Keman

The best fragrance I have ever tried? Sometimes on the perfume journey, you stumble upon gems. However it is very rare that you become face to face with a real olfactive treasure. Those compositions that affect you on a deeper level. When I sprayed this first time, I got goosebumps. Credit to the creators Rajesh Balkrishnan and Yasuyuki Shinohara. Im not a rose lover. In fact, I usually avoid fragrances with rose. However, for me Keman is a rose dominant fragrance. How can I consider a rose fragrance as the best fragrance ever when I do not like rose? Im not sure. Keman and Di Ser in general is just different. They use a Japanese rose, grown in their own farm and distilled by themselves. It is a different rose type of smell. It is a result of art, genius knowledge and cooperation with the essence of nature itself. Its very difficult to convert the olfactive experience to words in this case. To put it simple. First I get this beautiful, almost herbalish rose playing together with jasmine. At the same time, in another "layer", I get shiso (Japanese mint), geranium and almost a fresh green leafy note. Its a really exciting and beautiful combo. It did something with my state of mind. I became happy and calm. My gf think it smell a bit like natural frangipani flowers falling from the trees. I can understand that, and it is the rose jasmine combo creating that impression. It took 15-20 minutes before I started to get the oud, which is a very pleasant type from Vietnam (Jinko grade from 2005). The scent is very transparent and has that unique Di Ser DNA. Not only do they grow and make their own essences, this fragrance is 100% natural. I feel like the Japanese culture is reflected in this fragrance, especial the minimalist natural approach. It is fascinating how a seed become a flower and ending up in a fluid which has the power of affecting the human mind and soul. These thoughts I do not get with "normal" fragrances, and that's probably why I consider Di Ser to be more than perfume. Keman has a kind of therapeutic qualities. Balsam for the soul. The image I get from it is a otherworldly forest, imagine something like the landscape in Avatar, in full bloom. That is Keman in a nutshell. After the first hour, Keman is close to skin. If wearing this at work I will probably bring a decant and reapply after 3-4 hours. It will create a pleasant cloud around you, and I think the naturals will make people wonder what that amazing scent is- because it does not smell like a typical perfume...which is one of the coolest things by wearing it. Keman certainly represents a kind of milestone on my perfume journey. Not only is it among the best fragrances I have tried and that affected me most, I have opened up for rose and probably got a new favourite fragrance house. When they do things like this, they are in a league of their own according to my taste.

How am I to find a solution to writing about a transcendental fragrance like Di Ser? Most of those who have already written about it have tried to capture the experience of being enveloped in a way that tries to get beyond language and into the mystical realm of the senses and meditation. I wish I had the linguistic tools to match the near poetry they have written in homage to this rara avis (rare bird).I use the bird image because the fragrance takes flight upward into both the fullness of being and the Mu (emptiness) that mysticism attempts to reach. Like most great works of art, it is an oxymoron, both bird and nothing, both natural and exquistely well-crafted. The notes just keep unfolding, whispers and mantras, songs and to quote Hamlet “the rest is silence.” The Rose and carnation are “to live for”, for me, at least, since I admit to not knowing what Shiso and Yuzo smell like in nature. But I really don’t think listing ingredients is what would prove helpful (they are listed after all). It is the experience of it changing subtly over several hours. It isn’t a silage beast, but it is strong enough to make a magnetic impression on those close by. I have to admit that living in self-distancing has made me a flagrant abuser of sprays. If I could live in the world this evokes I would. I won’t keep this a as rara avis. It is meant to be used and to open me up to a new way of sensing scents. It isn’t an epic poem or a melancholy ode. It is among the great Eastern masters, who captured humanity is a few carefully chosen words and syllables. If you can ever sample this fragrance you might be as flummoxed in trying to describe it as I am. It deserves in Olfactory 2020 nomination, and of all the ones I have smelled in this category it is the one I treasure the most. Thank you for creating something that changes me.

3 sample size wearings and here are my thoughts: This perfume is stunning. Crisp and complex. It wears, on me, reverse engineered and full circled. On my skin it opens with a blast of that kyara oud, medicinal, anise like, almost paint thinner astringent. Gorgeous. Then I get a blooming rose jam, austere. Not heavy. This is then followed by bright, tart yuzu. The Yuzu, for me, stays the entire life of the fragrance. The rose fades and gives way to either mint or geranium, or both. The kyara comes back now as everything dries down and the fragrances slowly stays and then fades as a pretty floral, minty, citrus, spiritual oud. The flowers are never heady. The citrus is never synthetic. And the oud is never stinky. The longevity is well above average. I cannot comment on sillage or projection as I wasn’t able to have a true full wearing. But I imagine it’s perfect. This is nearly a perfect fragrance. Completely non gender. I would wear this in a linen shirt on the beach. I would wear it after a hot bath in the depth of winter. I would wear this in a baby blue t-shirt, dark wash jeans, and white sneakers. I would wear this in a fitted black suit with no tie. I would wear this on a first date. I would wear this to family picture day. It is both inviting, and introverted. It can be shared, or hoarded. This is a proper, modern fragrance: clean and bright but deep and complex. Very spiritual in nature, though more of a prayer scent than a meditation scent. This perfume talks more than it listens with a soft soft and seductive voice that politely demands your attention. Fantastic! 10/10

Keman opens with a burst of Yuzu, one of the best uses of natural Yuzu I have encountered, it's crisp like an acidic citrus juice, yet herbal, like the rind as well. Uplifting shisho, and sweet florals round out the top-notes which last for quite a while. In the sun, the citrus and mint radiate off of your skin, lending a rejuvenating quality to this perfume, especially in the heat. This is a perfume born to be worn in the heat. As Keman develops on skin, a rich herbal oud starts to break through the composition, and grounds it. It's in the heart-notes where the jasmine, rose and cherry blossom really flourish on me as well. They lend a spiritual, numinous quality to the perfume, as if my mind is wandering through an endless array of light pink flower petals hanging from the sky, and these notes quite literally enchanted me during my wearing. During the dry down, these notes meld together, and soften into a whisper, supported by a green earthiness, most likely due to the presence of cypress. In all, wearing Keman is an experience unto its self, spiritual and healing. Projection is moderate, noticeable for the wearer, yet personal as well. Longevity is fantastic considering this is a completely natural perfume. Professor Balkrishnan was extremely generous, and gave me the fortune of sampling this beautiful perfume.

This fragrance is an experience! Deep, mind-invigorating, ethereal and meditative is what the fragrance is to me It opens with a refreshing blast of Japanese rose, geranium and shiso (Japanese mint) that for a second reminds me of Tsuki 月 also from Di Ser but it quickly takes a different turn just 5 minutes later. Few minutes pass and now the mid and base start cutting through the mix and begin making this light, airy composition gain incredible depth. You can start smelling a bit of cypress and a green oud start balancing the bright top notes The more it dries down, the more the top minty notes dissipate and the oud starts to shine alongside the cypress note. This oud is very gentle and green, no barnyard or animalics here. If you've ever smelled oud oil you'll know exactly the type of oud I'm talking about, you can tell whats here is 100% authentic oud The deep drydown of this frag is similar to the other Di Ser offerings I've tried. I had high expectations and this met them. This oud fragrance is suitable for warm weather, it's very light and has a distinct Japanese elegance to it. It's not a beast performer but this is using 100% naturals. For what I would say is a light fragrance it has amazing complexity to it! This was a very enjoyable wear! ー🎅

This has been a very big Wow for me. And believe me I dont get wowed by a fragrance easily. I have tried many of the best fragrances and this is in my top five. This one perfectly captures the inner sanctum of a temple.This is the scent of Shanti and Nirvana for me. This isn't an opulent scent we read about so often but a scent of "letting go" literally . The Sanskrit word " Shanti " just can't be translated. It has been very loosely translated as peace. But thats a very shallow translation. Even poet T.S. Eliot couldn't find a synonym for the Sanskrit word "Shanti" and had to use the word Shanti in his poem Wasteland Jasmine is on the forefront initially flanked by a faint rose and geranium. Yuzu and agarwood join almost immediately. Agarwood is very high quality perhaps from Malaysia or Brunei. This is incensey agarwood. I actually felt I was in the inner sanctum of a temple in South India as the fragrance slowly unfolded. Very well done Rajesh Balkrishnan and Yasuyuki Shinohara. Perhaps Rajesh Balkrishnan could throw some light on the agarwood used here.

Let me start with this Before going in any depth. I absolutely adore Keman. Keman opens on me with some of the most beautiful rose I've ever smelled. If I could, I'd love to have this rose by itself, every day. Along with a background of yuzu, I find the opening to be very invigorating. After a deliteful opening the shiso comes out, and is fairly strong to my nose. Usually I'm not a fan of mint, but here, working with the agarwood, it's one of my favorite notes in keman. The agarwood used here is very clearly of fantastic quality, on the greener side, definitely no barnyard oud to be found. Longevity is excellent on me, easily lasting 8+ hours, with good projection and sillage. I'd wear this in any situation, from casually hanging around the house, to the most dressy occasions. Keman transports me back to my trip to Japan in 2010. Its meditative, it's zen, it's definitely different than I usually wear, but it's opened my eyes, and is hands down one of my favorite releases of 2019. An easy 9/10 for me. THIS is what the art of perfumery should be about.

Finally received my sample from LuckyScent. A greenish and almost icy blast in the opening with a very distinguishable rose-geranium. It’s already stunning. A bit of mintiness comes through soon thereafter and is probably the source of the coolness. On my skin the jasmine is subtle. Yuzu can usually be strong and heavy, but here it’s blended well and adds something special. I am not familiar with Tansy or cherry blossom notes, so am not able to pick these out specifically. But I do smell something solid and yet airily sweet in the middle, that matches what I imagine cherry blossom smells like. Like most Di Ser blends, nothing shouts out. Keman is harmonious, and speaks quietly with wisdom and grace. I imagine springtime in Japan when I smell Keman. Shrines do not come to mind, but that being said, I’ve never been to Japan to smell either so! If it is then I definitely can’t wait to visit some. Dry down stays close to the skin, medicinal and sweet. Great blending and great ingredients in Di Ser’s signature style.

imagine you are in a buddhist temple for morning prayers and you decide to take a stroll in the garden. The morning dew is still beaming of the flora and fauna”. I can instantly smell the fresh picked roses, jasmine and the citrus. The very first thought I had in my mind when I sprayed this is man, I need to go visit a Buddhist temple. This is not a fragrance for someone who is caught up in the rat race or preoccupied with the material achievements. This is a fragrance for someone who has taken a moment to step back, and relax. Someone who soaks in the beauty of the morning light reflecting of the dew on the rose bushes and the serenity that comes with it. This is not for someone who wants compliments or wants to be the best smelling person in the club. This is for one who is not afraid to stop and “smell the roses”. This is for an aficionado or a true fraghead. Keman for me, encapsulates that serenity and memory in a bottle

Keman is one of the most complex DiSer offerings. Also, one of the best. When I initially put it on, I got mostly rose, geranium, cherry blossom and shiso. The rose and cherry blossom were the most noticeable of the bunch on my skin. However, I could certainly tell there was a slightly incensy and resinous woodiness in the background with a touch of creamy sweetness. As time went on, (my beloved) Yuzu started to appear, which shocked me quite a bit in the middle of the fragrance. Alongside the Yuzu I got that lovely DiSer jasmine. The heart reminded me a bit of Sasora, in a good way. The oudiness became more noticeable after a while and was a really great touch. It's going to take me a while to pick this one apart because it really deserves more time and appreciation. I had high hopes knowing Keman was a collaborative effort between Mr. Balkrishnan and Shinohara-San. Keman delivered 100% and more.

Netherlands 24 degrees, summer is comming. The yuzu note is something apart what i never have smelled before and the combination with the basalic mint of the shiso plant and the sugary rose gives it a sweet sour and somewhat bitter scent. When the yuzu is tempering the flowers coming in and the composition goes a smoother way. The agarwood sits real close to the skin and for me only noticeable on the wrist. Keman is composed in a collobration between rajes Balkrishnan and yasuyuki shinohara. And for me its really miraculous how nice they are and take some personal time when you have a question. yasayuki and Rajesh did a great thing and made a beautifull scent were every drip is a journey beginning and a Journey ending cause of its limity 🥰

What a transcendental, clean and mythical adventure waltzing with aromatic bliss. As others have stated what a sublime and stunning Yuzu composition taking the lead. This whole blend is something to behold. This is so beautiful and what fortune I had to read a small missive by Rajesh stating a further 33 bottles were offered once again four minutes after he posted. I immediately fell down the rabbit hole and ordered. I loved the transitions throughout the wear. Mediative and contemplating this will be a regular wear during quiet times and stress reduction times. Excellent! I did wonder what type of oud was used in this composition? (Jinko perhaps) Thanks ahead of time for the information.

Outstanding! Japanese fragrance culture asks one to "listen" to a fragrance. Though listening, we connect with ourself and nature. Keman opens with beautiful robust florals. Clean and Crystal clear. Rose, germanium, and yuzu. The Japanese mint develops shortly after. About an hour in, the Kyra oud base develops, and it's superb. Warm and addictive. Harmoniously blended, the florals and mint take turns coming in and out of the oud. Kyra oud is like no other oud I've smelled. Moderate projection and great longevity. All great art has a common denominator. It must provoke emotion. Keman does just this! Captivating and Tranquil and in a league of it's own. I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

“Keman” represents the floral offering which is usually placed in the inner sanctum of Buddhist temples. First snif and wow! This is a really beautiful monastic floral agarwood perfume and a very complex scent. Rose and cherry blossom were the most noticeable on the opening with an invigorating Yuzu note. However, I could notice incense and a woodiness in the background with a touch of sweetness. The agarwood used here is on the greener side and not barnyard at all. This fragrance is very complex but hopefully versatile at the same time. A masterpiece and my favorite!👍🏽🥇🏆

OK the hype is real, snagged a half bottle and it's stunning. A really uplifting blend of florals citrus wood and green notes to end up like the freshest juiciest taif rose and garden you'll ever smell. I had a decant of Ensar Oud #3 (and a sample of the extrememly rare Kyara Ketone version) which was previously the best take on Taif Rose I'd tried and this knocks that clear out of the park. As another person said, this is for one who is not afraid to "stop and smell the roses” indeed.

To create a scent like this is quite an undertaking. Every single time I have smelled this scent, I get something new. It is like waking up and smelling a new garden every single day. The citrus shines so brightly and beautiful, and then intermingles beautiful florals and yuzu. Sadly there is no more of this, but it is most definitely something that invokes a sense of spirituality. Perhaps peace is not quite the word, but hope and renewal

One of the most beautiful and uplifting perfumes I've ever smelled. Keman opens with a blast of bright yuzu and an exquisite rose. The shiso and geranium add a green, herbaceous element while a whisper of green oud and cypress lend a touch of woodiness and incense to the blend. Keman feels spiritual and expansive, beyond the shrine inside the temple and out in the garden.

A harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy, soft undertone of Yuzu, Oud and Cypress. It is quite unfortunate that only 66 bottles were made. One could only hope for a V2 of this Masterpiece.

I was able to try this fragrance briefly yesterday and Keman is a lovely Rose oud fragrance with sharp minty/citrus opening. I enjoyed the Rose in the dry down... remind me of a bombay faluda :)

This is the scent of an angel come down from heaven. I don't believe in any of that. But that is the feeling this fragrance represents for me.