Oliban

#1397 in my "Tour de Fragrance" The Orthodox Church sanctifies its spaces by burning frankincense, symbolizing prayers rising to God. This is that level of olibanum. Wildly strong, with some wood behind it, but the olibanum is so overwhelming you can barely pick out the sandalwood. I got this as a decant from ScentSplit, and I expected it to be churchy, but I wasn't expecting this. I am definitely ordering a full bottle (this goes for between $130-$150 fro 100 ml), but I will probably use this for layering and not by itself. In that aspect it's like Reminiscence "Oud" which is so oudy I will not wear it by itself. I have many scents chosen for strong olibanum and sandalwood notes: Xerjoff "Shunkoin", Paco Rabanne "Invictus Victory Absolu", Abdul Samad Al Qurashi "Safari Extreme", Carolina Herrera "CH Pasion for Him", Montale "Bakhoor", Issey Miyake "Nuit d'Issey Pulse of the Night", S.T. Dupont "Noble Wood", Lubin "Idole" Nicolai Parfumeur Createur "Sacrebleu Intense", Risala "Special Blend." None approach this level of olibanum potency and projection. I'm told many Spirit of Dubai scents have very potent olibanum notes, but I will probably never be willing to spend $500-$1000 for any scent, no matter how amazing. But this stuff. Even if you hate it you should get a decant just to experience it. Absolutely not safe for tight spaces. I'd wear this for an outdoor dinner date. Go easy. Lasts all day.

Phaedon was a native from old Greece. Young man, he was taken prisoner during the battle between Sparta and Elis. While serving the meal in the house of his master, he answered to a question from Sócrate, who bought and made him his disciple. A scent hunter and collector of memories, Phaedon built simple and beautiful fragrances, through notes collected on his travels, such as Freesia from South Africa, Woody incense from Awaji, peppers from Egypt, essence of Malaga from Andalusia, etc. Grisens is a cologne with an extremely natural content, which transmits the feeling of a pure perfume made in the oldest perfumery standard, when were used only natural ingredients and the fragrances “resting" inside tanks/bottles, until becoming relics. There's not much mystery or complexity in its creation, since it is a very linear scent. It is, from the beginning to the end, incense. Its notes are incense, sandalwood and wood. But the incense dominates! It’s a trip to a spiritual ritual – whatever is your religion – surrounded by many incenses on all sides. But it is a less "smoky" incense than some that I have already felt. It’s definitely established in the territory of unisex fragrances and, I believe, should not vary if used by women. I just avoid excess, in their case. Median/low projection with long lasting. Made for incense lovers.

This fragrance has very strong spicy and woody notes. Although it's unisex, I prefer this on a man. Frederic Malle Monsieur is very similar though I think Oliban smells a touch more bitter. Great longevity!

Like smelling burning wood on stone from far away. Dark, but curious enough to sniff the air and step toward it. Inviting, natural, and sticky with spice. Nights of winter, ashes from incense.

A very nice incense fragrance but quite simple. How can you go wrong with incense, wood and sandalwood though. Good longevity and sillage.