Delphes

I’m wearing L’Objet Delphes today to go see The Odyssey. This Jean-Claude Ellena creation departs somewhat from the light, transparent, natural simplicity one expects from the master (who is 79 now!). This fragrance is meant to evoke a mediterranean olive grove and the brand touts the presence of a supposedly exclusive olive pomace absolute, made from the pits and flesh residue after the olive oil has been pressed. Does it actually smell like olives? I would say no, but there is a salinity, a subtle greenness, and an almost fatty texture that add a rich, smooth, dimension to what is predominantly a dry, woody perfume. The first thing I notice is the surprising sweetness of the opening, and I’m not quite sure what to attribute it to, in the absence of fruity notes—unlike Arquiste’s A Grove by the Sea (which is probably the nearest thing I would compare this to, though Ellena’s own Poivre Samarcande for Hèrmes isn’t too far off), there isn’t any coconutty fig or citrus here. I suppose olive is a fruit, after all, though I believe they are intensely bitter when unbrined. At any rate, Delphes gives a sun-kissed marine impression without feeling “aquatic." Cedarwood and patchouli can easily veer sweet, a quality which is definitely punched up, here, and violet leaf and black pepper make the opening feel aromatic, airy, and green—I detect a touch of rosemary, as well. I do feel transported to a leafy grove overlooking the sea! (I’d love for someone more literate to tell me what aromachems are at work here, because there are clearly some modern synthetic woods at play, which make this composition much more tenacious than you might expect.) Overall, a great summer fragrance that takes a unique approach to the “mediterranean” theme. It’s warm and solid, refined but relaxed, a pleasure to wear. Now I want to try L’Objet’s Kerylos, which IS a Medierranean citrus.

This to me leans masculine although unisex but in a sexy handsome beautiful way. I sprayed it on myself and felt turned on! But with the thoughts if I smelled this on a man I would have to comment. Its subtle and skin like to my nose. It definitely brings up the image of stone and wood and salty air, with sunburnt leaves. Dry twigs cracking, perhaps some smokiness in the air. The skin smell is like when you get close to someone and smell their neck. A clean healthy summer skin. Skin that's almost sweaty, or like its swum in the ocean, but nice clean sweaty sexiness going on. I can also smell the olive like a fruity woody Smokey current running through it

This one really does it for me. Wonderfully unisex,a great daily driver but not boring. The olive really gives a unique character in this one. Had the good fortune to get my nose on it before release and was first in line to get my hands on a full bottle on the day of release. L’Objet and Jean Claude Ellena really have a good thing going here. First Kerylos and now this. More pleeeease?!?

This was the one I ended up with. To me, it starts off warm, amber, and spices, then woods and some pepper. Notes seem like it would be for fall or winter, but this is for a beatiful day. Very versatile, I can see myself wearing this in any season, night or day. Seems to be good sillage and performance compared to the others I tried on skin.

🏛️ The Spirit of Delphi 🫒 Forget about typical summer scents packed with sweet citrus. This fragrance is a raw, straight-to-the-point stroll through the ruins of Delphi, smelling mostly of sun-parched nature and hot, ancient stone. The opening is cool, green, and peppery – violet leaf and black pepper deliver a mineral, slightly sharp effect. Over time, the scent brightens up as the unique olive tree note steps in. It has nothing to do with olive oil; it is the scent of bitter leaves, snapped twigs, and rough bark that has stood in the Mediterranean heat for centuries. Zero cheap sweetness, just plenty of dry greenery mixed with a passing sea breeze. The base of cedar, patchouli, and oakmoss wraps it all up in a very clean, woody way. It is a great, minimalist everyday unisex fragrance with surprisingly good longevity. It just smells elegant and simple, without any overcomplication or synthetic fluff. Visual archive on TikTok / IG: @the.scent.files

I had the luck, to get a sample from their friendly staff directly at the store already back in February. A cold, wet, green freshness that lingers against a backdrop of mineral, dry, smoky wood. While the opening is more about the rather smoky woods, the base gets clearer. The greens are fresh and wet like leafs, a little bitter what I like, the wood is drenched by the sun and gets a mineral feel...later in the base it evolves almost, what I would describe as "metallic." That adds a modern and synthetic touch...but not in a bad way. A pure and easy fragrance, simple yet refined. I can see why Delphi in Greece was an inspiring place. The arid Mediterranean landscape, warm stone and the sea nearby. The scent of parched nature; the olive trees, thanks to their hardiness, defy the heat and bear bitter-green fruit. According to the brand, the fragrance contains “Olive Grignon Absolute,” an extraction from the branches, leaves, and fruits of the olive tree. Longevity and projection are good on me.

this is very good, so refined my gawd