Immortal Beloved

I’m at the point in my fragrance journey where my interest and fascination steer mostly toward “conceptual perfumery.” I don’t care whether a fragrance is all-natural, synthetic, or about marketing and trends. For me, the outcome is what counts. And I have started to slowly move away from most “traditional” structures that will continue to exist as pillars only re-adapted to fit current times and tastes. That is one reason why I find so many of the Ys-Uzac perfumes thoroughly fascinating. They can’t be confined within the bounds of “traditional templates.” I think most of their fragrances are abstract, except for the “Grands Classiques,” but even those implement unique elements that make them stand out (I can’t think of anything remotely similar to Pohadka). However, if one feels like dipping their nose into the house, that collection might be the “safest” approach. Immortal Beloved is part of the "Grands Classiques" and presents a somewhat familiar theme, as well as notes and accords that are easier to separate and identify. Nevertheless, what fascinates me about it is its complexity and ever-changing nature. Contrary to many other perfumes from Ys-Uzac that are difficult to grasp and understand, yet fairly linear, Immortal Beloved paints a clear picture of what it wants to portray, while going through a multitude of changes. Another captivating aspect is the myriad of textures I detect. I don’t recall another perfume showcasing so many different consistencies. Inspired by the letter written by the composer Ludwig Van Beethoven to his “mysterious beloved,” found after his passing, with the recipient still a mystery to this day. As you can infer, this is a mysterious, warm, rather romantic fragrance. I would classify it as a smoky-oriental, with heavy use of resins, boozy, and glacé fruit accords. Another brief and accurate depiction is how the house puts it: “A nuance of caramelized plum, which symbolizes an unforgettable beloved. The opulent undertone of an elusive Cognac note reflects the intoxicated romance, and a majestic dark rose representing the immortal passion.” Upon first glance, one would think: plum, cognac, rose, and resins. Personally, I draw much more out of this fragrance, and it always unfolds in three stages, with each one immersing into the next. I always loved that “snowball” effect, especially when each layer works with the subsequent one in harmony. The first part is boozy, effervescent, spicy, aromatic, and fruity. Here is my dilemma: how on Earth do I get a “root beer accord” from this?! I tried to put it together, and perhaps it is a result of the way all notes interplay. I get a cognac accord, but there is also a strong peppery nuance, paired with a fizzy lavender and a passion fruit accord that transforms the cognac into something rather reminiscent of fruit-flavored root beer. I don’t complain, however, as I find it truly captivating and infinitely more original. It almost feels like a boozy and fruity fougère with strong peppery touches. The second stage presents the plum accord, a shy yet present rose, and as the lavender and passion fruit move into the background, a more precise cognac accord. The boozy and candied plum keeps me enthralled, being a big fan of both those accords. The rose plays hide-and-seek and is never a mainstay. At this stage, a toffee-like nuance also creeps in alongside hints of smoke from the resins in the base, like tossing the rose on embers and drowning the plum cognac on it to extinguish the flame. In the final stage, the emphasis shifts abruptly toward the resins and woods. It becomes thick, leathery, and smoky. There are smoked woods and resins as well as something musky and animalistic that resembles castoreum, but it might very well be the labdanum giving off that impression. It becomes treacly and dense, opposite to how it opens up. The subtle animalistic qualities fit well within the frame, albeit manageable by most people’s standards. Again, the imagery of embers comes to mind, slowly burning away. I mentioned the multitude of appearances that this perfume presents: effervescent, herbaceous, juicy, velvety, liquor-like, caramelized, resinous, woody, leathery, and smoky. Moreover, several unique, perhaps phantasmal accords take shape in my mind that I cannot shake off, such as the root beer impression and a distinct “bread-like” texture. Figure that out. Finally, as mentioned, while Immortal Beloved might lack the abstract nature I have come to expect from Ys-Uzac, it compensates through sheer complexity and diversity in perception. Constantly shifting and shaping into something different. It also smells intoxicating if one has a strong penchant for boozy plum accords, smoky resins, and leather, like yours truly. I can’t think of anything similar, despite sharing a similar structure to other well-established boozy-fruity Orientals such as 1740, Ambre Russe, many Serge Lutens, or 1697. It draws inspiration from the “Grands Classiques” while remaining thoroughly distinctive. IG:@memory.of.scents

i really think this is a super-refined take on the histoires 1740 formula and as such, is preferable. while there is little discernible immortelle (maybe odd given the name), it is replaced by a great plummy note and adds richness to a dry tobacco & cognac base. in the drydown, a resinous, dusty rose peeks out & winks .... perfectly balanced, slightly aloof but very cozy & comfortable for winter.

this is a skin perfume, never for cloths, this a sex time perfume not to go out, its the smell of your desire and the tears of your suffering skin, i gave you up there some similars, i love Ys-uzac

delightful boozy perfume spicy and fresh at the same time, very interesting.

Reminiscent of ambre russe by Parfume D'empire.