Ginseng Biloba

I was lucky enough to sample and purchase a bottle at the Hermessence event in Boston earlier this month, weeks before the rest of the world got to try it. This is a very intriguing blend of two unusual olfactory notes - ginseng root and ginkgo biloba. This perfume is unique and avant-garde, and doesn't follow Hermessence DNA as closely as you'd expect at first glance. I found Ginseng Biloba striking in both its simplicity and composition. Most notably here is a profound bitterness and astringency in the initial phases of the scent which stems from the intensely vegetal/herbaceous fragrance profile. The ginseng root is akin to the one you'll find in dried Korean ginseng products, it is almost carrot-like at first smell. Ginkgo offers a superb dryness that balances the feel of this simple accord. As strangely as these two notes sound together, the resulting product after a few hours of wear could only be described as ethereal, vibrant, and soap-like. Something about the dry-down brings forward soft, white musks much akin to what is found in the dry-down of Eau Papier. This is certainly a first when it comes to composition in the Hermessence family. I don't think it will suit most people's palates because of its intense vegetal and acrid feel. That being said, if you like green and earthy you will probably find this enjoyable. It's very unisex, too.

I had my money on Cardamusc EDP being the next release, so the very recent announcement of this addition was something I didn't see coming. I stopped by a local Hermes boutique and was surprised that they already had this in stock - I had to pick up a bottle. It's a lovely, airy green-woody fragrance with a slight sweetness; there is a ginger powder-like facet in the drydown on my skin as well (presumably ginseng, which I'm not super familiar with). Perfectly harmonizes with the line (personal, sophisticated, meditative), so anyone who is already a fan will likely enjoy this one (if for no other reason than to have a yellow cap in their collection now). Very unisex and, so far, it seems like it will be a good all-seasons fragrance. Another love for me (but I am very biased toward Hermessence).

The creative freedom granted to Christine Nagel should be praised .. as one of the few in house master perfumers left it is actually admirable how she doesn't just create the same rinse and repeat perfumes that every other fragrance house is releasing and instead is daring and experimental with her compositions . Christine is an absolute trend setter and I’m glad to say Hermes is in great hands.

A unique herbal scent that's both refreshing and sophisticated. Perfect for everyday wear

This fragrance immediately brings back a vivid childhood memory. My aunt used to make me scrub my hands constantly with gold Dial soap because she insisted it killed all the "bad bacteria." It always left my skin incredibly dry, and I absolutely hated the smell. Since this scent brings that exact memory right back, it is a hard no for me.