46°N 08°E - Valais

I was this close (imagine my finger illustration) to blind buying this fragrance and at the last minute, I decided to grab a sample instead. Good thing I didn't gamble because this wouldn't last any more than 2hrs. I was in total disbelief so I decided to get a second opinion on the detection of the fragrance. Duration confirmed...nothing, zilch, not even a shadow. This starts off with a fizzing green soda-like pine needle note. I kid you not. The opening of this fragrance literally made my head jerk. I'm not sure if it was from the aromatics or the pleasantries but either way...it happened. Even though things begin with a grand opening, Valais is actually a skin scent, which is fine in my book. Who wants to go around projecting like pine needle mulch? Yeah, I didn't think so..Not exactly soil like but it is lightly earthy, somewhat refreshing and well-balanced. This is smooth and clean which also happens to be quite woody thanks to its coniferous profile and subdued cedar. The flirty aroma of balsams never seem to surface as Valais remained silent. More Olympic Orchid Artisans Olympic Rainforest than Norne but has the longevity of your standard natural perfume. Shame, shame, shame....on the cusp of really liking this one but fell short on duration...REAL SHORT!

Pine and Vicks. Not bad but not amazing, just a pleasant one dimensional airy pine. The real issue is that it has no longevity. It disappears in under 15 minutes on my skin and it doesn't develop at all. I've used hand soap that lasts longer than this. 2/10

I tried this today at Parfumerie Osswald in Zurich, and while I appreciated it, it was not for me. That opening pine note is indeed fizzing! It turned very woody quickly. The coal is very noticeable, which with the resins gave Valais a tarry scent. As it progressed, for me the pine vanished and the tar got stronger. This was only on paper, however, and it likely works differently on skin. Try before you buy this one, it is unusual and strong.