Neroli Portofino vs Forte by Tom Ford Comparison

Alright, so here we are with another head to head match up between two Tom Ford fragrances. In this edition, I am going to compare how the original Neroli Portofino measures up to its flanker, Neroli Portofino Forte. Which one of these perfumes smells the best? Does Forte outdo the original? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Portofino vs Forte

Neroli Portofino

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Review: Neroli Portofino

Neroli Portofino Forte

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Review: Neroli Portofino Forte

Opening

The opening of the original Neroli Portofino is a blast of lemon and other citrus notes, to go along with the neroli, and orange blossom. It has a citrusy top with floral undertones and a sort of soapy clean quality to it.

Forte, on the other hand, starts off musky and spicy, with white floral notes at the heart. Plus, there is a strong herbal spice, provided by the basil note. I really dislike how Forte starts off, it is just really off-putting. The musk and the basil beginning just isn’t as good as the original with the lemon and floral notes.

Edge: Neroli Portofino

Projection

The original Neroli Portofino was a pretty light fragrance, at best, the sillage was moderate at the start. Forte, isn’t heavy either but it is stronger and more consistently moderate throughout the wear. Clear edge.

Edge: Forte

Longevity

The original lasts on my skin for about 5-6 hours. Forte does do better and gives me 7-8 hours. Neither are super amazing in this department but the flanker does out duel the original.

Edge: Forte

Versatility

Both scents are spring/summer wears. Both are unisex and lean towards feminine. Both for more non-casual occasions. There isn’t a clear difference in this aspect.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I want to say that while I think that both of these versions of this namesake, smell nice, I’m not a huge fan of either. Neroli Portofino is a pretty simple fragrance, citrus with the orange blossom and neroli. Then, jasmine and lavender pop in to solidify the floral notes. It’s clean, soapy, and bright but also pretty similar to other scents that I’ve smelled.

Forte, I hate the beginning. However, it does get better, and is much more interesting than the original. Once you get past the first five minutes, the blood orange and bergamot, come out and add a zesty citrus.

Then, they add the leather note, which takes it to a different place than the original and it turns out quite well. Also, the better longevity and projection, make it much more worth paying those Tom Ford prices.

Again, neither is something that I’d personally buy, but Forte is the better fragrance overall.

Winner: Neroli Portofino Forte

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.