Marc-Antoine Barrois – Ganymede – A familiar scent but not from the perfume world, 5/10.
Yesterday I visited the dentist for my six-monthly checkup. Like most folks, it’s not something I look forward to with much glee. However, I must admit the staff at my dental practice are always friendly and a pleasure to deal with. My scent of choice was Beau de Jour, one of my favourite modern fougeres. I always feel well put together when I wear it. In retrospect, though, I should have worn the much-hyped Marc-Antoine Barrois scent, Ganymede. Perhaps, it would have been the more appropriate choice.
Why on earth would I say that? Why should I have chosen Ganymede? Jupiter’s largest moon seems to have nothing to do with dentists. But, as soon as I stepped into the dentist’s office, I immediately thought of Quentin Bisch’s composition. There’s just something about this fresh mineralic leather that makes me think of dental surgeries. The suede leather reminds me of the chairs in the waiting room and the surgery itself. There’s a pure, clean feel to Ganymede that borders on medicinal. Violet leaf gives Ganymede a pristine ozonic, metallic quality – as sterile as the dentist’s surgical instruments.
Kudos to the brand and Quentin Bisch for producing something from left field with Ganymede. It isn’t otherworldly, though. For mine, its roots remain firmly planted on planet Earth. I haven’t seen any other comparisons between this scent and the dentist. Most reviews are glowing. But, the association I have with it I simply cannot shake. I would never consider buying a full bottle of the stuff because I don’t want to reminisce about root canals and dental drills. Too many negative connotations.
My checkup lasted 30 minutes, but Ganymede has strong longevity, pushing out for 10-plus hours. Ganymede is different, unique, and intriguing. Can I see why people like it? Sure. Yet, for me, at least, it simply isn’t something I’d want to wear.
What are your thoughts on Ganymede?
Bottle image courtesy of Fragrantica.