Castaña

Knew nothing of this brand or the notes of this fragrance. Sprayed it on this morning and what a treat. The masculine greenery hits with a peppery dark edge. This settles to a lightly smoked vetiver note and this is the only clearly defined note I could get and it is KO gorgeous to be fair. I said to myself.... Castana definitely has vetiver (this usually means I check the notes and it's not listed) and hoorah there it is. However, as it settles it almost completely mutates and the heart/base take over and curiously does really smell of vetiver anymore, but a men's designer fragrance....I'm gonna say from the 90's and I wracked my brains thinking of what ot was, driving along in my car and all of a sudden ah ha!!! It dries down to something in the ballpark of Versace Dreamer of all things! This is a hasty review and I will need to sample again but It smells like dreamer, shades of Le Male and maybe even reflection man? So I'd even say there's a lightly floral tobacco and even touches of vanilla scented barbershop, fougere. I always think dreamer has a hazy, chemical smell, a bit stale and unsettling but fantastic for it. This is similar. I enjoyed it. 01/03/22 Update: I can't help but read back this review and think it might, just might, be a touch unhelpful/misleading. I really stick to what I said but I can't believe I downplayed (straight up didn't mention!!!) the nutty aspect of this perfume, because it is very nutty, like a beautiful, warm, chestnut. Vetiver (and certainly sandalwood) can also have this nutty quality, folks will be familiar with Haitian and Java vetivers but I have a material from Brazil which is obviously not as popular or well known but is very characteristically nutty. I think what I was driving at was that the base of this perfume is musky and soft, the top notes are interesting, a kind of hybridized Gourmand/fougere of sorts and I think the perfumer has struck a perfect tone here of innovation and calming, reassuring, perfuminess and chic, style, making Cloon Keen the kind of Chanel or Celine of the Emerald Isle. I think it's superb in both it's subtley and creativity and no wonder Luca Turin bummed it into next week! (He does get things right occasionally, the senile old git) The creamy warm hay/coumarin character and vetiver earth to it, does make me think it's something people who enjoy Hermes Vetiver Tonka would really like. Castana is basically Vetiver Tonka but for people with more personality.

I love chestnuts and so I had high hopes for this scent, and after an initial bit of uncertainty this certainly delivered for me. When I first sprayed this on my wrist it was initially quiet, subtle, and herbal, with little of the promised chestnut. I was prepared for a disappointment. Then, after the first 10 minutes or so I noticed gorgeous wafts of clean chestnut projecting without even sniffing my wrist, and on closer inspection the chestnut had arrived at the forefront. On my skin, it seemed to take a moment to gather itself before erupting into the delicious chestnut I hoped for. On my skin the chestnut is rich and nutty but not sweet/sickly, which was exactly what I hoped for as I have been on the lookout for gourmand scents that are not overly sweet or lean towards vanilla. On me this is a clean, almost savory chestnut framed by a herbal background. It developed into a nutty, comforting but clean chestnut scent that moved to a more smoky roasted chestnut over the next few hours, with a herbal background that transitioned to smokiness and incense. After initially being underwhelmed, I found it very moreish as it developed and couldn't stop sniffing my wrist. It went fairly quickly from a disappointment to an absolute banger that has made it on to my shortlist of potential full bottle purchases. Projection/sillage for me was excellent. Aside from smelling where applied, I would get whiffs of this when out and about (while having only sprayed on one wrist) for several hours, and my skin type often just demolishes scents after a couple of hours. I found it to be very unisex and very wearable/versatile. I feel it is both suited to a casual autumn/winter vibe paired with cozy knitwear, but also suitable for work/office autumn/winter wear as it is clean, sophisticated and warm. While unique, I feel it is not likely to offend or challenge in a formal environment.

The smell of Ireland. As soon as you spray this on you're slapped in the face with earthy, smoky, and woody vetiver contrasted against cozy, nutty, and warm chestnut; all the while a bright white floral note keeps the opening from being overly cloying and overbearing. Instead, it whisps around the wearer in an undeniably strong, but in a nuanced, sophisticated way. As it dries down there isn't a ton of change, more of an interplay and darkening of both the chestnut & vetiver, really an in depth study of both major notes. I recently stumbled upon this brand while touring through Ireland, and man this one blew me away more than any of the other scents from the house. Simultaneously fresh yet warm, cozy yet professional, and complex yet linear, this is really deserving of all the accolades it gets. I will say, to my nose this is significantly more versatile than people let on, but I still wouldn't be reaching for this on the hottest days. It perfectly represents the Irish summer though; from cool, fall like mornings, hot and sunny afternoons, and rainy and cloudy evenings. Whenever I crave a big nostalgia hit of that fantastic vacation, or I need a little gift o' gab, I reach for Castaña. Really really happy I have this is my collection. 10/10. Signature scent worthy. Masterpiece Song vibe - Didya Think by Arlie TLDR - Fantastic cozy and sweet chestnut contrasted against earthy, smoky, and vetiver. A must try for chestnut, vetiver, or Fat Electrician by ELDO fans, or for anyone who is looking for a chestnut forward fragrance that doesn't veer into the ultra sweet. A true underrated gem. Side note - While imo this is easily the best from the house, there are a lot of great options from this house that any enthusiast should get a whiff of. Hard to find here in the US, but if you ever find yourself in Ireland, try to see if you can carve out an hour to check it out.

This is as much a physical sensation as it is a perfume and an impressive balance of contrasting elements. It announces itself with chestnut, as the name suggests, but then that aspect quickly fades and becomes a subtle but tenacious background player to the aromatic facets, which is great because the airy quality of the scent helps it feel lighter and easier to wear than you might expect with a chestnut fragrance. In addition to the listed notes, the salesperson at the Cloon Keen shop also mentioned cardamom and tobacco, and I get those as well, but the blend feels very cohesive and no one note in this overpowers another. It's very tactile-- there's almost a vibrating quality to it, and it's simultaneously warm and chilly. It's also squarely a gourmand without being the least bit sweet. Typically with a chestnut scent, I would expect there to be a sweet candied aspect, but there's not one here-- just the white florals, so my brain sorta fills in the missing sweet spot. The omission lends some subtlety to the composition. It gives it a "transparent" feel and makes it both more distinctive and even more wearable. I think it's a great achievement. Super unique, so it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but one of my all-time faves.

I have wanted to try Castaña for a long time. An unusual chestnut-forward scent, this was awarded a five-star review from Luca Turin. A non-sweet, unisex gourmand, Castaña smells niche and luxe yet manages to be wearable. It is unlike anything I have smelled before, and I am very taken with it. Castaña is nutty from initial spray, with a beautiful roasted chestnut accord leading the way. Slightly sweet, it is beautifully rendered. There is some peppery spice, cardamom-like and nose-tickling, adding a nice edge. Woody notes follow, particularly dry, grassy vetiver. It enhances the chestnut to perfection. As it develops, creamy white florals round it out but remaining in the background, serving to enhance the chestnut. I get some tonka bean as it begins to dry down, rounding out the smooth nuttiness beautifully. I get a hint of incense at its late stages, adding some balsamic smokiness, again adding to the roasted effect of the chestnut note. It fades to a tonka bean skin scent, becoming slightly musky as it fades. Sillage and longevity are moderate. A unisex autumnal scent, Castaña's central theme is beautifully and accurately rendered as well as it being wearable. Cosy and elegant olfactory art. An original. 4.5/5.

I have worn this several times to get a handle on it and I seem to have a slightly different response if I dab just a small amount as opposed to being more generous. When applying gently, I get more vetiver and cool notes, whereas a more liberal application brings out the chestnut. Either way, I love it. That cassie note, which I now know was what I identified (even more strongly) in Malle's Une fleur de cassie, along with jasmine are just dreamy, without making this a floral-dominant scent. I don't know whether it is also the effect of the cassie, but it is reminiscent for a while of the darker aldehydes used in Baghari. I was concerned that this would be too gourmand, or too chestnutty, or too vetiver, but above all I appreciate the blending in this - chestnut warmth to vintage floral to vetiver. I see why the chestnut makes people think of autumn, but actually, I would happily wear this all year. I find the three-part construction classical and timeless, there is something both delicate about the style and tenacious about its performance (4 hours moderate to good sillage then another 4 low sillage) and it is utterly distinctive.

This is very similar to Lorenzo Villoresi Musk - but there is something in the base that differentiates it. This is also an example of a fragrance that you should just buy if you like it, regardless of reviews or of others opinions. To me it’s fresh, gourmand, sweet, reminiscent of baby powder on chocolate - but just so sensual and delicious. I get the roasted chestnut thing - but there is also something that makes you smell so fresh and clean - sexy and sumptuous. I also love the story behind this house. If you like baby powder and gourmand fragrances - this is for you xxx

Cloon Keen Castaña (2011) - powdery chestnuts - @inspiration.libre was commissioned by an Irish brand. It starts with an uplifting opening of Cardamom, Vegetal peppers and roasted Chestnuts. Slightly caramelized yet not dense and heavy. Its heart comes in pillow-like powdery clouds of Cassia flower, with a slight animalic accord that creates interest and makes the perfume fit for human skin. Transitions were seamless and tells a focused story of something that is nostalgic to Filipinos buying and eating Castaña’s during the holiday season. My type of gourmand fragrance.

I love this one so much. It’s warm, woodsy, a little spicy, nutty, and comforting without turning even slightly syrupy. it doesn't smell like literal roasted chestnuts, but the idea and inspiration from roasted chestnuts is definitely there. Perfect for wearing with sweaters in autumn and winter. Also one of the best bottles I’ve encountered - the atomizer is so nice! If they ever discontinue I’ll be devastated, it’s already a bit hard to find where I am in the states

I can hardly smell it. Poor longevity and sillage. It's such a shame as the few Cloon scents I've tried were really nice. Why are they so weak. Castana so promising ☹ It's a miracle I can make out the chestnut or Vetiver! If Cloon made edp or extrait sttegth versions of their lovely creations then I would definitely buy.

This is really lovely, nutty and cosy without the added sugar. Unfortunately, I seem to go anosmic to it very easily. I'm not sure what the commenter below found so sweet about this, as I find most gourmands sickly and was fine with this one.

hmmmm this is pretty unique, it smells exactly like what it says, firstly chesnut then a gourmandish creamy vetiver! really enjoying this! 7/10

A pleasant sweet woody hum of a fragrance. I agree it is more of a cold weather scent.

This one smells like a metallic mineral water filling a cup of dried chestnuts. It's neither sweet nor nutty although sometimes gives me the impression of a marron glacé while IT IS already A chestnut but blended so well in away that makes both the nutty and sweet flavors quite mild AND balanced. As it calms down & around (20 minutes) I get a hint of old wooden furniture fills the place in an antique house! And surprisingly, and as I keep on sniffing my hands that is full of castana, the first hall of the infamous "Resident Evil 1" game on playstation 1 came up to my mind repeatidly with its super strength! It's the first room in the mansion when Jill, Barry, & Wesker (if you are playing by Jill, while Chris, Barry, & Wesker if you are playing by Chris) escaped the forest and gone into the mansion. To be clear, it's the following hall: The video: youtu.be/bdrbLeTx-xM Min: 4:15 It just feels as if I'm there sniffing the whole scene! I've tried "castana" last year in one of london's niche fragrances shops and I was mad about it when I left as it made quite an impression on my skin, and last month I tired it again in the sam shop and I have a sample of it, it is quite impressive although I don't like metallic notes but I'll try to get over it since it is a great kind of gourmand fragrance. Besides, the metallic here are presented more as the mineral water which is a bonus... let's have some tests and see.

I don't know if the combination of shiny metallic bottles and the Cloon Keen name is supposed to make me think of Jeff Koons but it does. Every time. But that is by the by. I have had a sample of Castaña for some months now. The opening is all about the eponymous sweet chestnuts, marrons glacés or confit de marrons (if you haven't tried it, it's a treat on pancakes). The drydown retains some sweetness but is predominantly woody. In my opinion, it would work very well as a unisex. Conclusion? Lovely though it is, I just can't get excited about it.

On the tester strip "Castana" was a thin, papery, fresh vetiver. On my skin, however, it smelled intensely warm, dark and nutty; An abundance of buttery ketones. Natural vetiver does indeed have a slightly gourmand hazelnut tinge, but here I found it a bit too stodgy; I preferred the lightness it had on paper. My skin does tend to draw out the heavier aspects of a fragrance though, so I can only speak for myself. Definitely could work well on the right person.

If you've ever bought roasted chestnuts from a street vendor, you know this scent. Perfect for winter. Cozy. Inoffensive. Unisex. It literally just smells like roast chestnuts with a subtle dash of herbs. A nice gourmand for anyone that wants to smell edible, but doesn't want to smell like cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, fruit, or any of the other usual suspects. To my mind the best use-case for this would be: *Indoors (day or night) *During the winter.

I was looking for the incense in the notes, because this is what comes through more clearly to my nose 15-20 minutes into the dry down. Soft, sweet incense. I think the perfumer did a great job of capturing the sweet and ever so slightly smoked scent of roast chestnuts.

A unisex scent. Baked chestnuts, warm on my skin. A cold weather comfort scent. I do get some pepper and mint, but rather lightly.

Smells more like chestnut shell than actual chestnut. Very strong smoky scent, as if the chestnut shells are burnt in charcoals. Then the powdery sweetness gets stronger and stays. Chestnut is not so common in perfumes, go get a sample if you are interested. Castana does not attract me enough to commit to a full bottle. It lacks depth, would be better if it were a candle than a perfume.

This somehow has put me off Chestnut perfumes.. which is something i didn't think would happen. This is too sweet for me and a very un-classy to my personal taste. I guess chestnut isnt the way forward for me. This doesnt remind me of any other perfume and this most certain isnt a safe blind buy at all. Please go smell this first. I like my Feve delicious and other gourmand fragrances, such as, Tres Chere and Poudre D'Or by Mizensir. But this one.. its just a no from me. Sickly to me.

This is a very unusual composition. A combination of nuttiness with green, herbal facets. I appreciate the originality but it is not for me. The opening smells like nut butter and spearmint toothpaste. The softer dry down is more palatable. Creative, aromatic and soft spicy but I don’t care for it.

The reviews on here just go to show how different we all are in both our likes and our skin chemistry because I don’t relate to all of them. This is a masterpiece in its construction- like so much of the Cloon line it is difficult to define and smooth in its blending. It has a fresh opening which is light and gentle and then that sweet nuttiness kicks in. For me, a little too gourmand as it replicates a chestnut paste just TOO well. Many lovers of true gourmand scents will find this not sweet enough though, it’s not strongly sweet. I found over the course of several hours it still produced warm sweet wafts of scent - especially when I got into a warm car or sat in the sun. If Bainin didn’t exist I might be tempted to go for this but for me Bainin has the natural warmth but without the nutty sweetness. For some moments of pleasure testing fragrances I’d suggest this one, Bainin and Frosted Moon just to experience what the craft of perfumery can still be like in a world of flankers and so-called niche perfumes. Extraordinary workmanship and artistry at reasonable prices. It’s taken me three years of searching for a scent and a small fortune spent on samples to discover this house and I’m smitten.

I am finally getting around to taking down my Christmas tree and switch out my holiday season perfumes for my winter fragrances, and I realized I had still not written a review for my newly acquired festive scent. So here goes. Maybe because Luca Turin described it as a "silken, lanky Art Deco wraith of a fragrance" (Perfumes: The Guide 2018) but this does rather seem like something a wealthy 1920s socialite would wear to a holiday party, with an ivory silk dress and and matching fur coat. However, it would go equally well with a cozy sweater, jeans, and boots worn for a casual pub lunch with friends. There is something about this that is warm, yet sophisticated. Maybe it's the design of the bottle as well but it feels sleek, yet festive, like a silver Christmas bauble. One could very well wear this throughout the autumn or winter but I rather like having a selection of fragrances that I only wear during the holiday season, as we make so many special memories during this time. Very unique, but like roasted chestnuts, Castaña is something I want only on special occasions.

in delicacy it reminds me of nicolai le temps du un fette, but something old fashioned bothered me there, that powdery note spoilt it for me to keep wearing it. Castana has it all, it is that much on the unique side, from the first test the beauty hits you : roasted chestnuts so gourmand like el nonya, but if you go on trying more perfumes you will loose it because after 10 mins on the paper it smells weird like a card board nothing that exciting but strange.the day after its little powdery but so well balanced sweetnes that for me this is the smell of the year, so unique yet smelly that you wish to wear it anywhere, everywhere, i find it extremely rare. this is 5 star perfume by far in my book. it must be floral, musky and woody in simmilar weights because it is so well rounded, no element sticks out as dominant after the roasted chestnut is finished...it takes you in.....into the most unique blend of floral and woody notes. i dont smell the parts.

I got this today and I can only hope that given time and allowed to settle (it came in the post) that the ingredients will produce a long lasting scent. It disappeared off my skin in about ten minutes and was far from strong when first applied. Either I have a cold coming or this is incredibly weak. I love the scent of it and there is a discernible chestnut note in the opening. It's honestly so faint and atm I am enormously disappointed. Will report back if things change.

Castana is a melange of sweet nectars infused with sumptuous heart notes and a sensual blend of spicy vetyver , aromatic woods, and the creaminess of the Tonka bean. One of the best vetyver scent I have ever smell.Although the perfumer is Delphine Thierry, it’s very much a collaboration team between her and Cloon Keen Atelier’s Canadian Margaret Mangan, she is the inspiration behind it.

The attractive guy in the perfume shop suggested I try this one. Perhaps it was the side of cute male, but I fell for it. It is rather lovely, I mean chestnuts ! Yum. But also..... When the rosy glow of first love faded, there's a metallic note, very cold steel Vs warm copper. Now hard metallic objects have their place, but perhaps not in a perfume. So the jury is kind of in... And out