Vetiver

For true vetiver lovers only. Very high quality, natural smelling vetiver in a composition that is almost a solifleur. The fragrance opens with a bang and then slowly recedes over six to eight hours. The vetiver reveals many facets as you wear this scent. There are times when it is camphorous, then citrusy, then grassy and finally earthy, dirty and almost animalic. All from a single dominant note. It is quite a ride. Some will find this scent harsh. But I find it more astringent. This astringency is yet another of the many faces of good quality natural vetiver. Now notwithstanding the lack of a note pyramid above, this scent does have components to accent and highlight the vetiver and it's many facets. In the opening, there is some carnation and a bit of lemon. Later there is some dry, green rose and in the base a hint of sweet vanilla and patchouli. But all of these notes are subtle and used only to keep the focus on different aspects of the vetiver. This product is very well presented in a frosted glass bottle emblazoned with a gold script that looks like something out of an old fashioned apothecary. This presentation seems appropriate since SMN is, in fact, a venerable Italian formulary basing some of its creations on centuries-old medicinal creations originally composed by monks in the monastery near its original location. It is all historic and very cool in a classic sort of way. Each fragrance is housed in a splash bottle but comes with a decent atomizer that you can install on the bottle if, like me, you prefer to spray your scents. This fragrance is unisex. If you adore vetiver as I do, you'll really enjoy this fragrance. If you are new to vetiver or merely vetiver-curious, you are probably best starting off with an easier and more accessible designer vetiver like Tom Ford's excellent and easy to wear Grey Vetiver EdT. But eventually, it is time for hard core, "this one goes to 11," no holds barred, full throttle vetiver. It is for these times when you want to have a bottle of Santa Maria Novella Vetiver on hand.

A surprisingly sweet vetiver , not linear as Fragrantica's profile may suggest, but beautifully complemented by floral notes and a mossy/vanillic dry down that recalls (or should that be anticipates?) the classic orange blossom/vetiver/tonka bean/vanilla 'Guerlinade' accord, to be enjoyed in Héritage, among others. This fragrance has an impeccable provenance, both in terms of the quality of raw materials and the artistry of the house. The vetiver's dry scent is earthy and woody, but it is also infused with those subtle citrus, rosy and camphorous notes in its long, luxurious dry down. Effortlessly, classically gorgeous.

Vetiver is elegant and beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how powdery this scent is; yes, it still has the scent of fresh hay; however, it is more refined. The powderyness gives off a distinct sense of class while also providing a beautiful matte for your natural scent. I love this fragrance personally; it is so beautiful. Now, it is on the sweeter side, so some people may not be too fond; however, I believe this scent is very much worth purchasing. One disclaimer: I found that vetiver may be slightly weak, therefore you may need to spray a decent amount to make others smell the trail.

SMN Vetiver is rude and raw. It is a monster, but a beautiful one. I think this fragrance is unique in our days, evoking some craft from the past. It smells like a perfume from another time, when people cared more about elegance and timeless finesse. If you tend to enjoy mainstream fragrances, crowd appealing ones - and there's no problem at all if you like them-, you better stay away from SMN Vetiver. On the nose, I detect some rosemary, some vetiver oil and some bitter notes. Good projection, amazing staying power.

Dry, airy, light, ethereal. Classical composition borrowing barbershop fougere facets. Timeless quality leaning masculine and mature. Confident gentlemen dressed up and down. Sits close after initial applications bracing freshness. Similarities to Escale En Haiti Les Indemodables. Santa Maria novellas quality and craftsmanship radiating throughout. Recommend to all lovers of vetiver. 8/10