Tag: Niche Fragrance

Frassaï – Ajedrez – Atmospheric Chess Game – A New Favourite

Back in 2013, Ralf Schwieger composed one of my favorite iris scents, Iris Nazarena, for Aedes de Venustas. Some people interpreted this fragrance, like many iris scents, as cold and gloomy. However, as it unfolded on my skin, it felt so regal, evoking the image of a noble gentleman reclining in his leather armchair in … Continue reading Frassaï – Ajedrez – Atmospheric Chess Game – A New Favourite →

Ormonde Jayne – Vetiveria – From Fizz To Flat

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 … Continue reading Ormonde Jayne – Vetiveria – From Fizz To Flat →

Akro – Breathe – Natural Born Filler

Nature and the great outdoors served as the inspiration for Breathe from Akro. However, I'm convinced the inspiration for the scent came from men's designer aquatic scents, such as Versace Man Eau Fraiche or Chanel Allure Sport, and to a lesser extent, the Light Blue's from D&G. Breathe resembles the light, faux fougère marine scents … Continue reading Akro – Breathe – Natural Born Filler →

Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event

The Dandy stands alongside his British pals at the department store. Penhaligon's continues to churn them out, almost in a vain attempt to see what sticks. At least this time, they haven't ventured too far from their home shores for inspiration. Typically, it's a good sign when they stick close to home. For The Dandy, … Continue reading Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event →

Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds

Ierofante, Parfums Quartana's 2022 release may not quite have matched its marketing to the product Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline. But it wasn't a million miles away, and I still thought it worthy of praise. Fast forward a year, and it's safe to say that Joseph Quartana seems to like a challenge. Their … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds →

Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline

When I first sprayed Joseph Quartana's award-winning Ierofante, I was transported back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Instantly, the light bulb went off, and I thought of Annick Menardo's Black for Bvlgari. Certainly, Ierofante has all the makings: the same rubbery tyre note, the smooth velvety suede accord, and the warm, cosy, ambery, … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline →

First Impressions – Initio – Narcotic Delight

Narcotic Delight - Picture courtesy of Initio's website. First Impressions - Initio - Narcotic Delight - INITIO Parfums Privés (Initio), purveyors of perfumes promoting performance and projection, are back with another scent bomb. Despite the brand being a darling of YouTubers and the like, I've yet to find one I would ever consider adding to … Continue reading First Impressions – Initio – Narcotic Delight →

First Impressions – Cologne Officinale – Heeley Paris

First Impressions - Heeley Paris - Cologne Officinale - As promised, and continuing on my recent run of aromatic releases, here's Heeley's latest - a fabulous fresh homage to vintage 70's masculine style perfumes. Heeley always does an excellent job with these fresher scents. For instance, Sel Marin is one of the finer marine scents money … Continue reading First Impressions – Cologne Officinale – Heeley Paris →

First Impressions – Thameen – Fanfare & Bohemian Infusion

Flower Markets of Covent Garden - The inspiration for Fanfare. This picture is from my own flower market. Ex Amouage creative director Christopher Chong took over the reins at British brand Thameen in 2021. That's likely a good thing in the long run. However, it's not entirely off to the most promising start with these … Continue reading First Impressions – Thameen – Fanfare & Bohemian Infusion →