Holy Cross

Sampling Pineward Perfumes Holy Cross, a 2025 release that has a sharp, woody, fresh blend. To me, it’s reminiscent somewhat of Yves Saint Lauren M7 Fresh, but with more woody sharpness and density, fittingly less watery. I can see some connections to Tom Ford Oud Wood or Lalique Encre Noire, but it’s not as dark or dense as either of those two. Its note listing is a curious ensemble of accords that I’m not really familiar with, including watercress, blue yarrow, mountain bluebell, and bearded lichen, but there are some slightly more familiar elements, like juniper, pine, ambrette, musk, and a concept of “wet stone” that is familiar, and in that vein, it does sort of belong to a category of “dirty freshwater” scents that seem natural and evocative, including the abovementioned YSL M7 Fresh but also Imaginary Authors Mosaic and D.S. & Durga Pale Grey Mountain, Small Black Lake, all unfortunately discontinued but special in their own ways. All to say that Holy Cross is also splendid and nuanced, and one I might have to pick up. Holy Cross is EDT concentration and as such as more modest pricing than their extraits, with the standard EDT pricing currently being $250/150/95 for 100/52/32ml, sold in the US mainly via the house website, though some other boutiques carry them. 8 out of 10

Edit: Imagine a soft woody aromatic similar to Honest Amish beard balm. Slightly barbershop clean musk but way lighter, and brighter. Smooth floral overlay that isn't too much like a flower. Idk, a favorite definitely worth trying. Light. Crisp. Sweet. Peppery in a floral way. Agree on the ones below that say "sweet in a pollen way" and "wet incense". I get the idea though, and agree.. a fresh clean incense completely soaked.. crumbled and soaked. The smokiness is a grounded earthy one. Not a crispy harsh one. Smelling an un-lit incense on a damp crispy morning. I try not to describe things as 'wet' or 'airy', because those are more invoked feelings than a distinguishable smell. This is indeed a soft modest floral and perfectly unisex. A FAVORITE! This and Akero are lovely for the Spring and Pineward has become a favorite of mine. I hope wherever their successes take them that they remain a humble and down to earth passionate, modest, generous company. I can feel the love for their costumers and passion to provide unique and meaningful fragrances. They rock!

It’s light and fresh and a little peppery. When I first received the sample with my Apple Tabac order, the only notes listed online were Bluebell, watercress and lichen and I kept sniffing it trying to figure out what else was in there because while yes, those were present, it was way more complex. It doesn’t really smell floral in the way you’d expect it to. The florals are more like you’re walking through a forest after some rain on a spring day and there happens to be some florals underfoot, as opposed to cut flowers. It really does smell like rain in an interesting way to me. To me it is a wholly unisex scent and absolutely perfect for spring. I usually gravitate toward heavier, smoky scents so my love for this is pleasantly surprising. It’s very wearable and light.

Foggy, Grey, crisp, Snappy, ever so slightly smokey. Absolutely beautiful fragrance. a masterpiece. A lightly smokey musk with a botanical backbone to ground it. Blended expertly. Ghostlike, Sheer, Waking up on a foggy spring morning after camping on a mountainside. The only thing you hear is the wind, the birds, and the water in the creek bed. Dry's down to something akin to juniper and cedarwood. Comparable to L'Orpheline by Lutens and Wash Me in the Water by 4160 Tuesday. Not the same. Both of these are heavy on the Olibanum. Heady like incense. Holy Cross on the other hand is alive. Not the resin from a tree but the tree itself. Unfortunately it only lasts 3-4 hours at most on my skin and its gone. But those fleeting hours are lovely.

My signature & wedding scent! Been wearing since before it was released, I received the sample and the folks at Pineward sent me a dram to wear on my wedding since I liked it so much. It's such a beautiful scent, very crisp and nostalgic. I find it feminine but I can see how it can go either way. It's very airy and cold, so I prefer it in the winter. It really would work well for any season, though!!! Just a beautiful smell.