Pentimento

Starting with the most unromantic & basic angle: Pentimento is like a health-store hazlenut-carob bar crossed with a bouncy floral patchouli. That said, it's done in the multifaceted shapeshifting Jorum manner and so feels secretive, deceptive, full of shadowy corners and velvety hiding places. There are definitely aspects of bombastic edible designer patchoulis from the 90s-2010s, but it is also a little austere, esoteric, the sweet hazelnut fading quite quickly to something that's harder to pin down, but seems to involve cocoa butter. It's as if it inhabits and reveals a hidden fold in perfume reality, between artisanal earnestness and commercial seductiveness - and I like it there. I suspect this is a winter only perfume, but would still be interested to see how it fares in hot weather. Compared to other Jorums I've tried, it's more wearable and arguably more feminine than either Athenaeum or Trimerous, which I admire but don't like on myself; nonetheless, it feels closer to these earlier perfumes than the Highland series that came after. EDIT: tried this alongside Régime de Fleur's Fleur Eclair, which is working the same edible floral vein, albeit in a glossier and more legible manner. Weirdly, side by side EdF comes across as v fresh-synthetic in the top notes while Pentimento starts out with the hazelnut-flowers front and centre. After about 40 minutes, though, Pentimento dials down the hazlenut and settles into a gorgeous close wearing floral cocoa butter, while EdF is just getting started on the gourmand nutty floral patchouli, and keeps that beautiful chord going for a long time. I like both scents a lot, just fascinated by the different development.

Thrilled to have won this perfume from the giveaway! I love Jorum Studio for making unusual unisex fragrances that are tied to experiences with nature. Pentimento is enjoying a flourless chocolate cake in a lush garden. This gourmand is pretty straight-forward, but that's not saying it's simple. The chocolate is the star of the show, but it is not a very sweet chocolate-- it's almost umami-like in its earthiness. It's very well-balanced with the orchid note, and the combination of the two reminds me a little of Black Orchid (if anything Pentimento is BO's cool older sister, where BO is heavy-handed Pentimento is quieter and more sultry). The rum is different from other rum notes I've smelled in the past, it adds spice to the dry down more than an actual boozy quality (at least on my skin). Wearing it is a very personal experience, as it stays pretty close to the skin, and it lasted on me for at least six hours. Overall, a very comforting and sexy winter fragrance!

Second review. This is so damn underrated. I've been wearing Pentimento non-stop lately, my fav nutty fragrance for sure. Again still annoyed at the fact that this comes in a 30ml because I have to ration it. I understand they're trying to be exclusive but come onnnn give us a 100ml or at least 70ml. If you're reading this just please go smell it or order a sample. It's really not too sweet or a heavy gourmand at all, just perfectly balanced. It is difficult to describe. Decent longevity as well. I disagree with the guy below, this isn't heavy or nauseating to my nose, it would actually work as a daily scent. It's obviously not a fresh scent so the nuts definitely make it deeper, but that's what makes it so unique and pleasant to me.

I love it. Another Jorum, go figure. This time I need to go a little heavier to get the performance I want, but no matter it’s great. Pentimento is a lovely nutty gourmand sitting on a vanilla cream base. Not the most unique perfume, but it is different from their usual approach. Since this seems polarizing, and if you happen to own a regretful blind buy, do reach out to me as I’m interested in acquiring. I did note that this label stacks the type, a big no-no in the world of nerdy typographers and that would be me. Euan, I will redo your front label (or any new label) for exchange of services. Funny, but I’m serious. Please contact me anytime.

the carob is extremely nostalgic of my Maltese-Irish parents who use carob syrup to cure every ailment imaginable. I no longer live with my parents, but still keep a bottle of carob in the cupboard to have the comfort of my childhood when I’m feeling sick. This is also well loved by my mother, and I bought her a bottle for her last birthday, so extra special and nostalgic for me even more so now! paired with the white florals, rum, and hazelnuts it creates this syrupy, oily, fatty concoction. It’s a little spicy, rich, but not overwhelming or cloying. Perfectly balanced!