Taro

I have acquired recently a discovery set of the Elixir line from Botanicae. New brand to me and, cautiously, did not expect much! After going through the entire set, Taro turned out to be my favourite one. Quite unexpectedly, because I thought it’s a fact that Ebano will be the one for me. It’s not terrible, but has some synthetic parts unfortunately! Taro is for tropical fruity fans. Pineapple lovers. From top to bottom, Taro smells like sweet pineapple. A mostly pineapple forward fragrance with airy saffron, lush jasmine, warm labdanum and hints of patchouli and clary sage. A very refreshing mix of notes that creates a juicy, aromatic, sweet tropical fruity, warm floral. Out of the five elixirs, Taro smells the most delicious, natural and interesting in my opinion. Since it’s composed around fruits, florals, woods, aromatics and spices, it’s very versatile. It’s the only one I would consider purchasing a full size bottle and I would wear it year round. Has enough strength to face well low temperatures and just the right amount of fruits and flowers and to be suitable around spring and summer seasons. Also, the fact that’s so heavy on pineapple makes it stand out in my collection, since I don’t have many juicy pineapple scents. It has an addictive smell and draws me in... Not a beast but fairly long lasting with decent sillage. For the prices currently sold, wouldn’t say it’s bad value for money considering all the above.

Taro by Botanicae is an intriguing fragrance that constantly plays on the contrast between the sweet-exotic and the dark-earthy. Taro does not follow the classic "fresh" pyramid structure; it is rather a journey that starts bright and ends very profoundly. The debut is dominated by pineapple, but forget the "fruit juice" effect or the Aventus style. Here the pineapple is made dry and luxurious by saffron, which adds a metallic and slightly leathery nuance from the first seconds. The heart is: Floral-Herbaceous Balance. As the fruity sweetness fades, the sage emerges, giving an aromatic and almost "clean" vibration. Jasmine serves to give body and soften edges, but does not make the fragrance excessively floral or feminine; remains firmly unisex. Taro's true strength lies in the base. The Agarwood (Oud) here is not "animalic" or annoying, but woody and serious. Patchouli and labdanum create a resinous, dense and slightly smoky accord reminiscent of distant exotic lands. It is a perfume for those who love "chiaroscuro" fragrances. If you appreciate the idea of an exotic fruit sinking into a base of resins and ancient woods, Taro is a great blind buy in the accessible niche.

After getting the discovery kit and completely using my sample I knew I had to order a bottle. The best in the kit by a mile. I’ve tried many newer releases of tropical fragrances and in my opinion this is the best of all of them. No one ever talks about this and I low key want to gate keep it.. but do yourself a favor and get a sample. Could definitely be my summer signature even though I think it can be worn year round. Simply intoxicating...

I love this! Sweet pineapple saffron opening, slowing fading into an oudy patchouli, then finishing off with woody florals. It's intoxicating, and I will definitely be picking up a full bottle after the decant is out. This is a sleeper hit, can't believe it's not more popular

Whoever said it reminds them of Vibrant Leather Bogoss got it right. Certainly not 1:1, but I can smell exactly why that comparison would be made. This one is notably superior though, and I'd gladly pay the premium for a bottle.

Just to clarify, this fragrance offers a fruitier take on Gissah’s Imperial Valley, reminiscent of Opera by Fabbrica Della Musa, Nardo Oud by Orientica, Dacova by Sedra, Liwan by Ard Al Zaafaran, and Hawas by Rasasi. I wish I could list them all to avoid redundancy.

Gerda Taro was a wartime photo reporter. Always in the company of her love Robert Capa (so much so that some photos had no attribution, because they merged into a single soul), she unfortunately met her death during her work, hit by a tank. Still conscious, her last concern was to recommend that her cameras be preserved. The anti-fascist militias defined her as incredibly beautiful, but with a unique coldness and determination. Taro is a fragrance that celebrates her: her strong character, with an opening of pineapple and saffron; her beauty (with jasmine) and wisdom (sage), and a very important base that underlines the determination of this splendid woman. Suitable for all occasions, incisive, sparkling and cheerful. The Republican militian training on the beach in Barcelona, photographed by Gerda Taro.

This is a beautiful fragrance. And thank god, because our dog is named for Gerda Taro (thanks for the inspiration, Alt-J!) and I was desperate to love it. Fruity, herbal, dry, woody perfectly unisex. Punchy and confident like Taro herself. A fitting tribute. I’m going to buy a full bottle immediately. EDIT: my full bottle just arrived and it comes with its own notebook ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The best perfume presentation I’ve ever had the privilege to experience in my sad scented little life thus far.

idk how or why but this smells almost exactly like Elizabeth Arden Green Tea on my skin