Sleepy Hollow

Off the cap: Apple brandy Sprayed: It is a bit like taking a walk through my neighborhood on a damp fall night. Wool scarf, thermos full of hot cider spiked with brandy. The overarching impression is of wet fallen leaves. This feels “rainy,” and patchouli-forward for sure, resulting in a bit of a soil impression. Everyone’s yelling Slumberhouse, but this feels like Prin merged with Pineward for me. I’ve smelled 30 or so Pineward scents, and occasionally they’ll take a stab at this sort of inky, damp, dank overgrowth vibe, but I feel Sleepy Hollow sticks the landing better than any of the Pinewards I’ve come across. And there’s a reference in the thread to Prin and Rajesh’s Aranyaka, and I got that too despite the scents not sharing a ton of notes. I think both this scent (and brand) and Slumberhouse are kneecapped by comparisons with one another, so I’d encourage anyone testing to judge Sleepy Hollow on its own terms. If you’re looking for something to fill the void now that Slumberhouse has more or less gone dark, this might disappoint you because it doesn’t dive headlong into Slumberhouse’s old habit of building scents around star frontman ingredients. At the risk of being reductive, for most Slumberhouse scents I’ve smelled, you could name the scent, and then I could give you a one-or-two-word answer for what it smells like: Baque- tobacco, Ore- chocolate, Norne- pine, Jeke- maple, Fjerne- milk & honey, Mond- pumpkin spice. But Sleepy Hollow doesn’t have that same laser focus on one note. It is more ambiguous, more amorphous, and less centered around any one specific thing. And it also lacks the gluttinous, too-much-of-a-good-thing aspect that I associate with most Slumberhouse offerings. But Sleepy Hollow is great on its own terms, though, and if I were Folkwinds, I’d do my best to discourage too many comparisons because I think this deserves a more unclouded sort of attention. I think the name of this scent is perfect because in terms of overall mood, it feels a lot like a spooky autumnal place, and I love that aspect because I tend to be drawn to scents that don’t convey “perfume” so much as “place” or “situation.” I don’t always want to come across as perfumed as much as I want a particular outfit I’m wearing to convey a vibe, and this is definitely a vibe. One thing this scent is not, to me, is comforting. I don’t find it particularly friendly, but instead it feels old, cold, and a bit sinister. To my nose this isn’t about the cozy aspects of fall, but the background sense of melancholy that it brings. I’d say a person wearing this would certainly smell good, but might read as either imposing or aloof, depending on their energy, as opposed to warm or inviting. I definitely get the reference to hay rides, though, as there’s a fluffiness from the oakmoss and hay notes. In the same way a person might listen to a sad song when they’re feeling sad, This will fit into my scent wardrobe for times when I’m feeling wistful or nostalgic. I would not wear this as a pick-me-up, but I think it’s a scent that will work for people who appreciate a full range of emotions and find beauty in leaning into a melancholy mood when one happens to strike. The one thing that is difficult for me to get past is the price. I ordered early and received a black-bronze-capped bottle. Great presentation, but my takeaway as a collector is that I would have been happy with a smaller bottle if it meant I’d be paying less. Since at $400, Sleepy Hollow has been easily the most affordable offering from Folkwinds, blind buying from this brand is a massive leap of faith, and I think fragrances with this type of niche appeal work better when sold at around 30ml so that if a blind buy is necessary, the process doesn’t feel quite as daunting– just my two cents I’m very pleased with this, though, and although I don’t think this is a scent for everyone, I think it’s one that certain people will adore, and that seems to have been the goal in the first place. Great release overall, and I’m glad to say Sleepy Hollow will henceforth feature prominently in my rotation during the autumn months.

John Ashbery, one of the titans of 20th century poetry, described another poetic titan, Elisabeth Bishop, as “a poet’s poet’s poet”. In some ways, I think that Jono Bornstein, the founder of Folkwinds, fits the decryption of a perfumer’s perfumer’s perfumer. I say this because he has focused his fragrance creations in ways few do: “Our scent-scapes capture the great beauty of North America, using primarily natural, American-sourced materials.” There are not all many perfumers that define their goals in terms of creating fragrances based on geography, but perhaps even more importantly on notes that are natural and American sourced. I would venture to guess that the great majority of those who purchase fragrances tend to have a less specific set of criteria in mind when they evaluate fragrance options. They focus on whether the fragrances smell especially wonderful. But a geography of the imagination (the title of an exceptional book of essays by Guy Davenport) does matter when adding up all the different fragrance houses around the globe. I bring up a global perspective because Folkwinds has another perfumer who helped create it: Rajesh. His creations have, up to this point, included notes that are often quite rare and are more often than not from well outside the US. His knowledge of perfumes and specific notes is astoundingly deep and wide. His collaborations with the likes of Sergei Borthnikoff, Prin Lomros, and Antonio Lasheras demonstrate the high regard in which he is held. I have been lucky enough to have tried all his fragrances and have written reviews of most of them. Many are masterpieces. Sleepy Hollow is my first encounter with Folkwinds fragrances. One sign that this house is well respected in the fragrance community is that virtually all of his scents have sold out within a very short time of being on the market. Had I not been given a heads up on when the fragrance would be on the market, I would not be writing this review. Luckily, I do own a bottle and have been wearing it numerous times over the past two weeks. Much of what I have to say about the fragrance does not differ from what others have already said. I agree this is something that should be worn in the Fall for those who live in the climate where Sleepy Hollow is (yes, it is a real place) exists-Westchester County NY). For those of us who live south of this I think it fits perfectly with the weather we mostly have throughout the winter. Today, for example, there is a cool wind, a slight drizzle, and the air hangs close. This fragrance evokes the leaves, the wind, the loamy earth. But it then blooms in ways that make it if not ghostly then at least evocative of hidden worlds. The apple, brandy beeswax and rose might even be called celebratory. But it is more of a whispered celebration. There are no loud notes, no shouts that this is a haunted beast. The fragrance is far more subtle far more seductive. It is darkly light perhaps. Can a fragrance be both worldly and of the earth while also subtly lifting us above the fallen leaves toward the hidden haunts of softly singing sprites? I have tried to wax poetic because this is a lyric scent. What I mean by this is that like reading Keats’ To Autumn”. The poem is filled with wonderful music and with images, but it also doesn’t have any epic ambitions. Folkwinds makes a wonderful entrance, stays on the ground and in the air for a while, but somewhat quickly leaves, a few trailing notes staying on the skin and in the soul. I wish it would last longer as it is so lovingly concocted, but then maybe the longing for more is part of what the fragrance wants from us. On days I have worn this fragrance I find myself spraying myself in the morning, again, late in the afternoon as darkness settles down at this time of year, and again before sleep. Coleridge had his Xanadu. I have my Sleepy Hollow.

Very evocative, extremely good at painting a picture, and that picture is clearly defined -- autumn in a temperate climate, leaves on the ground, something spooky happening in an old house nearby. The other reviews corroborate this. Many of the reviews mention nostalgia, which I think is an effect of the fragrance having painted such a vivid scene. For me, it's autumn visits to my grandparents' place in Westchester County, NY (near the real Sleepy Hollow!), where we'd smash the apples that would fall off the tree in their backyard with a golf club. The apples would mix with the damp leaves and the cool air. It also reminded me of a store I used to visit in Maine as a kid which had, in addition to all sorts of new-agey stuff like crystals, a perpetual stick of incense burning. Eventually I was prohibited from entering the store because they sold drug paraphernalia, and though I didn't quite understand the prohibition, I just knew there was something mysterious and spooky about the place. There's definitely a witchy element to Sleepy Hollow. There are notes that I don't recognize, like amburana bark and jonquil, but this isn't the sort of fragrance that makes me want to identify individual components, as it is so well integrated, and its individual components work together to paint the cohesive olfactory picture described. As someone else mentioned, the liquid itself is thick, and it's very very dark. From a tactile standpoint this seems to fit the general theme -- something a witch may concoct. You wouldn't want to spray it on white clothing, though. But I don't think this is a fragrance for white clothing anyway...

This fragrance is the first ever folkwinds i have ever tried and im very happy with my sample. I was expecting it to be quite apple forward however on my skin its really not fruity. It very much plays into a thick dense spicy vibe. I think the best observation i can personally make is this fragrance isnt really so much about notes or specific smells its more of a presence. Dark, Rich and beautifully seasoned fragrance that leaves a beautiful impression. Opening is quite pungent as if its searching for the notes in a way. However, in my opinion this fragrance really dries into what it is meant to be and to me i get like a smoked oak smell with almost a charred coconut kind of smell. I know this is incorrect due to the notes however thats just what i get and i personally love it. I have just blind bought a bottle of Jasper No Kodo 2 which is huge for me and if it has the same quality was this fragrance i cannot wait to try and leave a review. awesome

I spent a long lovely day with this Sleepy Hollow. This one is unique. At first glance it’s an all natural superbly done Chypre with obviously great quality ingredients....and it could be just wonderful as that....but then there is something that keeps catching your attention. Instead of a citrus opening like most Chypre, there is an autumnal layer of mulled apple brandy and a beautiful dose of amburana bark. And as you enjoy your spiced apple brandy you reach for your old familial wool blanket. A bit rough for wear and definitely a bit lambish but oh so cozy and warm! You settle in beside a mixed bouquet and a flickering beeswax candle. A bit of rose, the dusty night blooming jasmine, honeyed immortelle and a sprig of fresh fir. The crackling leaves and dried grasses from your afternoon walk still lingering. Honestly, it’s all just Autumn in perfection.

This fragrance epitomizes the Fall season. It opens with a lovely Jasmine and a sweet, dark earthy Patchouli. I can just make out one of my favorite notes in the Apple Brandy. And then it progresses into all of the familiar scents of Fall, such as dried fruits and spices and all of those things. we love about this time of year. Later it evokes thoughts of deep dark, mossy ancient woods for me. I can literally close my eyes and feel like I'm in a "Sleepy Hollow". Jono is no longer up and coming, now he's an established as a perfumer In his own right. And what can you say about Dr Rajesh Balkrishnan? He is now a veteran and just keeps getting better and better at what he does. I would feel perfectly safe buying anything with his stamp on it as a blind buy. This lasts forever on your skin, and has moderate plus projection. It's extremely well blended.

Sleepy Hollow is autumn bottled — a bewitching blend of nostalgia and mystery that really reminds me if playing in the forest in Norway as a child, It opens with warm spices, brandy-drenched apple, and smoky patchouli, evoking crisp nights and flickering lanterns. The heart is textured and earthy, with dried leaves, oakmoss, and a whisper of wool and rose, like walking through a moonlit forest. The base of beeswax, hay, and oud lingers sweet and smoky, wrapping you in golden warmth with a dark, resinous edge. When playing in the forest as a child, you get close to the aromas of a natural landscape in a transition phase. The greeness transition to a darkness that is both cozy and mysterious at the same time. Sleepy Hollow grasp this atmospheric and haunting energy perfectly. Enchanting perfume. Masterfully made!

I love these types of scents and what Jono and Rajesh achieved in this is beyond me. Brimming with nostalgia and featuring some of my most favorite notes. Hay, narcissus, and patchouli. I love the opening which now features a healthy dose of jasmine along with the camphorous patchouli, and amburana. I know little of this new novel material and only familiar with it from by and by. Seems to be a primary note that evokes smooth spices, dry fruits and even stewed fruits. Note on its own I’m sure. Darker woods and conifer with mossy connotations. And on a dry amber. Never get old. My skin does it eat it up and is the only Folkwinds I spray multiple times a day. I can’t get enough. Fortunately I got me a full bottle.

Sleepy Hollow perfectly captures the essence of an autumn evening. I’m not sure how they managed to capture cool night air, but it’s there—unmistakable. It’s warm and cooling at the same time, and in just 15 minutes on my skin, it’s already transformed. The dark notes are what stand out—earthy woods, amber, and a touch of smokiness that create a mysterious, almost haunting vibe. The other notes, like jasmine and apple brandy, balance it out with warmth, making it perfect for fall. It fits the Sleepy Hollow aesthetic perfectly, and I’m excited to wear it this season. Jono and Rajesh knocked it out of the park with this one!

On first spraying Sleepy Hollow, you smell heady jasmine combined with fall spices. Eventually this leads to a sort of dank and musty accord that dominates the rest of the fragrance. Mostly it smells like dead leaves and hay, furthering the "fall" theme. I think this is the first time in perfumery where I've really felt a horror/gothic theme at the forefront. But it is also comforting and nostalgic in a way, like rather than being the person being chased by the headless horseman in the little town of Sleepy Hollow, you are watching it unfold on a TV screen in the comfort of your living room, surrounded by scented candles.

My take on this fragrance is a "Dark enchanted forest with a fruity floral twist". The notes concord to what you're supposed to expect. If you're a fan of Jono's slumberhouse inspired style and a fan of Rajesh's haxan & aranyaka, then this is a must try. This is far from being your basic typical office friendly fragrance but then again if you're here, you would already know that. Sleepy hollow is rather complex and for me it's the perfect fragrance for those chalet/ cabin trips up north where the temperature is colder, where you chop wood for the fireplace, and drink whiskey and go hunting! 😆😅 Cheers! IG: eatandsmellgood

Wearing this now on skin, Sleepy Hollow is a dark and forest driven fragrance that brings me to the heart of an autumn woodland. With hints of sunlight trying to peak through by way of slight sweetness from the immortelle and fruits. The dry down is where this fragrance really transports me to a relaxing spot where I can gather my bearings deep in the woods. The beeswax and hay are the stars here on my skin where it vaguely reminds me of Slowdive from Hiram Green, which is one of my favorite fragrances.

Sleepy Hollow can best be described as cold, astringent patchouli laced florals with a spiced fruit compote ontop of a warm, spicy woodsy base with oakmoss, Oud, and animalics. Imagine a cold forest with mulling spiced sprinkled ontop of blueberries, apples, and brown woodsy notes . Lanolin is ever present with a waxy, musky aroma. Performance isn’t all that great but it lasts as a skin scent until only but a whisper of powdery musk is leftover clear into the next day. 9.5/10 for me dawg.

This is niche perfumery of the highest order. Perhaps the ultimate Fall fragrance and a Thanksgiving dinner must wear for me. A perfume experience. If you're a fan of Josh Lobb's Slumberhouse, you'll be head over heels with this. Spicy warm green and creamy fougere. Beautiful work from Juno and Balkrishnan. A joy to experience.

it's interesting, unique & packed with many of my favorite fall-weather notes. much respect to Rajesh & Folkwinds for creating this special gem -- this is talent! 🍂

I’m not one to dismiss high-quality ingredients, and that’s exactly what we have here. With a perfect blend and an overall dark, moody feel, this fragrance brings together cold weather notes of fruit, oud, and brandy. Sleepy Hollow has a masculine edge, and on the right person, it could truly shine. I don't think anyone will have issues with its performance or strength—this fragrance is off the charts when it comes to longevity. For me it’s a pass but not a downvote.

Perfumer seems to only have one style and a very small ingredient organ. 3 or 4 decent perfumes and 8-10 really, really bad ones.

Stunning scent. Its really dark, yet at the same time surprisingly mass appealing! It really is autumn in a bottle like many have described it before, it smells a tad bit cough syrupy in the opening, but nothing too noticable. I love the woody bark-like note in here combined with the patchouli and spices, it smells really comforting and inviting. There is a slight fruity undertone in the drydown, I can't place exactly what kind of fruit I would compare it to, but something thick and tropical, guava maybe? Surprisingly I do actually smell a wool-like note as well, even though I am convinced that a lot of the times those imaginary accords are kind of bullshit. It's a musky, thick almost dirty cotton like smell here, which sounds bad, but I feel it gives the darkness of this fragrance a thick base to rest upon. As expected this smells really high quality, you can clearly tell that the materials used do (to some extent) represent the price. But I do think 395 is a ridiculous price that isnt really justifiable. If this was more accessible in my country and cheaper I would 100% own a bottle, but I simply can't get myself to spend 400 euros on a 50ml fragrance. It performs really well obviously, i could smell this on my hand after a shower the next evening when and into the morning after that too. So give or take 30 hours. Can't tell you much about projection, but when first sprayed it is very strong, that's for sure. You will definitely go nose blind to this too, so if you feel like its gone after 6 hours, try again 12 hours later. I do feel this is quite mature, but at the same time I believe that fragrances aren't tied to age or gender that much, it's all up to personal preference in the end. Generally this would probably be considered a more mature scent profille though. All in all, amazing scent, amazing performance, awful price. 10/10 smell, but the availability and price have to take it down to a 9/10 for me.

Sleepy Hollow by Dr. Rajesh Balakrishnan - Embracing the Shadows "Sleepy Hollow," Dr. Rajesh Balakrishnan's latest fragrance, combines warmth and elegance beautifully. Its blend of spices, florals and warmth is utterly captivating. Sleepy Hollow begins with, night-blooming jasmine, reminding me of evening strolls in India, around my house. Patchouli balances jasmine's sweetness with camphorous depth, while Amburana wood adds cinnamon-spiced warmth, something new to my nose. As the scent unfolds, powdery jonquil and Christmas rose shine against a soft pine-green backdrop, evoking the lush hues of the juice itself. This floral-green harmony creates a stunning contrast. The dry down reveals lush fruits, tempered by Styrax and Oud's nuances which prevent the fragrance from veering into cloying territory. Immortelle adds smoothness, while hay provides earthy smokiness. Sleepy Hollow echoes Kiste and Ore's beauty with increased depth. Haxan fans will appreciate Sleepy Hollow's similarities and fresh twists. With impressive longevity, it lasts hours, gradually revealing its secrets. Five sprays provide 8 satisfying hours. Sleepy Hollow is perfect for those seeking natural niche perfumery.

An interesting fragrance house and interesting perfume. I like their North American rustic style and this fragrance is just that. Light on the night blooming jasmine with a heady hit of hay and dried leaves. It had a nice - but not overpowering - sillage for the notes and lasted a super long time. For me it was walking into an 1800's Victorian house in New Hampshire. The dust swirls in the air reflected by the sun light streaming through the lace curtained windows. Wood floors creak with each step below your boots as you pass through the hallway into the kitchen and out the porch to the fall faded backyard. The bright colors of earlier in the season have long disappeared. The powerful scent of dried hay and brown aspen leaves crackle beneath your feet. Halloween has just passed. Thanksgiving and the long cold snowy winter beckon you into the future.