olfactory impact is a key reason the brand resonates so strongly with younger consumers.
For me personally, however, his creations often lean toward over-the-top sweetness. I sometimes feel as if I’ve been swallowed whole by a blend of smoothie and cupcake, with no hope of escape. To those with sensitive noses, this can be overwhelming. Yet, there’s no denying the meticulous craftsmanship and adventurous creativity behind his work, which is precisely why, despite the intensity, I am compelled to experience each new release.
So when the latest addition to the Reserved Perfumery Collection arrived—Que Chimba!—I couldn’t resist. I found myself silently questioning: “Do I really want to immerse my nose in ganache frosting on a scorching day?” The answer, predictably, was yes.
“¡Que Chimba!” is a Colombian expression that defies a literal English translation. Its meaning aligns roughly with “How cool!” or “That’s awesome!” Upon first inhaling the fragrance, my immediate reaction mirrored that sentiment: astonishment and delight. This fragrance is extreme and not for everyone. It is a quintessential “love it or hate it” scent. Those who dislike licorice would be well-advised to avoid it, as anise is prominent from the very beginning and persists throughout the fragrance’s development. For those willing to embrace its boldness, however, it represents a wildly inventive, raucously fun experience that assaults the senses with unapologetic energy.
The opening is nothing short of a visceral explosion. Layers of scent strike simultaneously, yet with precision. First, there is an intense sweetness, almost hitting the teeth, followed by a lush, juicy medley of tropical fruits that awakens the palate. Autumnal spices—cinnamon, clove, ginger, and anise—tickle the back of the throat, while citrusy brightness sparkles through the nostrils. It is an all-encompassing assault, leaving no part of the olfactory or oral cavity untouched. And yet, despite this intensity, the composition does not feel chaotic. As the fragrance begins to settle, the elements slowly drift into harmony, each note finding its place—a testament to Pazzaglia’s skill as a perfumer. He balances complexity without creating conflict, allowing even the boldest ingredients to coexist.
The heart of the fragrance brings the tropical fruits into focus. Sun-kissed guava offers a sweet-tart vibrancy, paired with the lush juiciness of peach, while floral-citrus passionfruit softens the edges, producing a sense of summer warmth and vitality. The spicier facets gradually emerge, and this is where the anise note shines brightest. Personally, anise is not my favorite, but in this context, it is artfully integrated—daring, but not offensive. The base layers of boozy vanilla and amber resin intermingle with the spices, creating an unusual duality: summer warmth meets autumnal depth, sweet and comforting yet intriguingly dissonant.
This unconventional blending of sunny sweetness with spicy, savory heat might seem bracing to a Western nose. Traditional Western preferences often compartmentalize flavors and scents—fruits belong in desserts, spices in savory dishes. Pazzaglia challenges this convention, reminiscent of culinary innovations such as pineapple dusted with Tajín or mango paired with spiced nuts and green chilies. The fragrance’s audacious fusion communicates a philosophy: a call to celebrate life in all its fullness, embracing contrast, intensity, and exuberance.
Que Chimba!’s genius lies in its ability to manage extreme elements without tipping into chaos. Every note—there are nineteen listed—is discernible, each allowed to shine while complementing the others. This reflects not only technical mastery but also a thoughtful approach to the listener’s experience, demonstrating a balance between adventurous creativity and refined control. The dry-down, occurring hours later, evolves into rich tobacco and spiced vanilla, with a subtle undertone of jammy fruits dusted in chai-like spices. Even as the fragrance transitions, nuances continue to sparkle in and out, revealing complexity and longevity rarely achieved in modern perfumery.
From a cultural perspective, Que Chimba! is steeped in Colombian inspiration. It embodies the country’s vibrant, expressive, and celebratory spirit, transforming a summer afternoon into a full-bodied sensory experience. Pazzaglia succeeds in translating cultural essence into scent, turning a fragrance into more than an olfactory product: it becomes a story, an emotion, and a mood, communicating attitude as well as aroma. In a global market saturated with commercially-driven scents, this cultural grounding offers a distinct competitive advantage.
Market-wise, Que Chimba! aligns perfectly with the preferences of younger generations—Gen Z and early Gen Alpha. These consumers gravitate toward fragrances that are visually striking, audacious in scent, and rich in narrative. For them, purchasing a fragrance is not merely a sensory decision; it’s a lifestyle statement, a declaration of boldness, individuality, and celebration of life. The brand’s packaging, scent profile, and storytelling synergize to resonate strongly with these demographics, ensuring both commercial appeal and cult status within niche communities.
On a personal level, Pazzaglia’s fragrances are often polarizing. I have a tendency to approach overtly sweet perfumes with caution, yet when he strikes the right balance, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Que Chimba! is a perfect illustration of this. Its boldness is matched by technical prowess; its sweetness is counterbalanced by depth and spice. It offers not just a scent, but a fully immersive sensorial journey. It challenges perceptions of fragrance, demonstrating that perfume can be adventurous, multifaceted, and culturally expressive all at once.
Que Chimba! is, in essence, a distilled celebration of life: exuberant, full-bodied, and unashamedly intense. It is crafted for those willing to embrace adventure in their olfactory experiences, for those unafraid of sweetness, spice, and audacious complexity. Pazzaglia demonstrates, through this work, that he is not merely a successful commercial perfumer but also a skilled artisan, capable of weaving cultural narrative, technical excellence, and sensory excitement into a single bottle.
Even for those who may not be predisposed to anise or sugary scents, there is no denying the mastery present here. Que Chimba! is a fragrance that surprises and impresses, a sophisticated celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion. It reminds us that perfume is more than scent; it is an art form, a medium for expression, and an invitation to experience life vividly. From the first visceral burst to the complex, evolving dry-down, this fragrance offers a bold, joyous, and unforgettable olfactory adventure.
Que Chimba! represents the pinnacle of Pazzaglia’s creative abilities, merging technical expertise, cultural storytelling, and fearless experimentation. It is a triumph in modern perfumery—a fragrance that is simultaneously entertaining, challenging, and celebratory. For those seeking a perfume that embodies audacity, craftsmanship, and joie de vivre, Que Chimba! stands as a vibrant, unforgettable statement: a true call to celebrate life with all its textures, colors, and flavors, raising the volume on both senses and spirit.
In conclusion, Lorenzo Pazzaglia’s Que Chimba! transcends the conventional notion of fragrance. It is not merely a sweet, spicy, or fruity perfume; it is an immersive journey, a cultural expression, and a bold artistic statement. Its layers of tropical fruits, daring spices, boozy vanilla, amber resins, and the striking anise note converge in a complex, exhilarating composition. Every phase offers something new, whether it is the explosive opening, the intricate heart, or the rich, lingering dry-down. It is a fragrance designed for the adventurous, the expressive, and the celebratory—those who see perfume as an extension of personality and a reflection of life’s fullness. Que Chimba! is, without question, one of Pazzaglia’s most daring, inventive, and accomplished works to date.