Black Spruce

This will smell devastating on a man. When I was considering purchasing Black Spruce (based on the notes, primarily for the oud), Teone asked me whether I was sure I wanted to wear goblin perfume. I'm Glad I did. If goblins smell like that, I will run away into the woods with one and breed little goblin children. This is a more masculine fragrance but like most good niche perfumes, it straddles the gender divide. I have a personal weakness for fragrances that tend towards the more masculine side of the spectrum anyway. In fact Black Spruce smells like a cross between Amouage's Honour Man and Epic Man, both of which I've worn in public with aplomb. Birch tar lends it an unshaven virility while the oud and sandalwood come into play to give it overall class and refinement. A hint of oakmoss offers fougere - like nonchalance. Frankincense and Spruce suggests that the said unshaven man might occasionally lumber into the forest to chop wood and make a fire with his bare hands. If I can't find a goblin to offer myself to, I'll settle for smelling like I've come very close to one. This and Embers are my favourites from this house. And among my favourites across all the perfumes I've ever tried and own.

I own bois d’orage (aka French lover) by Malle and I wish it smelled more like this. The Malle leans more green-galbanum-Norsca shower gel. Where the Malle is a suave and trimmed beard on a lithe frame, Black Spruce is more the ‘lumberjack’ with full beard but washes up before and after he’s outdoors. This is so well-blended, that as others have alluded to you’re able to distinguish separate elements without any dominating the composition. More sauvage than...well, Sauvage. Depp would wear this. Depp should wear this. He’d likely request a mega pint though - something I might do in the near future.

Oh fillifelle - what an adorable and fabulous review!! Such a pleasure, and fun to read!! Gosh. I love this perfume, and yes, it is definitely more masculine than feminine, but it's fabulous! It is gorgeous on my husband! I love smelling it on him, and on me it's good, but not as perfect. Well, I say that, but I really love it on me!!! Nevertheless, it's such a high quality perfume, as are all from this wonderful house. Every note is divine. Rich and natural smelling. It's such a beautiful blend of everything. Scrumptious and heavenly! Wonderful and perfect sillage and longevity too. Perfection!!!

New formulation: I was bowled over by this one. It's a dark/bright contrasting, complex, foresty fragrance that transforms into a deeply resinous Oudy fragrance. That's right, lots of Vietnamese Oud! It lasted 10 hours on me and I could very clearly smell myself throughout the day. Her blending is really interesting with some individual notes being highlighted, while others are combined with each other into a really nice "chord." This is one I need in my collection eventually.

Decided to branch out and expand from your average store purchased perfume, and was given a sample of this perfume. I've already seen an immediate result. Wore it to work tonight, and all my coworkers were shocked that it was me wearing the perfume (not sure whether to be offended or pleased...?) Needless to say I received compliments all shift. Would recommend.