Sorong 20.1

As a chef for many years, I am quite familiar with the dusty and exotic fragrance of saffron, and if you’re looking for a realistic rendition of the precious spice, look no further than Sorong 20.1. This is, at a glance, a tribute to the power and reverence of the rouge threads, but is actually an hommage to Kyara - as referenced on the box itself- the “rarest type of agarwood”, according to a couple sources found online. Surely there is no actual oud present, much less the highly sought after Kyara, but that’s the inspiration for this fragrance. I enjoy it thoroughly for what it is, a very earthy and dusty fragrance with hints at smokey incense. Recommended.

On me this smells like amber lacquered edible woods...mouthwatering. Not sure what I smell beneath but as though there was a bit of an animalic tinge (no skank, only a whisper). Luckily I don't get cypress as dominant as voted, if it's there, it's blended perfectly well, and the same goes for iris (no powdery feel) or citruses. Overall, (as expected from PG) Sorong is also a highly sophisticated, classy scent (but not snobbish), smells like quality and really well-blended. I'd say it's safe for a blind-buy and also perfectly unisex. Very tempted to add it to my want list now!!!

A subtle smoky Oriental, this is a unique and evocative scent. It opens with notes of saffron, blackcurrant and citruses. The heart has fenugreek, elemi resin, ginger, iris and labdanum. The perfume settles on a bed of guaiac, cypriol, cypress, synthetic musk and tonka bean. The overall feeling is of suble exotic elegance and in spite of many notes, the perfume is quite airy and settles down after a heavy smoky start quite fast. Unisex perfume with moderate to strong sillage and good longevity. Enjoy!

Subtle, airy and ethereal are all used to describe Sorong below, and I agree. After the saffron and citrus opening, the notes that standout to me are saffron (again), ginger and cypress. The other notes blend together and create an overall wearable and unique Spring perfume.

Quick test and first impression; harmonious and deceptively simple. Ethereal. Understated and elegant.

I find it very hard to describe this properly, it is highly unusual. But, I wouldn't describe it as woody. Spicy, yes. Aromatic, yes. I would even describe it as 'green', as mad as that sounds. Saffron takes centre stage, and it starts very strong (thankfully it mellows down). It is a kind of dry saffron note that is utterly brilliant in execution. The one stage that I found difficult was the very beginning. I seldom experience this, but first 5 minutes I couldn't smell anything, as if the perfume was trying to 'collect' itself. This was followed by a harsh rubber note (yes this happens sometimes with oud), but a rather unpleasant one. I thought it was going to be a let down, but thankfully all that disappeared and the perfume took shape. There is incense in the background, but subtle. There is also Nagamotha, which PG uses often. Average performance overall.

I'm convinced everything this man makes smells like chemicals. This smells like gasoline and vasoline. It's so unpleasant.

If Un Crime Exotique is Pierre Guillaume's take on Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, Sorong is the same for Oud Wood. They're not as similar as the first pair because Sorong adds a noticeable amount of saffron, making it more interesting than the popular Tom Ford fragrance in my view (though I'm convinced there's some saffron in the latter too). This is one of my favorite offerings from PG - very wearable by itself or layered, unlike some of PG's stranger fragrances. Longevity is fairly good at 7-8 hours but, like most PG offerings, projection is low after an hour or two.

Who ever loves saffron is in for a real treat. This is quite possibly the finest saffron next to Mfk's Oud. And one can even argue and say this one is even better. Bright, airy, and absolutely smooth. In a lot of ways this is similar to Nerosa by Laboratorio Olfattivo but without the oud note I so heavily dislike. Iris, papyrus and gaiac wood are blended exceptionally well that I can't help but appreciate the overall emphasis of this composition.

Agree with @jazzfan's review... . Very ethereal, almost elusive as you are left wondering what else this scent reminds you of. It appears watery-woody. A part of a mysterious forest, but never seems to get grounded. It floats mid air and stays there...a soft, cottony cloud of good, multi-faceted woody scents with just a hint of floral notes.

Not my cup of tea. I have a full 50ml bottle to sell or trade. Anyone interested just PM me. Europe only.