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

What can I say....This is the most elegant and refined fragrance I’ve ever smelled. An absolute masterpiece. A charming aroma of honey, iris and tonka bean. That’s what my nose picks up on the most. Such an amazing fragrance that I simply can’t get enough of. This exudes class, wealth and sophistication. Although I do think anyone can pull this off this is best used for a night out on the town, a date, or a celebratory event like a wedding. It’s so intoxicating. Unfortunately very hard to find since it’s limited release but I was able to find one for half the retail price. I am so lucky and eternally grateful for this. An easy 10/10 fragrance all around.

Sampled from the Artist Batch 000/200 which I guess is different numbering system from the Limited Edition 000/1400. Starts with a strong alcohol/liquor aromatic lift. Then it settles into a soft sweetness of honey/beeswax. Not a sweet amber, but a very smooth natural honey like sweetness (the wax that is gathered from the honey box). I don't get any Patchouli or Civet in the dry down. However I do get a soft Iris lipstick (very soft) in the dry down along with some hay in the mix. The hay could come from the very dry Vetiver or... Smells modern to me and not like a heritage or an old world perfume. High quality through and through.

Interesting....well - immediately I thought mmm I know the brand, I looked for the perfumer then i understood why, he did some of Mona di Orio perfumes. This one is classy very well crafted. it has everything inside and not one note dominating can be used has a signature scent, day/night all occasions (not for the gym please). More masculine and I think it will be better for colder (not hot/humid conditions). You should try it, i can say that after a few hours you can have a light similarity (light) of HDP 1725 (Casanova). Keep enjoying this beautiful world of scents. Chao

Opens up with slightly sweet whiskey, dries down to a honey-tinged booze with some underlying subtle spices. The leather is subtle and not plasticity, which I prefer. I mostly just smell whiskey. Masterfully-blended with good complexity. Nice drydown. Slightly masculine leaning. I can't see any woman wanting to smell like whiskey. I think this would smell better on a man. Smell: 10 out of 10 Longevity: 9 out of 10 Unisex, leaning slightly masculine For reference, I'm female.

This smells very close to Café Simien by Mona Di Orio, but I find the whiskey note in Raw Gold is more prominent. The scent itself is amazing, one of my favorite's. Powerful, deep, rich, interesting. Everything you could want in a perfume and then some.

Rich. Decadent. Amazing. Starts with a melange of notes led by strong roasted coffee and Iris/whiskey. The iris gets deeper and richer as the fragrance progresses, and the drydown is simply amazing. 10/10.

goddamn patchouli always ruins it for me! :CCC Update, when used sparingly, the drydown is actually really nice. Damn. Also, ALOT better on skin than strip or clothes

@mikedgre Tony iommi and SWY would work. Would not add much though.

It’s really nice. Reminds me of a honey comb and lipstick

Amber and lipstick. Delicious. Actually unisex.

First wear and I'm trying to determine if this is worthy of adding to my full bottle to-buy list. It may be. It's a performance beast, and I think the sillage is strong, not merely moderate as voted here. Control the sprays with this one. It's very sweet, and it's a definite honey sweet, despite no honey note or accord listed. As a matter of fact, the comparison that immediately came to mind based off memory was Zoologist Bee. Honey, honey, honey. Honeycomb kind of honey, like Bee, although the animalic honeycomb effect in Bee is much stronger. Maybe the liquor, plum, coffee and pepper conspire to deliver a very honey-like accord. Raw Gold is powdery, but it's a dusty powder, maybe due to the vetiver, or coffee, or pepper, or even leather contribution. The soft suede/leather is apparent, as is the lipstick - adding to the powderiness. I really can't detect the civet, but maybe it gives it that very, very slight animalic honeycomb quality. But very subdued. Patchouli is very subdued as well. Overall sweet honey, powdery, resinous, thick, strong. It does border on cloyingly sweet, however. In that regard it reminded me of Xerjoff Naxos, which I ultimately gave up on due to the cloyingly sweet and strong honey. This may be full bottle worthy. Time will tell. Update 3/25/25: It is full bottle worthy.

I initially purchased Raw Gold based on a review on Youtube. I like it, but I don't go head over heels for it only because of the opening. The opening reminds me a bit too much of Ursa (to my nose almost identical). Every body chemistry is different and perfumes, as we all know, perform differently on each skin. To me, the opening of Raw Gold for the most part is leather, Safran, and boozy patchouli notes, pretty much like Ursa. After about fifteen minutes, I can pick out lipstick notes, which is my favorite part, and last only for a few minutes. Then the fragrance settles into a vintage dusty/powdery patchouli. Some people say they pick out strong honey notes from this; I get none (my reference for honey notes is Killian's Back to Blck, Zoologist's Bee, and the honey jar in my pantry). One more thing to mention is that one time I made a terrible mistake and sprayed RG on during the day ( a 75F sunny spring day) and it triggered a bad headache. So I had to put it away for a while. All in all, I am glad that I have Raw Gold in my collection. It's a good fragrance. If it's a masterpiece, I'm not too sure but I enjoy the dry down.

People are obviously messing around with the smell alikes-Giorgio, 4711, Charlie. I have the Alinea sample set from Mona di Orio & what this does smell like to me is Cafe Simien (with some suede & lipstick at the start). It’s the same Perfumer. This scent is softer though. To me it’s really different from anything else I’ve tried (these 2 scents) & while I usually don’t like plum notes I really do like them here. I would recommend sampling it if you can.

A very beautiful gourmand leather and amber scent. This leans very far into the masculine arena. I do pick up a strong boozy note. In my opinion, this is sexy. Raw Gold smells like money, and you’ll need lots of it to wear it. On the right guy? Swoon worthy.

This one’s not for me but I can understand liking it. Plum and booze are always dicey notes for me and civet as well. I did think it had honey. It’s rich and sweet and not remotely a dumb reach. Try first. Sillage is moderate so although the scent is rather bold I don’t think it will scream across the room. It purrs but it has claws, I’d say.