Orris & Sandalwood

The multifaceted character of Orris perfectly interpreted with Jo Malone London’s Orris & Sandalwood. A compelling fragrance; an ambrosial woody note with a charismatic floral accent. Hailed as a complex ingredient and considered as the most expensive in perfumery, Orris are cultivated and extracted in a time-honored process. Orris’ surprising duality; woody and powdery, floral yet deep. Warm and sensual caught in a violety trance. It’s deeply enthralling in its intensity, mysterious in its simplicity. The scent opens with the delicate floral note of Violet and Galbanum that brings a smooth, earthy and powdery softness with a vibrant green character reminiscent of Iris stems of Tuscan hillsides. The powdery floral elegance of Orris envelops the heart, Iris Captive and Geranium lends a rich facet echoing a classic & captivating elegance steeped in sunshine. This is magnified with Sandalwood, Cypriol, Labdanum and Amber at the base for a creamy, warm and unique sensuality strengthening and extending the longevity of the scent. Orris & Sandalwood brings that balminess with an appealingly dark smoke with a powdery veil. There was a time of summer years ago when me and my friends stayed for a year in Tuscany and this scent exactly recreates that memory. This is that scent that makes me long for those cold summer nights, of a late night date that makes you long for that warm embrace. Together with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily this has become my staple for that special night out; a powdery and smoky number that lets out a dark floral character screaming masculine but sensually much more charming with subtle hints of powder. I’m waiting patiently for that Dry Body Oil of Orris & Sandalwood, this also works perfectly together with Mimosa & Cardamom for an added smoothness of Tonka Bean and touches of spice or with Lime Basil & Mandarin for a bright and zesty contrast. -Bertrand II

When I first got this, it was violently sweet like a total diabetic violet syrup. After less than a year, it has turned into this most unbelievably mesmerising and buttery smooth carroty orris with the most attractive earthy hint of vegetal rootiness. Its smell is now sweet, rounded, mellow and yet striking! No more of that nauseous sweetness like initially and it stayed that way. A miracle of maceration? Carrots boiled with floured icing sugar; starchy sweet with barely perceptible aldehydes giving it a noticeable sparkle and lift. In terms of the realistic carroty rootiness, no other orris or iris scent in the market touches this. ALL OF THE iris bearing Chanels, Guerlains and Xerjoffs should curtsy, no BOW DOWN to this Queen Mother of orris roots. Even the orris bearing Amouages couldn't hold half a candle to this orris root game seriously on fleek. There is no sandalwood in this. It's a show stopping carroty starchy rooty orris teasing with candied violets and airy sparkles. Did I mention all of the Chanel, Guerlain, Xerjoff and Amouage irises and orrises are now its maids, servants and sisters in waiting?

First, I must say frankly that I do not even know how pure Orris smell they are. I just know it is a kind of roots which appeared dominant in 1932 Chanel and various other Chanel perfumes. For this note, the same in both 1932 and Orris & Sandalwood is "unpalatable", a scent that looks elegant, expensive, but easy to wear, not too sharp or pungent to love and use daily. However, talking about Orris & Sandalwood, although the Jo Malone claims the orris note to be a protagonist. But personally, the distinctive smell of the perfume is Violet flower. It is sweet but not too sweet like candy or sweetmeat. Its sweetness is shining together with seductiveness, luxury and attractiveness. Besides, the violet color as a main symbol of the fragrance means wisdom, creativity, mystery and magic. These characters are some parts of my identity that’s why I am mad about this fragrance and I can confidently say that it is my icon. Longevity: 8 hours + Sillage: moderate to heavy

I added this as my signature scent, although really I have too many fragrances to call any a signature, just because this is so 'me'. I had been hunting for the perfect iris scent, one that had that very distinct carrotty smell, minimalistic, just very centered around that note, and so this was such a great find. I tried Iris Prima from Penhaligon, Hiris by Hermès, but none felt right. Après L'Ondee I like very much (and own a bottle) but it has more of that melancholic vibe, similar do L'Heure Bleue, whereas O&S is fresh, botanical and clean, more spring-like, more uplifting. The only thing about this perfume is that I wish it had more projection, just a tiny bit, but it is otherwise perfection! As for the 'sandalwood' bit, it kind of just adds to the powderiness of the perfume...a fresh, delicate kind of woodiness, not at all like anitque furniture. If you have ever tried Eau Claire de Merveilles, it's that kind of woodiness.

This one is enticing from the very get-go. Others have already mentioned how linear this is -- in this case, I feel it works in the favour of the scent, as it reveals all it's wonderful sweet, floral goodness in the first moments... There is the Velvet Rose and Oud DNA in this, I can't tell just WHAT it is, but it's there and I really like it. It works on many levels, I feel -- the orris is jammy sweet, not plasticky, not nylon-like -- it is quite a pleasant scent right out the bottle. The sandalwood plays second fiddle here, no denying. It's very VERY soft in comparison, but offers good support to the protagonist -- I'm glad I picked this one up -- it literally appeared unannounced and I just had to step in and get it. I'm glad it's in my collection...