Vetiverus

Vetiverus is a work of art, with a few interestings twists during its development and a clear concept behind. That doesn't mean everyone will like it or find it their cup of tea. First of all you need to like vetiver in its more old style à la guerlain vetiver as this has a strong and clear vetiver which screams 60s. In case you prefer earthier, darker or more modern takes on vetiver, you may feel disappointed. However this still feels modern because of the floral/gourmandy pairing with osmanthus. You need to like osmanthus a lot (a honeyed flower found in many other fragrances but not often this strongly) cause the first 2 hours this fragrance is about vetiver and osmanthus fighting for stardom in a very powerful way. I have been challenged by this scent, not feeling that comfortable when I wear it... until the drydown comes with a WONDERFUL gourmand twist that is worth a million bucks. The quality of the ingredients is there and there is a story being told... I just happen to worship its drydown (which by the way lasts for 12+ hours) but prefer tons of other vetivers when it comes to the marvel of spraying that root upon myself (Route du vetiver, Timbuktu, Fat Electrician, Encre Noire, etc). This is unisex (a bit more feminine for my taste) because the osmanthus gives a sweet counterpart but I am afraid I wouldn't recommend this for a younger audience (30-). I've been pleased with this release and all in all it adds a new original alternative for vetiver lovers. Not a safe blind-buy though.

Very fun stuff. This one really opened my eyes on how vetivers can be done by niche houses. It has a very natural, herbal backbone - almost like those essential oils you put on before yoga, but much more structured and nuanced. Osmanthus came right out of the bat to give a fruity-floral facet, paired with a gorgeous grassy vetiver note. The spicy/earthiness is far from any traditional masculine vetiver colognes and reminded one more of a nice blend of orange and clove oils. The overall feeling is more juicy than dry, but not sweet at all. Then there's the consistent threading of "something" - maybe Iso E Super - that lifts the whole composition and gives it a very contemporary touch. Dries down soft and woody spicy with a smudge of musk. Longevity 8+ hrs. This is my only scent that I wear for "mindfulness". A true beauty I blind bought -and so glad I did!

Giving a full wearing to Vetiverus and, boys, this stuff is glorious. Given the name, one would expect a vetiver soliflore and, honestly, this is anything but. A fantastic and incredibly original take on this root enriched by boatloads of juxtapositions. On one side, the floral, transparent, sophisticated osmanthus note, paired to a stark, smoky woody-musky base. On the other, dark resins, cloves, bitter orange peels and, obviously vetiver. I've to be honest, I find this fragrance very close to pure perfection. The novelty, the wearability, striking but not odd, stark but not minimalistic, perfectly balanced, modern. Just great! I've been on the look for a "new take" on this theme for quite a while and, apparently, this is going to be my new fragrance crush. Rating: 8.5/10

This opens very spicy, with a blast of cloves (reminding me of Lutens Serge Noire). After 45-60min, the apricot-y osmanthus appears (reminding me of the osmanthus note in Elie Saab Santal No.8). It's only in the drydown that the vetiver will show-up and fully sing its earthiness, dancing with the creamy osmanthus, and a support of a spicy suede in the background. A great fragrance with great performance (the projection is heavy in the first 2 hours). I agree with some previous reviewers who think that the name is misleading, given that the main players here are osmanthus and spices, the vetiver being present mostly in the drydown... but what a drydown!! I now love it, and got myself a 16ml travel spray. Fall, 25+.

Got this blind as one of my first 2 bottles I ordered from O&Co. Was so impressed that I immediately ordered, again blindly, 2 other bottles because the free sample I got and liked from my first order was not available. Unique but wearable - check! Longevity - check! Quality - check! Sillage- check! In fact it could be too much for the first 20 minutes so need to go easy on the spray. This is addicting and I love smelling it from the bottle. Only thing is that the line seems to carry that light soapy DNA that I can smell from the initial spray - aldehydes perhaps? Loving them and happy to have these in my collections and being the most unique ones at that is a very welcome bonus. Thanks, Oliver!