White Queen

The recent 2018 release and Perfumology exclusive from 4160 Tuesdays, White Queen, is a sweet semi-gourmand with some literary inspiration and in celebration of a Cafleurebon anniversary. Its most dominant note by far on my skin is hazelnut, which itself fosters a bit of a cococnut, smell, as well, almost a mix between hazelnut itself and coconut. Texture-wise, it's very creamy, not really dry, but rather immersive and warm, surely more apt for cold weather than warm weather, though as with many cases, it could probably work on some warm weather evenings. It's sweet, certainly, but not a full gourmand, and its sweetness is subdued, in part, by the earthy mix of patchouli and incense, smoothed over by musk, but not without the overall dominance of the hazelnut, sprinkled with raspberry. Pricing is more or less standard for the line, at $180 for 100ml and $110 for 50ml. Again, only available at Perfumology in the US, at least for the time being. A highly-recommended try, not one I'd know I'd love from the notes, but one that Sarah crafted so carefully that it ended up being a nuanced beauty. 8 out of 10

This is so interesting! On my first try of White Queen, mostly what I smell is incense, right from the start and still going strong after two hours! I'll have to update this when I've worn it more often and for longer. Update: really beautiful fragrance. The notes pyramid above is somewhat different than the notes Sarah McCartney herself listed in a post on CaFleureBon: incense, hazelnut, citrus fruits, raspberry, jasmine, cream, opoponax, vetivert, patchouli, and musk. The incense is not smoky, it is a mix of frankincense and sweet myrrh (the opoponax).

It is a sexy musky scent, a bit gourmand but not really sweet. Pretty creaminess mixes really beautifully with elegant flowers and I would call it "Sarah's signature fruity accord". The overall impression is very satisfying and actually it is not only like a "your skin scent but better" it is much more than that... it is like delicate but seductive breath of a love goddess. Now about the notes: I like the way musk and lactones work together. Very very sexy. Hazelnut is not too obvious, it just makes the scent interesting and a bit different smelling. Not too much of frankincense or smoke or citruses for me. It is just a very well made scent for every day wear but it is surely special enough to be worn on important occasions. For me, lover of powdery scents, White Queen is a gem because it has a unique creamy, musky powderiness with fun fruity-floral-woodsy background. One of my favorites from 4160 Tuesdays line. Unisex, lining feminine side.

A unique surprise. It softly smokes with a frankincense and myrrh incense, which isn't dark in colour, it's remains white (like its name suggests). Although it's gourmand (with the nuts, whipped cream and fruits) it keeps its non-sweet status. The whipped cream never goes-off nor sours and remains a cool kinda sweet. The woods and musk are the backbone whilst the nuts are the star of the show. The florals (jasmine and iris) aren't too pronounced (unfortunately) but are perfectly blended to offset the incense and nuts with a floral air fit for a White Queen. This could be unisex but leans slightly more feminine. If you're looking for a unique but very wearable niche scent, then this could be perfect with a white wedding dress.

Second time testing this and to be honest I'm still none the wiser. On my skin it's like a subtle, expensive bar of soap (nothing harsh or overly floral) has been smothered in cream. My nose is confused in the same way it is with Narciso EDP (white cube). Both have jarring notes that come together in a way that's almost curdled. Interesting is the only thing I can confidently say. Edit. This has really grown on me. I still don't understand it but it's definitely a keeper.