Riders (Bascule)

This is another from the S. Baker Collection, the house's second line, that warrants endless praise. The whole collection, as proven by the Discovery Set that I'm trying out, is all about freshness, but done in very different ways. In this case, that freshness abounds in the fresh green grass, the citrus of bergamot, the succulence of the peach, lily of the valley and even the more spiky freshness of vetiver or fir. But, it's perfectly complemented in contrapunto manner by deeper, heavier notes. The fragrance's equestrian inspiration comes through strong and clear in notes of hay, saddle leather, polished metal riding tack. But it goes way beyond smelling like stables. In fact, for anyone who's familiar with the smell, the animalic notes in there that means that at times it actually smells like an immaculately groomed horse, most certainly a thoroughbred. This balance of fresh or fruity top notes, oozing juiciness, nestled in these deep, intense base notes is simply fantastic. It really is like nothing out there and the perfect way to make a fairly bold statement while somehow still managing to remain understated and exude an impeccable pedigree. It's a good option for those who like long-lasting juices—I spritzed it on in the late afternoon and could definitely smell it when I woke in the morning—and it's one of those fragrances that slowly evolves and changes over hours. I don't doubt that many serious riders will adore this fragrance and it should obviously become a go-to option if attending Royal Ascot or the Badminton Horse Trials. But, even if you're more of an armchair jockey, this is an adaptable fragrance that can be worn all times of the day and in all seasons given it's air of aristocratic understatement. Also, it must be said that it is incredibly good value for a juice of this calibre given the prices of comparable runners in the starting gate.

I’m a fan of classic perfumes mostly and so many of the modern “odd and quirky” indie things just don’t appeal to me, not because I don’t like unique things or that I wear nothing but Chanel, but because so often they feel forced or off balance, like someone trying too hard to be odd and quirky. You know how sometimes you see someone trying to be hip and trendy but it just ain’t working and they aren’t fooling anyone? I’m talking about the perfume equivalent of that. There is that and there is Bascule. Weirdness done right. If this perfume doesn’t win an award then they need to do away with these award ceremonies. This perfume represents everything that it means to be edgy and “indie”, even avant-garde, but it does it in a way that’s exciting and thrilling, establishing a realistic setting of all sorts of things that don’t really smell “good” but it makes them smell good by balancing them perfectly with things that DO smell good. This perfume smells like a dirty horse stable swathed in layers of the most exquisite lily of the valley and peaches. When I first sprayed it, I didn’t even know how to react, there was this shock and excitement, because I couldn’t tell if I was smelling something really good or something almost profane. There is the most beautiful white floral.... I’m like is that lily of the valley in the middle is this horse hair and hay? Then there is the peaches, really delicious peaches, and a roughed up leather....and something cold and almost rusty like metal. And in the midst of all this madness is a sort of odd grace. I don’t know, I know all this probably sounds scary but somehow it works. It REALLY works. I smell a lot of perfume, a LOT, and it’s not often that I have a reaction like this. This perfume is seriously weirdly wonderful.

As many of us do, I own a whole lotta perfumes. But I own nothing like this. If you are looking for something unique and incredibly complex to add to your collection, you should definitely take this for a ride. Beautiful photorealistic grass pervades the dry down with one of the best fresh, green sensations I've ever experienced. The musc and lily of the valley soften the sharpness of the metallic notes. I got a chance to meet Sarah Baker at an event at a local perfume store, and have never smelled something that so perfectly fits the artist's vision. This scent truly embodies the elegant dichotomy of an immaculately dressed equestrian combined with the raw power of an unapologetically confident show horse. Usually I'm not a big fan of "animalistic" fragrances, but this one is a notable exception. You definitely go on a journey with this one, from the hale bales of the barn at the start, to an Hermes saddle in the middle (also one of the best leather notes I've ever smelled), to a wild canter through a spring field of freshly cut grass on the drydown. (Think Pebble Beach golf course.) This one is a masterpiece for a trained nose. This isn't for everyone, but it is incredibly special. Would I wear it to the office or on a first date? Probably not. But would it be absolutely perfect for the Kentucky derby or just a picnic in the park? Hell yes. And if you are nostalgic about the pure joy of riding, this is your lucky day, as she is absolutely true to her moniker.

I was raised at the stables. My mother was a dressage trainer and I was her willing stall-mucker, horse feeder, hot walker, groomer, tack cleaner, leather polisher – you name it – anything to be with the horses. It was my Zen, my calm, my deepest love. Exchanging warm, dusty nose blows with my favorite buddies; the grainy and malty smell of oats and honey combined with the sweet green floralcy of alfalfa and manure; and handling cold metallic tack and smelling the deeply animalic notes of saddle leather combined with the warm musk of horse hide as I prepped a horse to be ridden - these are scent memories that bring me joy. So, when I say that Bascule carries the best scents of my childhood in a bottle, but in the most gorgeous way possible, you know what I mean. Love. Love. Love.

A lot like the early parts of "Sloth" by Zoologist, but linear, without the wonderful transition to "forest floor" that "Sloth" has in the dry-down. Hay, grass, and peach, are dominant along with leather, tobacco, and a green fir right underneath. A metallic note can be detected along with a raspberry note. I also get a hint of vanilla. There is also a clean musk way in the background. I love this fragrance. It's crisp, fruity, and green, with a leathery and metallic twist. It's different then most fragrances, and is very pleasant and interesting. Personal score: 9/10. I'd personally rather wear "Sloth", as the transition it goes through is spectacular. But, if it's didn't have "Sloth", I'd wear this for spring and fall (and cool summer days).