Accord No. 05: White Pepper

Together with Cedar and Ambre, Accord No.05 White Pepper constitutes the lighter side of AER's fragrance range. This one is a fragrance for all seasons: a notably zingy opening (spice to the fore) and a heart that recalls a walk through a late-summer garden, with spring flowers dried, crushed and fragrant underfoot, then, in the dry down, a hint of incense like the first smoky drafts of autumn air, arising from the year's garden bonfire. It would make a lovely gift for a gardener: I might just gift myself with a full bottle!

Apologize in advance for being overly critical – but why would someone make a perfume centered around white pepper? I just don't get it. Contradictively, although the idea is just terrible, it's quite nice for what it is. Smells luxurious and high quality, sure. But it's still white pepper. Let's just say, this one just isn't for me. The AER collection is generally very far away from people-pleasing, in the sense that they are quite heavy and piquant. My impression is, in lack of better words, very 'serious'. Something you could wear to a funeral. AER's 'Cade', is perhaps the epitome. Reminds me of decay somehow. You know one of those ultrarapid videos of a scene of nature decaying? That would be the visual equivalent. These perfumes do not go unnoticed. Kerosene-level intensity, perhaps even stronger.

Tobacco lovers will love this perfume... I honestly don't think this is for women, but okay..