Greasque

The opening is tough simply because of the spearmint. I think if it was more fresh mint, the natural kind not the candy type of oil, then it would be more successful. I like spearmint but I think it clashes with the basil. After about an hour, spearmint starts to fade and the rest of the notes come to life. This is where it starts to get good so don't give up too early. There doesn't seem to be a pyramid of notes of any kind. Everything is jumbled up together. Why it's like that I'm not sure. Everything has a reason, so I'm guessing this is not about a story but rather an atmosphere. It's about being in a particular space rather than a moment like other perfume creators tend to manufacture. Knowing that Greasque is the birthplace of the owner is important because it starts to unravel the story for me. Each note is probably from a different source within the environment and the wind perhaps blowing in your face, you end up with a brushstroke of this fragrance. It turns out this composition is inspiring after all.

The notes here bring me right back to walking through my grandmothers garden and helping her pick fresh herbs. The basil, mint, sage, and the woodsy notes really make this a scent memory for me that I love.

This one is a bit different from the others. It needs more patience to get to know, instead of an instant love. The first hour is very fresh mint in a garden with basil. Really photorealistic fresh herbs. After an hour it starts mellowing out and starting to change. Clary sage and vetiver start to appear giving it a more earthy tone instead of fresh green. By two hours, the fresh mint and herbs are completely gone and it's actually a slightly sweet scent. The caramel comes through, joining the aromatic clary sage and vetiver. I like this stage quite a bit more. The carmel increases in intensity, making It closer to Brocealande, at this point. It's sill a fragrance that rides a bit closer to the body. When I received the discovery set, some others immediately captured my heart, leaving this one on the back burner in comparison. After having given this one a proper chance, I actually quite like it. I honestly don't know what I could compare it to.

I do not find Greasque an easy fragrance to love but it has grown on me over time. As others have noted this is a very green, herbal invention; leaning towards the medicinal at times and very, very strong. (Walk through a room and the scent will cling to the air within it for half an hour or more after you have gone!) The most dominant notes (basil, peppermint and clary sage) are strongest in the opening but linger resolutely until the somewhat more woodsy dry down. On the way a big hit of galbanum and grassy vetiver play their part. I would find it difficult to be in the same room as someone wearing this for long. Although it has a curious, austere quality the sum of its parts are a tad overwhelming. By all means wear it and enjoy it but be careful not to over-spray!

Greasque is a like at first sniff for me. I'm surprised, because I've not always like Sora Dora offerings (I'm through their discovery set). Greasque is green, very fresh and unisex (leaning a bit on the masculine side). Basil and peppermint combine to make this super green, super fresh sensation when you first spray on the skin. On the very deep drydown you get the woodsy notes, with cedar and vetiver. Great longevity (at least on my skin) and moderate sillage. I'm pleasantly surprised by Greasque.