Upon the first application, it feels as if you are floating above endless primeval coniferous forests, shrouded in mist, with glimpses of stone fortresses, castles, and temples reaching skyward. Silvery-green lichens have taken over this place. The scent evokes their presence, along with pine branches, slightly sweetened and touched by the first frosts, as well as fir balsam. At a certain point, vibrant coppery saffron needles emerge, stitching together the intricate lace of forest notes, resins, and damp stone, threading through the composition tart, tangy pink beads of “Christmas Berries” (schinus), and droplets of yellowish-white olibanum that resemble a mineral.
The mist thickens into dense smoke from burning resins of frankincense trees, enveloping everything and transporting you from the open air into the interiors of ancient structures. Hidden here is a waxed wooden chest, adorned with oxidized metal, lined with glossy Muga silk, once imbued with the balsamic, mineral, and simultaneously leathery-resinous facets of olibanum. Its contents are clumps of earth from a distant forgotten land. When touched, the relic crumbles, releasing into the air the warmth of patchouli, faint hints of spicy nuances, the creaminess of Mysore sandalwood, and the texture of peanuts.
As the perfume begins to fade, it transitions into ambery-woody materials, occasionally bringing back the imagination to coniferous-green frankincense and the dense, stagnant air often found in gothic cathedrals or high-altitude mountains.
I adore frankincense in perfumery, so my collection always includes a variety of fragrances that explore this note. Boswellia Scotia by Jorum Studio is a wonderful example of a naturalistic portrayal of olibanum in its many facets, beautifully and modernly composed. Euan McCall has expertly placed accents throughout, making the fragrance impossible to grow accustomed to—it constantly sparks with tiny, stimulating nuances. I highly recommend it to those who share my love for fragrant resin.
On my “cool” skin, the fragrance lasts up to 8 hours (and for a full day on a blotter) in Buenos Aires’ humid and windy climate, leaving a trail of about 2 meters, which is quite comfortable for those around.
It is entirely gender-neutral and easy to wear.
