The Story
Why it exists.
4711 is one of the oldest fragrance houses in the world, founded in Cologne, Germany in 1792. The brand's signature cologne was created by Wilhelm Muelhens, and the historic building at Glockengasse 4711 became synonymous with the very concept of Eau de Cologne. The Acqua Colonia collection, launched under Mäurer & Wirtz ownership, modernized the classic cologne format while maintaining the house's heritage of accessible, mood-lifting citrus fragrances.
If this were a song
Community picks
Morning Light
Hot Chip
The Beginning
4711 is one of the oldest fragrance houses in the world, founded in Cologne, Germany in 1792. The brand's signature cologne was created by Wilhelm Muelhens, and the historic building at Glockengasse 4711 became synonymous with the very concept of Eau de Cologne. The Acqua Colonia collection, launched under Mäurer & Wirtz ownership, modernized the classic cologne format while maintaining the house's heritage of accessible, mood-lifting citrus fragrances.
Lemon and Ginger arrived in 2009, part of the Acqua Colonia lineup designed to capture specific sensory moments. The combination of lemon and ginger is deceptively simple,lemon provides the expected brightness while ginger adds an unexpected warming element. It's a fragrance that plays with the contrast between cool citrus and gentle heat, something the traditional 4711 house rarely attempted in its classic formulations.
The Evolution
Applied fresh, the lemon hits immediately and lasts about fifteen minutes before the ginger warmth begins to emerge. By the thirty-minute mark, you're in the heart phase where both notes coexist. The drydown begins around hour one, transitioning to a soft neroli-petitgrain base that stays intimate. On fabric, expect the citrus to linger longest. On skin, the full journey completes in 3-4 hours.
Cultural Impact
4711 invented modern perfumery as we know it. The original Eau de Cologne formula influenced countless fragrances and established Cologne as a fragrance category unto itself. The Acqua Colonia line brought this heritage into the modern era with accessible, mood-focused compositions.
The House
Germany · Est. 1845
Mäurer & Wirtz stands as one of Germany's most storied fragrance houses, tracing its roots back to 1845 when two visionaries, Michael Mäurer and his stepson Andreas August Wirtz, established a modest soapworks in the town of Stolberg near Aachen. Today, the company operates as a globally active fragrance and care conglomerate, managing an impressive portfolio that spans prestige fragrances, mass-market beauty products, and heritage colognes. Under the stewardship of the fifth-generation Wirtz family, currently led by co-CEOs Dr. Hermann Wirtz and Fabian Krone, the company has grown from its humble beginnings into a significant player in the scent industry. The brand portfolio includes the legendary 4711 Original Eau de Cologne, the iconic Tabac Original line, Baldessarini, and Windsor, alongside licensed fragrances for s.Oliver, Otto Kern, and Betty Barclay. With headquarters still rooted in Stolberg and a workforce of approximately 400, Mäurer & Wirtz exemplifies how a family business can evolve across nearly two centuries while maintaining its artisanal heritage and German engineering precision.
The Creator
Vincent Schaller4711 is the world's oldest fragrance brand, founded in Cologne, Germany in 1792. The iconic building at Glockengasse 4711 became so synonymous with Eau de Cologne that the style of fragrance took its name from the city. The brand has remained a cultural touchstone in Germany and beyond, with the blue and gold packaging unchanged for over a century.
If this were a song
Community picks
This fragrance sounds like a breezy morning playlist,light acoustic guitar, brushed drums, airy vocals. Think morning farmers markets, the first sip of something cold, clean linens drying in the sun.
Morning Light
Hot Chip
