Odisiaque No6

When I was feverish collecting all sorts of natural fragrant materials several years ago while teaching myself perfume making, one oil stood out to me: that of cascarilla. Steam-distilled from the dried bark of the Croton eluteria tree, which is native to the Caribbean, cascarilla has a distinctive profile. It has a terpenic freshness at its top, a spicy, peppery, allspice-like heart, but also embodies a sweet woodiness reminiscent of myrtle. It flavors Campari (which reminds me that I need a good Negroni this summer) and it also was included in Coty's original formula for L'Origan. Its production is notably limited in comparison to other oils used in perfumery, so to find it used in a fragrance such as Odisiaque No6 immediately piqued my curiosity. Its usage here is what propels the composition through a chiaroscuro landscape of dry grasses, hay, impressions of sweet woodruff and the approaching cool September air at sunset. Liatrix absolute is also used here to lend its more-tobacco-than-tobacco-itself effect. Its ethereal quality sets it apart from others in this agrestic class. The ease of its wear may make someone almost forget just how substantial it actually is, and this is especially evident as we reach the dry down. What a magnificent skin scent that is left behind: a soft, granular muskiness that still holds traces of the cascarilla and hay, feeling at once wistful and serene. This is not for those poised for instant gratification, one can't just apply and wait for something to happen. It's for someone who sees—or rather smells, the spaces in between, and not just what's immediate. If this sensibility calls your name, then you might just come to love Odisiaque No6 as I do.

Still figuring this one out. It opens noticeably gingery with a kind of sweet-spicy-cinnamon-anise addition that perhaps must be cascarilla? This segues into a grassy heart--definitely a brown, dried flora smell that does bring to mind mate and hay and vetiver from the notes list. If you liked Roberto Greco's compelling Oeillieres, but wished it skewed more sweet/spicy vs savory/cumin, you might find yourself super satisfied with this one. Much like that scent, Odisiaque is atmospheric and beautiful, but not always easy for me to wear. I'm eager to try this in different seasons to see which notes rise to the fore or backgrounds.

This scent is dominated by ginger but also by a spicy, peppery, lemony, aromatic and juicy sensation. The scent reminds me of an energizing elixir but that has a comforting and intimate aspect. I can say that the ingredients are of very high quality. I am a big fan of niche perfumes, which are not known by everyone and I love to it because my daily body smell is unique. We recognize the natural sourcing from the south of France and the French craftsmanship. It recently received an award as one of the 5 finalists of the Fragrance Foundation 2022 here in the US.

Went on vacation and always kept a small bottle of "Odisiaque" in my purse. Personally, I think it boasts a robust strength that makes it ideal for summer wear. The invigorating tones of ginger impart a fresh and lively quality, perfectly suited for those warm days. I could see myself wearing it during the winter as well, since the spice and cinnamon is very noticeable, but to me it was a loyal summer companion. It came off a little too strong once I first sprayed it, but I enjoyed the smell after around one hour of putting some on; it becomes a little more subtle and breezier.

Spicy, funky, reminiscent of a bitter liqueur - smells like Fernet Branca ! Probably not for everyone but I'm into it. There is a slight 'curry' undertone that I'm not crazy about though. Very savory; a little bit licoricey - almost like absinthe. I think I'd prefer this on a man.