BRAND AND HISTORY
WHERE DOES THE NAME 4711 COME FROM?
There is neither an allusion to quantities in the recipe nor a date behind the sequence of numbers – rather, it is the house number that was assigned to the legendary fragrance house in Cologne's Glockengasse by a French soldier during the occupation at the end of the 18th century.
HOW LONG HAS THE 4711 BRAND EXISTED?
The origins date back to 1792! Legend has it that it all began with a very special gift: On October 8, 1792, the young merchant Wilhelm Muelhens received the secret recipe for an "aqua mirabilis," a miraculous water for external and internal use, from the Carthusian monk Franz Maria Farina for his wedding. Wilhelm Muelhens soon opened a small factory in Cologne's Glockengasse. In 1794, the French occupiers assigned the house the number 4711—a number that would soon become a permanent fixture in the name of Muelhens' fragrances and was registered as a trademark in 1875.
WHAT IS “GLOCKENGASSE”?
Our 4711 Fragrance House is located on Glockengasse, a Cologne street. Over 100,000 international guests visit this sightseeing spot every year. It's one of Cologne's most famous streets—despite being less than 400 meters long. This historic street leads not only to the 4711 Fragrance House, but also to the Theater am Dom. Learn more about the 4711 buildings.
IS 4711 ONLY AVAILABLE IN GERMANY?
Although 4711 originated in Cologne, it is a global brand and at home all over the world. It is sold in over 65 countries worldwide.
WHAT ATTRACTIONS ARE THERE IN THE FRAGRANCE HOUSE 4711?
There are a variety of attractions to marvel at in the fragrance house. Carillon: Every hour on the hour, a historic carillon delights passersby in Glockengasse. The well-known melody of "The Marseillaise" is followed by "The Faithful Hussar," followed by a third, seasonally changing song. Fountain: In the sales area of the flagship store, there is a noble 4711 fountain, exuding the fresh scent of 4711 Original Eau de Cologne. Tapestry: A 4.5 x 3.5 meter wall tapestry depicts the famous house numbering: According to legend, a soldier of the French Revolutionary Army rode through Cologne on a white horse and painted the house number 4711 on Wilhelm Muelhens' house in Glockengasse. Exhibition: An exhibition guides visitors through the history of the brand – from Aqua Mirabilis to the world-famous fragrance. In addition to old Rosoli bottles (horizontal flacons) and fine, historic perfume creations, visitors can also view old court purveyors' diplomas, medals, and certificates. You can register for tours here.
WHAT DOES 4711 HAVE IN ONE PLACE WITH COLOGNE?
4711 is part of the Cologne cityscape and can be found in many places. A 4711 logo adorns one of the main windows of Cologne Central Station, and there are numerous other illuminated signs throughout the city. We can also be found in many 5-star hotels: in display cases, in hotel shops, as projector images on the elevators, or as decorative elements in large shop windows. Furthermore, 4711, with the Heinz Eau, is part of the Heinzweg, a trail that runs through Cologne.
PRODUCT AND FRAGRANCES
WHY CAN THE COLOR OF FRAGRANCES SOMETIMES BE MORE INTENSE?
When using natural fragrance oils, it's like food: their appearance varies with each harvest and with different environmental influences. For example, neroli, the fragrance oil of orange blossoms, can be particularly intensely colored one year due to countless hours of sunshine, while appearing paler the next. This affects the color of the fragrances, but not the fragrance quality, which remains unchanged. Furthermore, natural sunlight and UV radiation also influence the color of the fragrances, which is why we recommend storing them in a dark place away from sunlight.
ARE 4711 FRAGRANCES AND PRODUCTS VEGAN?
A large part of our product range is vegan.
Please note, however, that we cannot implement this in all recipes – therefore not all products are vegan.
For more detailed information on individual articles, please contact us at: info@mw.de
ARE THE PRODUCTS TESTED ON ANIMALS?
The German cosmetics industry has voluntarily refrained from animal testing for finished cosmetic products since 1989. Such testing has been banned throughout the EU since September 2004. Animal testing for cosmetic product ingredients has been prohibited in the EU since 2009. The final marketing ban for cosmetic products whose ingredients were tested on animals after this date came into force on March 11, 2013.
As a manufacturer of cosmetic products, Mäurer & Wirtz has always complied with the applicable legal regulations regarding animal testing at the time of purchase. At no time have we conducted animal testing ourselves for the cosmetic products we manufacture and distribute. Our raw material suppliers are obligated to comply with the applicable legal regulations. We therefore ensure that all framework conditions regarding animal testing are met for our cosmetic products.
WHY IS IT CALLED 'ORIGINAL EAU DE COLOGNE'?
The term "Eau de Cologne" is a generic term for a specific type of eau de cologne. The addition of "original" simply indicates that the essential production steps take place in Cologne. Accordingly, anyone is entitled to sell a eau de cologne labeled "Original Eau de Cologne" – provided this condition is met. This, of course, still applies to 4711.
HOW NATURAL ARE THE ACQUA COLONIA FRAGRANCES?
Our range is inspired by nature and features both natural and synthetic raw materials. The perfume compositions are made from natural and synthetic ingredients to create exciting and multifaceted fragrances. In our body lotions, for example, we use plant-based oils instead of mineral oils. Furthermore, all our products in the range are free of parabens, silicones, aluminum, and mineral oil.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EAU DE COLOGNE, AN EAU DE TOILETTE AND AN EAU DE PARFUM?
Fragrances differ significantly in their concentration, and consequently, in their longevity. While a classic perfume has a concentration of 20 to 30 percent, an eau de parfum has a concentration of between 15 and 20 percent. An eau de toilette then averages 10 to 15 percent, while an eau de cologne typically has a concentration of 1 to 5 percent. Here you can find more information on the difference between an eau de cologne, an eau de toilette, and an eau de parfum .
At Acqua Colonia, we go beyond the usual dosage of an eau de cologne to exude not only lightness but also the lasting aura of a perfume composition. If a fragrance is labeled "Extreme" or "Intense," then this variation contains higher concentrations of fragrance ingredients than would be the case with a classic fragrance.
WHAT IS THE 4711 FRAGRANCE SEMINAR?
The 4711 Fragrance House offers a fragrance workshop where everyone can create their own eau de cologne. Participants will receive an olfactory introduction to the world of essential oils and learn the classic working methods of a perfumer. Afterwards, they can create their own fragrance under expert guidance. Click here to register.
WHAT IS THE 'MOLANUS BOTTLE'?
Unmistakable and incredibly practical – the bottle shape of 4711 Original Eau de Cologne has remained virtually unchanged for 200 years. And for good reason: In 1820, distiller Peter Heinrich Molanus invented a new bottle, which has since borne his name: the Molanus bottle. Compared to its predecessor, the amphora-like Rosoli bottle, it offers decisive advantages. It can be stored upright, large-format labels can be applied to the product, and the alcohol can expand in the upper part of the bottle – the so-called bolster – when exposed to heat without the bottle being in danger of bursting. At the time, it was a true innovation in the fragrance industry.
CAN YOU DRINK 4711 ORIGINAL EAU DE COLOGNE?
Before 4711 Original Eau de Cologne was designated a fragrance, it was used as a medicinal product for both external and internal use. Two drops, neat or mixed with water or wine, were said to have an invigorating effect. Learn more about the drinkability of Genuine Eau de Cologne.
