Carrie’s Cabinet of Curiosities
The 4711 Eau de Cologne: a forgotten scent thats great for hot days and headaches
The 4711 which you can see in the pictures from our cabinet of curiosities is one of the most historic and iconic fragrances in the world—widely regarded as the original Eau de Cologne and the namesake for the entire category of light, refreshing colognes.
It used to be very popular and was often used to cool the head and body on hot days and it’s a miracle worker when it comes to headaches and even migraines. Its cooling qualities is its main selling point and it can stay fresh in bottles for years. Like this bottle which is many years old but still does its job well!
History of 4711
The story dates back to 1792 in Cologne, Germany (Köln in German). According to the brand’s legend, a young merchant named Wilhelm Mülhens received a secret recipe for a miracle water (“aqua mirabilis”) as a wedding gift from a Carthusian monk. He began producing it in a small factory located at Glockengasse No. 4711 in Cologne. That house number—4711—eventually became the brand name itself, especially after Napoleonic times when buildings were numbered and the address stuck as the identifier.
• It was initially marketed more as a medicinal tonic or refreshing “Kölnisch Wasser” (Cologne Water) rather than a modern perfume.
• The French occupation and Napoleon’s 1810 decree requiring ingredient disclosure shifted it toward a cosmetic/fragrance product.
• The original Johann Maria Farina (another famous Cologne-based perfumer from earlier in the 18th century) created a similar citrus-based water, and there’s historical rivalry/overlap in claims to being the “first,” but 4711 became the most famous and enduring version under the Mülhens family.
• The brand has survived wars (the original building was destroyed in WWII bombings but rebuilt), ownership changes (including a period under Procter & Gamble before returning to German ownership with Mäurer & Wirtz in 2006), and remains in production today.
• As of 2026, it’s still actively sold worldwide, with an official flagship store/museum/experience at Glockengasse in Cologne, and the brand continues to celebrate over 230 years of history.
Scent Profile
4711 is a classic Citrus Aromatic fragrance, very light and refreshing (true to the Eau de Cologne concentration, which means low perfume oil percentage and short longevity, often 30–90 minutes on skin, longer on clothes).
• Top notes — Bright citrus burst: lemon, bergamot, orange, sometimes listed with peach or basil accents.
• Middle notes — Herbal/aromatic: lavender, rosemary.
• Base notes — Softer florals and green touches: neroli (orange blossom), petitgrain.
People often describe it as:
• Freshly sliced lemons and oranges
• Clean, soapy, slightly herbal
• Like a vintage barbershop splash or old-school aftershave
• Uplifting, cooling, and medicinal in a pleasant way (some compare faint echoes to things like English Leather)
It’s unisex (marketed for both women and men), and many appreciate it as a quick refresher, travel scent, or layering base rather than a long-lasting signature perfume.
Modern Availability & Fun Facts
• Still produced in the classic blue-and-gold bottle (the Molanus bottle shape is iconic).
• Available in various sizes from travel sprays to large splash bottles (e.g., 100ml, 200ml, 400ml+).
• The brand has expanded into flankers (like Acqua Colonia series with modern twists) and intense versions, but the Original remains the purest classic.
• You can visit the House of Fragrances 4711 in Cologne for tours, a small museum, and custom experiences.
• It’s affordable compared to modern niche fragrances and remains a cultural staple in Germany and Europe.
You can buy 4711 new in small and larger bottles as well as handy handbag friendly sealed wipes to place on your head.
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