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.