Absolu

My sample is almost empty, so I guess I'll write a review to keep myself reminded of this little journey in a bottle. I was gifted this by a friend, and it looks like there's no way to get your hands on this right now due to the origin of the brand. But oh boy I wish I could get a full-sized bottle right now. This is a walk in the woods in late September in liquid form, or a perfect version of an everyday perfume for fans of all things deep, dark and somber as opposed to the typical fresh and citrusy. I can't really point out the order in which you could recognize the notes - it's so well blended it's very hard to tell apart. It's certainly very, very woody. From freshly cut down pine trees, damp mossy logs half-submerged in a pond, young dewy saplings by the side of the road to polished floorboards and blazing branches in a campfire. There are other pronounced notes that keep this composition just a little more green and fresh, which makes an even more realistic impression - I assume it's the ginger and pink pepper, and it makes me so happy that they are so well hidden with a purpose, as I am a well-known hater of pink pepper and I'd probably never buy this myself if I was to look at the pyramid first. But instead it all works so, so well. It's also definitely on the sweet, soft and warm side, not edgy or sharp at all - thanks to the amber and vanilla base I'm guessing. However... it's definitely not that outstanding or recognizable in order for me to say that I love it. I like it, it's a great woody scent that sets my standards for woody scents in general. But it definitely smells more casual than like something for making an impression. It served me well and I'd love to find anything like this again, if possible.