Today on the blog, I’m reviewing a couple of scents that always seems to get a lot of play during the winter weather, and with winter being in full swing here in the Southern Hemisphere, what better time than now to explore them both.
Roja Dove – Enigma Pour Homme Parfum Cologne – Overpriced spicy cola. 5/10
I could probably list 3 or 4 scents of the top of my head that I have in my collection that do a similar job to this Roja Dove. Mon Numero 10 from L’Artisan Parfumeur has a cola effect in the opening akin to Enigma. The almond/root beer vibe of Mandorlo di Sicilia from Acqua di Parma is also similar. D Squared Potion, with its spicy aspects, albeit from cinnamon, isn’t so far removed either. The fact that I could own all three and still have some cash leftover for the price I’d pay for Enigma is telling.
No doubt, Enigma has some enjoyable facets. The combined effects of the cognac, ginger, vanilla, tobacco, benzoin, and heliotrope create an attractive cherry cola/plum pudding aroma. However, something sits in the background that becomes increasingly grating to the nose. The mix of synthetic woody ambers and classical florals are likely the culprits. There are a lot of competing notes, yet the scent still somehow feels quite linear. Enigma is not a cheap scent, and for this sort of price, I’d want to enjoy every aspect. So I’ll stick with Mon Numero 10, Potion, and Mandorlo di Sicilia.
Van Cleef & Arpels – Orchidee Vanille – Great gourmand, not too sweet 7/10
This Van Cleef “Collection Extraordinaire” Line is fantastic. California Reverie, in particular is an excellent freshie built on a combination of neroli and jasmine over a honeyed vanilla base. Orchidee Vanille continues the strong form of its counterparts. Orchidee Vanille sees vanilla paired with clean white musks, florals, and gentle woody notes. Flecks of dark chocolate, mandarin, bitter almond, and tonka add layers of interest that elevate the scent above being just another boring vanilla. Mercifully, even with this combination of gourmand notes, the perfume isn’t sweet. It’s all relatively soft and light. An easy to wear scent that could even work outside the cooler months. Well worth sampling.
Have you tried either of these two scents?
Note: Bottle images courtesy of Google.