Brand «Excelsis»

DNA and History of the California Perfume House

Founded in 2006 in California (USA), the niche brand Excelsis is a bright example of how a deep personal passion can grow into a life's work. Its creator, Frederick Hass, with a medical background, approaches perfumery with the analytical precision of a scientist and the passion of an artist. This unique combination has shaped the brand's philosophy: creating complex, intellectual, and emotionally rich fragrances, where every note matters and the composition is refined to the smallest details.

Hass's path into perfumery began unconventionally. As a self-taught perfumer, he immersed himself in studying historical formulas and rare materials. His debut, which brought Excelsis global recognition, was a project to create an eau de cologne for Pope Benedict XVI. This fact is not just an interesting detail but a cornerstone of the brand's legend, emphasizing the highest quality and deep symbolism of his creations.

Interesting Facts and Legendary Project

The most famous and iconic event in Excelsis's history was the creation of the fragrance The Pope's Cologne Pius IX. Frederick Hass personally developed its formula, based on the historical 19th-century "papal" eau de cologne. Each component was filled with meaning: German linden blossom symbolized the Pope's homeland, frankincense—the Holy Land, and Italian bergamot—the Vatican.

This project not only made the brand famous but also clearly defined its style: understated elegance, attention to history, and an uncompromising approach to raw material quality. The success of this work showed that niche perfumery can speak the language of high culture and spiritual values, creating not just fragrances, but true olfactory artifacts.

Navigating the Catalog: From Fresco to Minimalism

Excelsis's range is not divided into strict collections but represents a series of authorial statements. Here you will find both complex, multi-layered compositions reminiscent of painted canvases and concise, focused studies of individual chords. For example, Verdanza is a bright, joyful fresco with citrus and green notes, while Vetiver and Musk are masterclasses in the pure, deep expression of key perfume materials.

The brand often draws inspiration from natural motifs of California and the Mediterranean coast, which is felt in fragrances like Loma Alta or Camp 22. Each bottle is a separate story, inviting slow, thoughtful exploration.

The Best and Most Popular Excelsis Fragrances

Where to start getting acquainted with this unique house? Fans often highlight several cult works. The delicate and optimistic Innocente, with its airy floral notes, has long been a bestseller for those seeking a light yet memorable scent.

Sempre offers a warmer, more sensual palette with vanilla and sandalwood. For lovers of unusual combinations, excellent choices include Antigua Lyme or the mysterious 321. These fragrances demonstrate the breadth of Frederick Hass's creative range and his ability to balance tradition and modernity.

Style, Longevity, and Impressions

Excelsis's perfume handwriting is easily recognizable: it always features high concentration, density, and excellent longevity, characteristic of quality niche perfumes. The brand's fragrances are rarely intrusive but possess a well-perceived, refined sillage that evolves on the skin for many hours.

They are created for a thoughtful audience that appreciates subtlety, the naturalness of ingredients, and the complexity of composition. Reviews often emphasize their "non-mass" nature and ability to evoke vivid associations—from cool California mornings to sunny Italian terraces. This is perfumery for special moments and for those who see fragrance not just as an accessory, but as a form of art and self-expression.