Raw Gold

We know that it took photographer Thomas de Monaco three years (in collaboration with Fredrik Dalman, who was the in-house perfumer of the Mona di Orio brand for the last ten years), to create his first perfume - decanted in 1,400 numbered bottles (mine is no 876) of 50 ml, in limited edition. My olfactory memory projected me to an old palace in the awesome Sintra mountain in Portugal. I imagined myself enjoying the atmosphere of the famous and fascinating Chalet Biester (from the end of XIX century). It is often referred to as the seat of various legends and mysteries, and was one of several scenarios in the movie The Ninth Gate, directed by Roman Polanski and where the main actor is Johnny Depp, in the role of a compulsive rare book hunter. Raw Gold is a sweet-resinous, vintage / modern, super elegant fragrance, unfolding voluptuously in an aura of velvety seduction. A romantic trip surrounded by secrets. With a moderate sillage and an above-average longevity, it is an unusual, unisex and discreetly animalic scent that evokes a time when lust and love won. The fragrance opens with a breeze of liqueur, coffee, smoky vetiver and black pepper. It was as if I could smell old books and parchments in a mysterious and labyrinthine library – where I sip a glass of vintage liqueur – in a palace lost in the meanders of Sintra forest. There are no protagonisms of isolated notes but rather of the chords. Therefore it is difficult to define, compare or classify this perfume. The plum is different from the usual. I, generally, don't like the plum note. But here... I like it. It probably has to do with the way it's blended with the other notes After an hour, a discreet and smooth civet appears arm in arm with a red lipstick (discreet and not giving a feminine touch) on sensual lips. Then there's the warm scent of skin dressed in leather and velvet. A little later on there are balsamic notes, a vanilla tonka bean and chocolatey patchouli with a hint of dark honey that provide a sweet and animal heat wave. Every now and then that different plum emerges not just staying in the opening. At the back of the room, the saffron in duet with the opoponax sings an exotic aria. Of course, it's an environment for a very intimate tête-à-tête with the interesting girl with the plum-flavored lipstick - who smiles while we clinch the glasses. The scent is warm and cozy, reminiscent of a warm embrace that reveals itself in the course of a last golden accord, intelligent and insinuating.

Priceless For fine fragrance aficionados that are searching for the best of the best, for those individuals who revere luxury and fine ingredients; and simply desire to be blown away at first sniff and want to say...wow - This is such a scent and this experience is priceless. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, this frag was created two years before it was released as it "matured". The depth of Raw Gold is matched only by its exclusivity as this limited addition I am confident will become a long term classic, a scent that people will judge collectors by, a scent that is so rich in flavour and complexity that it genuinely cannot be compared to others. As such, Raw Gold is a brilliant name as it is indeed raw and makes you think of Gold. It is an amber to rival all ambers. Just like in music, as the boundaries expand into new genre's, so too in frags that an emerging style is golden ambers. This is more specifically a golden leathery amber. Never too sweet, or retro or contemporary. Ambers are meant to be sweet, and many times too sweet or too simple. Not Raw Gold. It uses the sweetness as a commodity to carry all other notes and as such will change on different skin types and seasons. The box that critics will put this in is more akin to a glass house, people would want to throw stones at rather than admit this scent simply cannot be contained. It is super smooth and nothing too harsh will show up or take over and I fine it as defining for this year as Le Lion was for its year. A Masterpiece and simply one of the best ambers every created. “Life is magical. Being alive in this present moment is magic. Be in awe of this magic and you will understand how priceless this life is!!” ― Purvi Raniga 4.91/5

Imagine stepping into a hidden speakeasy in a wild, untamed forest—this is the essence of Raw Gold by Thomas de Monaco. The original formulation was a heady, animalistic masterpiece, a perfect blend of rich patchouli and smooth, smoky spirits. It was raw and unrefined, like liquid gold dripping from an ancient, mythical beast. As a patchouli and booze enthusiast, the original Raw Gold was love at first spritz. It was a bold, unforgettable scent, a potential signature fragrance that left a lasting impression. Sadly, this original formulation is now a legend, replaced by a newer iteration. While still captivating, the latest version has lost some of its untamed magic. The raw, feral edges have been smoothed over, replaced by a more refined aroma. It's as if the wild beast has been tamed, its roar now a gentle echo. The unique, animalistic undertones that once drove me wild are now more subdued. For newcomers, the current Raw Gold will impress with its sophisticated charm. But for those who experienced the original's wild spirit, it feels like a beautiful yet haunting reminder of what once was. Raw Gold remains a treasure, but it has lost a bit of its primal sparkle. It’s a lovely homage, yet a ghost of its former glory.

The first thing I would say about this lovely fragrance is to ignore both the baffling note pyramid provided and the pretentious explanation in its advertising of how it was created; even if both are accurate, I don't think this really does justice at all to how nice this fragrance is, or what it feels like to wear. This is a big dose of Seventies glamour, with a dominant sweet note that smells more like honey than anything else, and is followed up with alcohol and iris (which is what is meant by "lipstick" in the note pyramid, although it's not as heavy as many are suggesting) and a little suede. I can also smell vetiver and patchouli at the base, and opoponax to increase the richness quotient. This really suggests opulence more than anything else--it's an intoxicating and heavenly scent (as it should be at its price). I don't smell any coffee, but this is a very complex scent, so who knows what else is inside of this. I would never be able to afford a bottle of this myself. But if you can, I would recommend it. It is a genuinely voluptuous experience.

Raw Gold is a scent that surprises and delights. Even with a new version out, it’s almost identical to the original, keeping all the things I love. Right from the start, you get a boozy kick that grabs your attention. Then, there's a hint of lipsticky Iris, which is kind of fun adding a soft, floral vibe that pairs nicely with some spicy undertones. As it settles, you’ll notice musky and woody scents, giving it a rich, earthy feel. It’s a fragrance that's both complex and beautiful. Whether you're a fan of the old version or trying the new one, Raw Gold stays true to its roots, offering a unique and captivating experience. It’s a great choice if you want something different and intriguing, with an excellent performance. Instagram : @lecheikhboheme