Mystic Moss

I love chypres. Two of my favorite fragrances are Mousse de Chenne 30 and Eau Capitale, and this makes a fine addition to that collection. On paper, this smells like a traditional chypre, but on skin it opens up to be a modern, fresher take on an old format. The fragrance opens with a clear and distinct green mandarin. I'm typically wary of "new notes", but his one is spot on. It smells like a mandarin stripped of sweetness with amped up acidity. The biggest downside is that this sharp note stays dominant for several (2-4) hours. Eventually, sage takes over as the dominant and starts guiding this into more of a masculine aromatic direction. The salinity of algae and the freshness of geranium kick in around the 4 hour mark and fade into a beautiful mossy/patchouli that leans in more of a motor oil direction, reminiscent of Tempo's (Diptyque) patchouli note. Despite the marketing as a fresh scent, the sharp citrus and mossy-patchouli keep it from being "t-shirt fresh." Instead, it feels more like a scent you'd wear on a sunny day where the max temp is 70f (~20c), and you're wearing a button-up or light cardigan (fits my style). Longevity is great (7-8hrs), as a chypre, projection is great (as expected), and, for a designer fragrance, the value is great.

An orange and lime-citrus forward fragrance that’s fresh-spicy, mossy and aromatic. Yes there is a subtle earthiness in the dry-down, but it’s very sweet and ever so slightly vegetable-like, (not dry or dirty, like soil). There’s also a barely noticeable mint or sweet spearmint at work in the background; it holds the composition together. The vetiver and incense reveal themselves slowly. I personally find this better as a room/linen spray and have used it as such.

It's expensive, but very long lasting and a BIG bottle. I was surprised to still easily smell it on my wrists 12-14 hours later. The next morning waking up I still get some hints of minty eucalyptus sweetness when hitting the shower. That's impressive for an Eau de Toilette. I like the uniqueness of this scent, its not something I can say I smelled before. Very green, salty, earthy but also fresh and summery.

Opening is similar to Hermes H24. Transforms into a spicy mandarin with some very likeable marine/salty notes. I hate marines usually but wow this is amazing. The mid almost reminds me a bit of burlington 1819 by roja. Spicy, citrusy, marine, and earthy, but not nearly as earthy as fragrantica says it is. Recommend!

Expensive? Sure. However, what would you pay to smell like muddled mandarin and cardamom in a salt-rimmed glass by the beach? This is evocative of good times in hot weather with the best people. In other terms, mystic moss is a citric cocktail anticipating its shot of alcohol and crushed ice.