Vetiver

Look no further for a masterful yet totally under-the-radar, citrus vetiver gem. I discovered the house of Frater by happenstance at a boutique in L.A., after the shop owner mulled my request for "something fresh, bitter and green." Impressed immediately by the initial spray off the blotter, testing on skin was a must in order to experience this beauty’s full depth. After a 2-week honeymoon with a decant, I happily returned to grab a full bottle. The opening is crisp and invigorating, bursting with rindy citrus. Bitter grapefruit features prominently with pink pepper hues. I get a bit of pungent sourness initially from black currant as well, however this slightly animalic facet softens into the background shortly. Tart rhubarb and rosy geranium bloom in the mid, accentuating the verdant, lightly floral aspects of the composition. Green lovers will rejoice at the blending. In the base, it’s evident the vetiver oils used are of the highest quality - rich, earthy and unerringly natural. Frater Vetiver may conjure up thoughts of the artisanal care involved in selecting and handling the raw ingredients. The scent has fair longevity on skin with a modest scent bubble comfortably befitting one grounded in quiet confidence. I personally find the profile leans traditionally masculine, and it just oozes of gentlemanly class and distinction. If you gravitate toward fresh vetiver fragrances in a similar vein as TdH, Guerlain and Grey Vetiver, do yourself a favor and sample this. It’s quite simply one of the highest-quality warm weather perfumes in my collection and a joy to wear in any occasion.

An absolute gem of a fragrance, perfect for summer and spring or any season to be fair but this is when it's shining here in NZ. Citrusy vetiver with a hint of rhubarb, the grapefruit in this really sings with vetiver and oakmoss creating a simultaneously grounding yet uplifting scent bubble that is truly delightful to be in. Am almost out of my sample but longing for a full bottle. Longevity around 5 hours on me; for the sake of comparison, scent wise somewhere between Sur le Nil Hermes, Tom Ford Vetiver and a Guerlain cologne but deliciously in its own league. The grassiness remains close with a delicious citrus waft floating further. Genderless and sublime!