Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum

Pucker up, buttercups - because if you dare to kick off your shoes and run barefoot through this charming kitchen garden, all sorts of earthy, wholesome, healthy delights await. Duchaufour's uncanny talent for twisting bright, outdoorsy, airy scents of nature into sheer and seductive, well-engineered fully-built fragrances shines again. Every note rings true, sometimes startlingly 'rough' and organic; and yet the full recipe adds up to something far more impressive than an amiable hippie-vegetal green. Somehow it harmonises into a deeply upscale, sophisticated, intelligent, distinctive whole. Bravo! As a rhubarb fan, but not fanatic, this seems ... simply impeccable to me; tart, juicy, mouth-watering stalks, with barely any sugar at all in the mix. I'd wondered if this would end up adjacent to Hermes Rhubarbe Ecarlate, but no way - there's none of the pink, rosy character of Ecarlate - this is all about the greenery and the acerbic snap of that rhubarb; the bouquet of green leaves & apple making it earthy, peppery, but also crisp and full of chlorophyll. Real sour - in a way that's purely pleasurable - for the first half hour, fading to a gentler and mellower, but still so so refreshing, phase later. If you are after sweet gourmand jam or rhubarb & custard patisserie, move on - this will not do - but it's so much more clever and admirable than that. Full of facets, almost scarily upscale, it's just so ASSURED - a master at work, for sure. While smelling very little like it, there's a perceptible kinship here with Duchaufour's other unexpected fruity-vetiver love for me, the mango-centred Timbuktu: making a green-fruity-musky smellscape, which is seriously hostile ground for me, completely compelling and even alluring. Drawbacks: the usual abominable Aedes de Venustas pricing and discreet-to-weak performance. And for me, ONLY, the vetiver bends just one fraction too far towards the dirty-reed-water end of the spectrum as it ages, by say 3-4h in. (Personal thing - it just always turns a little rank on my skin and I powerfully dislike the smell of stale, 'spent' vetiver scents on clothes). Reading about it, I felt sure that (like Copal Azur, Iris Nazarena and Palissandre d'Or) this was an AdV that would be so incredibly good, smell so unbelievably great, that I'd fall painfully and expensively in love and chase after it, and forgive its weedy lifespan. But no... that unlovely final twang of old vetiver means I'm off the hook - and relieved about it! And yet and still. I'm torn. It really IS a masterpiece, even if it's not a real-life proposition. The artistry of those first few hours has to be sensed to be believed. You must smell it. It bristles with so much love and knowledge that you can practically hear it squeaking with life as the rhubarb spears magically unfurl overnight. That's one of gardening's minor miracles - and this is the perfect fragrance picture of it happening. Mouthwatering - and thought-provoking, too. Oh M Duchaufour you are JUST SO CLEVER.

This one really suprised me in the best way possible. It's a really complex scent with all of it's notes, but the overall composition is very elegant and compelling. I can't stop sniffing myself and trying to work it all out. I find it emotionally moving for some reason, like a piece of classical music that's meant to express joy and innocence, and the grace of nature. I get rhubarb and vetiver first of all, where the rhubarb isn't too sweet or too tart and I find that it's well balanced between both these extremes.The vetiver roots are still wet and fresh out of the fertile earth and the apple is freshly picked off the tree, crisp and green, with a tartness sarkling with the spice of zingy bright pink pepper, as it is sliced into sections. Tomato leaves are taken in your hand, picked off of the potted plant and rubbed between your fingers and green thumb, releasing their herbal sticky scent, reminiscent of cannabis leaves. A trellis of incense smoke hangs in the air to supports the climbing honeysuckle that climbs and wraps around everytbing. You finely chop up hazelnuts, ready to add them to the desert you're baking, full of rhubarb and apples that you grew in your garden; your own Eden on earth. There's actually a gourmand feel to this one, right after the green, herbal, smokiness recedes. I find that I get a creamy note, something like pastry and then an almost citrus glimmer. For a while it makes me smell a glimpse of a realistic tart au citron. I certainly didn't expect this amongst such a green scent. This is a really unique perfume, I've not smelled anything like it before and I'd love yo own a full bottle once I can get hold of one. Edit - Ah I just noticed the nose on this one was Bertrand Duchaufour and I'm not suprised at all. Whenever I encounter something like this sort of unique piece that I fall in love with, it's often his work. He knows how to make things that really move my soul. Kudos on another wonderful masterpiece!

I tested this three times now, and went from disliking it through liking it to loving it. Maybe that's because I first tested it in the colder seasons; it feels like this is really blooming on warmer skin. On the other hand, it might just take a while to get used to this scent; it is unusual, very intense and quite sharp. Very original, at least it's not like anything I have ever smelled, although my experience is still pretty limited. It's very fruity, but not in that sugared "fruity floral" way, more like real fruit: slightly sweet but in a pleasantly sharp way, even a bit sour. The top ranked notes are rhubarb, tomato leaf, red berries and apple, and that's what I'm getting most of, too. Then there's some vetiver in the background (I think), which is a nice addition, the combination works really well to make it even more interesting. I saw it compared to fizzy water somewhere, and I think that's a pretty apt description of the vibe of this perfume: very fresh, very vibrant, more interesting than the "normal" ones in its category, and especially great on hot days. Of course it's extremely expensive, so when I didn't like it at first I was kind of relieved (yes I know, not a great idea to order a sample in the first place, but I was so curious). My sample is big, though, so I have time to save up for a real bottle (or maybe a bigger decant first). And it is very longlasting, which can't be said of all expensive summer perfumes, so that makes the price a bit more justifiable...

Rhubarb is quite possibly one of my favourite things and I've been suckered in my rhubarb scents before from the likes of CdG and the last one I purchased from Hermes. However, I was never really convinced by the accuracy of these and frankly I didn't care all that much because an augmented apple/grapefruit note or a rhubarb and custard sweet is just as enjoyable as something authentic, orgainc and accurate. Aedes de Venustas makes the above mentioned seem like Clinique Happy compared to the smell of a ripely cut orange. It's probably very much down to the vegetal, tomato leaf surround and the green vetiver an slight hint of effervescent, zing from a touch of frankincense which gives the rhubarb more credibility and it's quite a long lasting top note too. Although not massively complex there's enough going on in this scent to keep me very interested throughout and it dries down to a calming vetiver and perceivable floral notes. (must be the honeysuckle) My favourite aspect though is ginger. Not listed in the notes I hear you cry?!?! Well I get the classic culinary combination of Rhubarb and ginger in here. It could be the other elements like vetiver creating that effect but it's definitely there, and wonderful it is too. The quality is evident in this scent and although it's not massive in lasting power or silage it was okay, mellow but passable. I liked it. Not quite enough to buy but I admire it.

In testing this today, I was almost warned off from trying this by the SA who said, "most people think that smells like weed..." in a tone that implied this clearly couldn't be to my liking. Imagine my surprise as I held my wrist up to my nose and discovered an opening accord that smells exactly like standing in line at an Orange Julius: bright, citric and indistinctly fruity with a sweet twist. Eyes wide with surprise I asked my husband to confirm this association which he did with similar amazement. This delightful opening accord fades within a few minutes of application revealing a crisp green, tomato leaf note that is strikingly natural. I remarked on this to the SA, telling her that to me it smelled like a day in my garden. Next, a note reminiscent of a freshly lit cigarette appeared and remained through out the wear time. The drydown is composed of the dichotomy of this lit cigarette note and the note of fresh, astringent, warm sun shining on tomato leaves in the afternoon. Despite its green nature I would call Aedes de Venustas EdP a warm fragrance and one built around real life associations. I can see why people might call this a marijuana fragrance (its green and smokey without being tobacco) but in reality it is not. Overall, I'd say it's worth sampling for the interesting composition alone. Lovely in a self assured way.

I had the pleasure of sampling Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum at Barneys on a recent vacation in San Francisco. The sales associate was incredibly helpful and was quick to discern my appreciation for something different. After spraying this on paper, I asked him to spray a little on my wrist. I was completely wowed by the green opening and first mistook it for a dark, crisp violet leaf which took me through to the very end. On returning to my hotel, I checked out the notes on my laptop. Tomato leaf, oh yes! Rhubarb... both dry, vegetal,a little sharp and rich. Together, very reminiscent of violet leaf. The green apple isn't obvious but offers a deep sea aquatic accord. The vetiver is polite and adds depth and a subtly earthy anchor. I don't discern much honeysuckle, although there is a floral smoothness far in the background that accompanies the soft, dry incense. Hazelnut is not present at all. The red berries are not sweet, but tart, perhaps slightly sour that sets the salivary glands slightly on edge. Truly, this transforms into something similar to the grapefruity, tomato-leafy Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil at it's peak--and offers the drydown I was looking for. Remarkable, unique, luxuriously avante-garde--I'll definitely be considering a full-bottle purchase as I finish my sample. Well done Mr Duchaufour.

Just purchased a sample of this and WOW! Upon opening the bottle the first note is absolutely rhubarb and I was thrilled to put it on. After the dry down I was a little disappointed to find that the strength of that note seemed to have disappeared, but low and behold it seems to have returned, amidst more spice and greenery. Constantly sniffing it, I applied it very sparingly but I’m obsessed with this fragrant, sharp herbaceous (the rhubarb and tomato leaf) but subdued scent. It’s incredible and unusual. The vetiver finds its place bridging the rhubarb and it is not too soapy but smells like the actual roots I am familiar with using in India. As for the hazelnut note yes, it is there but only very subtly and natural to ground the fruit and green, not like the hazelnut latte type of scent I was dreading. All in all, it is a straight line type of scent, not very layered in the traditional pyramid sense, as other users mentioned. I can absolutely see this as a unisex scent, but feels boldly feminine to me, very elegant and unusual, like a powerful woman who doesn’t need to speak when she enters the room. Im sure I’ll be buying the whole bottle at some point. It is green enough for spring and summer and crisp but smoky enough for fall and winter, I could wear this every day.

I've been wanting to write a review on this one for so long, but I haven't been able to pick my words. I haven't got it down now either, so I hope I don't sound too freaky. A robotic rhubarb! The rhubarb is quite realistic, but it's paired with bitter tomato stems which gives it an acrid edge. It's also brought out by the feel of heavily carbonated water, you know how it burns your mouth? It's mineralic! I also get sour apples and redcurrant which plays off the sharp mineralic vegetable notes, giving it a fruitier feel but without making it rounder and cuter. Sweeter but not sweetened. Chuck some reliable vetiver and the smallest hint of incense (which feels interesting and surprising in this combination) in there and a sheer acid green bow is tied on top. In whole it's quite linear, you get the big surprise directly when spraying it on, then you just.. live in it. And there is no problem loving it until it disappears. I love the fact that it isn't rounded off at all, it's sharp and zingy, almost cold, but still soft in a way. It's at its best during the hottest days of summer, while it's just a big question mark during the cold months. It hides in the snow. Note to self: Impossible to wear in Sweden between September and May. A craving between June and August.

Fantastic perfume! This actually smells the way I thought Enchanted Forest would smell. Aedes de Venustas EDP is very sharp and bright, with tangy rhubarb and fruity cassis. There is an underlying woodiness and a lush, aromatic greenness, probably the tomato leaf, that reminds me of an evergreen forest. It conjures images of the Christmas season. Like being in a warm car while driving through the snow. You roll the windows down and that crisp air rushes into the car. It feels like that, it's so zesty. It also makes me think of when everybody is asleep, and the only lights in the house are the Christmas tree lights. But with very polarizing thoughts of a vegetable garden with tomatos and celery on a hot summer day, it would be easy to enjoy this perfume all year long. It might just be my skin, but the base also smells a bit like benzoin-- sticky sweet resins. The closest comparison for me is Jardin sur le Toit, which I used to own and which I consider to be a spring scent, but this is more intense, more complex, woody, and lacks the pretty pink rose. I find both to be beautiful. This is a grown-up fruity perfume.

Follow your nose, not only let your senses guide you but also follow noses(perfumers) that you tend to love. I have learnt this strategy works rather well for me, as due to covid; I have had to blind buy more than ever. This lead me to this fragrance as I adore Bertrand, I consider him one of the greatest perfumers alive today and he is rightly revered. He is the nose behind this scent and he uses high quality ingredients and he even hand picked the vetiver himself Aedes told me when I called them. It is mostly natural so the one knock is it doesn't last. However, It is really uplifting, The juicy rhubarb cannot hide the sour natural nature of this fruit, certainly the apple adds to this and the contrast with the vetiver and tomato leaf brings a surprise, that is it has the DNA of one of Bertrand's most famous frags - Chypre Palatin. However, it is only a slight comparison as this is not a Chypre. This is a freshi of sorts but then the incense reminds you it isn't and very few have his skill with incense. It is very under-rated and quite good for spring and fall and colder summer nights. 4.2/5

This is stunning. So is the price, unfortunately. But certainly one of few situations in which I must admit that the price reflects the artistry of the scent. The main gist of this scent is that it is TART! And the notes would certainly attest to that. It's citrus, rhubarb, cranberries, green apples, and every other sour, aromatic, non-sweet fruit you can think of. But it's not linear. Initially all I sense is the tart fruit, but the development, of course, comes later. After an hour or so, out pops a touch of sweetness. It's still tart, but we've added some sugar. And then the sweet flowers poke their heads through to make it a bit more soft and feminine. And eventually we get the woody greens of the tomato leaf and vetiver. But it stays tart and fresh. And cold. This is definitely a cold fragrance. Very much unisex. Overall, I must give this one a 5/5 rating, though I will never own a bottle at the price it's sold at. I will be looking for something that scratches this itch at 1/4 the price!

I've just be planting out my tomatoes. This is the perfect scent to accompany this activity. I will be honest and say I was never that keen on the tomato leaf scent. I guess being surrounded by them in my greenhouse can get a bit much. I also grow rhubarb and very familiar with both the smell of stalk and leaf. Who knew they would combine quite so marvellously. That sweet and sour combination is perfect. There is some wonderful kick from the herbally Vetiver and the incense. I think what brings it altogether beautifully is the crisp juicy apple note. It adds that necessary touch of natural sweetness to lift the other notes as does the honeysuckle. The Apple wains a bit and then you can detect the cannabis, hazelnuts and pepper. Its a fresh and herbally scent that would be perfect to wear on a hot sticky day. Very unisex, perhaps leaning a tad towards the masculine. I get moderate longevity and sillage.

Now called "Signature", for clarity. Rhubarb is such an interesting note for fragrance, as (just like in cuisine) it somehow fills in for a fruity/ tart note and is magically interchangeable with sharp berries, citrus and other airy top notes. As such, Signature smells quite sharp but in a cooling, humid, summery, refreshing sort of way. I don't have a hard time believing that the tomato leaf note is here, but it, along with the apple and cannabis notes, are melded into the rhubarb to add depth and longevity. It does have the faintest touch of a gourmand edge to it, likely from the hazelnut, but it's mostly cologne with a hint of rhubarb tart to it. It makes me think of being at some kind of fantasy garden tea party, very Alice-in-Wonderland-esque. Really quite a delightful and special fragrance, definitely worthy of being somebody's signature.

What to say about Signature? My overall impression is that this is sweet, tangy, and utterly complex. I don't know if I want to smell LIKE this or just smell it all day long, but I couldn't stop sniffing my arm on the way home from sampling it While the opening is sweet, tangy, and rhubarby, the pepper shines through on the dry down. An incense fragrance is always soothing to me, but a few hours after spraying, it's almost too much. The vetiver is perhaps a bit too strong for me, which might dissuade me from getting a bottle. I could see this being great in the daytime for most seasons - maybe not winter. Truly gorgeous scent that's hard to put your finger on. Is the magic of the first few hours worth the comedown? I'm not sure

The opening takes me back in time to my aunt's garden. I'm twelve, I'm running barefoot on the grass, nipping off the tiny leaves on tomato plants where they shouldn't grow, picking rhubarb and most of all, eating the amazing rhubarb cake outside. So beautifully tart and refreshing, almost sharp. To be absolutely honest, I get a complex synaesthetic experience smelling this unusual creation. It makes my mouth water in a good way and I see deep greens, reds and pinks, the colors of rhubarb. After about an hour and a half the scent sits very close to the skin and becomes a tamer, rounder and wonderfully soft version of itself. This is my first encounter with Aedes perfumes and I'm afraid I'm madly in love.

This is a masterpiece. So many of my favourite notes blended together: rhubarb, cannabis, tomato leaves... On me the rhubarb is the most prominent. Green, bringing clarity and good thoughts. Fresh yet delicate and tender. Mesmerizing and unpretentious. For me this is like a little, more fragile and sweet sister of the Green Knight - Chevalier Vert by Olympic Orchids. I discovered the two perfumes in the same time of my life and to me they are the best rhubarb scents ever: the inseparable duo. I hope i get a whole bottle one day, a sister to my Chevalier.

This is by far the most stunning and complex parfums I own- easily my favorite. Rhubarb and tomato are strong. Also pepper shines through nicely. I am completely addicted to this fragrance, although my male friends don't think it's very "girly". I give zero sh*ts, as this, to me is like holding onto an empty bottle of truffle oil, just to keep sniffing!! People often use other fragrances to compare, understandably, but I am afraid I can't with this one. I think it's completely unique and delicious!

This is a lovely, light and transparent, bright fragrance especially for summer. It is an alternative fresh and refreshing scent to the more conventional colognes. It is great for casual or work and does get some compliments. I have not come across anyone who disliked it. It is a 'crowd pleaser'. It is unisex and any man or woman could wear it, and it is not challenging. It has excellent longevity and modest sillage. Although it's pricey, for me it's worth it.

Green! This is the first thing I heard when I tried the perfume. This scent is especially after a powerful opening of vetiver and rhubarb slowly evolves reversing everything. After a few minutes the green apple and the incense feel. It evokes moments after a rain in spring, where a shy sun check... This fragrance contains a harmony that is revealed in its evolution ... Great job of Duchaufour. Sillage: 7./10 Longevity: 8./10 Scent: 8.5/10 Overall: 8.5/10

A very interesting scent profile. Green, slightly herbal, but piercing with some pucker and a lot of zing. It has the same vibe that Bvlgari Black and Versace Eros has but as a more green herbal fresh take. Don't mistake it as a dirty scent however, despite the incense and vetiver this is a fresh clean scent. Can cut through the cold nicely but I'd imagine would also be great for warmer months, dries down pretty linear.