I’m like an overly excited Price Is Right contestant when a new vetiver hits the market. Indeed, the announcement of the new Vetiveria from Ormonde Jayne had me enthused, energetic, and ready to come on down! But rather than walking away feeling like a showcase winner, it feels like I’ve bowed out early and come away wishing I’d won a washer-dryer combo to purge all memories of this fragrance.
Vetiveria begins so promisingly. It fizzes out of the bottle and possesses a carbonated aspect, giving the impression I’ve cracked open a vetiver cola or vetiver tonic water. Pepper and juniper crackle and hum as Vetiveria’s unique opening dazzles and invigorates. But it completely falls apart, taking a dark turn down Amberwood Avenue.
While it’s not the worst example of this style, it’s certainly not good either. The Javanese vetiver oil turns into a soup of harsh aroma chemicals, and Vetiveria loses all its fizz. I don’t detect any of the mid-floral notes of snowbell or jasmine. I do pick up the outline of a masculine fougère with dry lavender and coumarin rearing their heads. Unfortunately, it’s so dry and generic. It might be something like Ambermax running interference. Ultimately, Vetiveria reminds me of one of those mundane modern scents, Sauvage Elixir or Uncut Gem from Malle.
The entire transition from wow to wan takes approximately 20 minutes—indeed, quicker than the running time of an episode of The Price Is Right. So, don’t come on down; the price isn’t right— near enough $400 for 88ml! I might have bid $100 instead. Honestly, these perfume prices in 2025 will have you spinning up the bankrupt wedge in no time. I see videos of Vetiveria all over YouTube, so I gather this was kindly gifted to many. It’s no deal from me, Ormonde Jayne. I’ve indeed reached my tipping point with this nonsense. I suggest spraying Guerlain’s Vetiver and calling it a day. Trust me. Would I lie to you?
Note: Sample purchased by me. Bottle image from Ormonde Jayne. All other images are my own.
It certainly seems like too much for too little, Daniel. The only bonus it seems is that it really didn’t take long to figure it out. Give me Guerlain’s Vetiver or Vetiver Parfum instead.
Yes, it reveals its intentions quite quickly, Flaconneur. I agree on the Guerlain’s.
I sprayed this on in a store and then went about my day, and yes it was kind of meh. A bid of $100 or under sounds reasonable. I trust you Daniel!
Thanks, Marcus. Yes, this one was fairly ordinary.
My best in class vetiver is Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle. Sadly no more. Oh how I wish for its rerelease.
OJ is so hit & miss. Geza’s love of woody aromachemicals can kill beautiful compositions occasionally. It might be my odd reactions to some of them but generally these days I just let OJ trot on
That Guerlain is such a good one. It would be nice to see it come back. Yes, I haven’t made friends with too many of the Ormonde Jayne scents. I don’t gel with them.
It’s a sign of being worn down by the extortionate prices everywhere that people are willing to pay $100 for a bottle of meh. I’ll keep the cash! 100 mL of Encre Noire by Lalique can be had for less than USD $30.
Well put, Nose Prose! Lalique is always a good option.
I am not familiar with the brand, the scent sounds boring. Beautiful captures though!
Thanks very much, Tetê. Yes, the scent is disappointing. It starts well, but fades poorly.
That is a big pity. Vetiver excites me too. And Ormonde Jayne is normally such a reliable brand. Will check it out if I see it. Thanks for your insights and beautiful pics.
Thanks very much, Rich. Let me know what you think, when you sample it.