Cardamom is not the star of the show in this 2011 release from perfumer Lyn Harris. The cardamom duels with coriander and cumin for spice and with frankincense and elemi for effervescence. The unique aspect of this scent, which could be a complaint from some, is that the smokiness and resin and spice blend are restrained throughout. This restraint, combined with a creamy sandalwood and welcoming amber, makes this wearable through the day without offense.
Read MoreThis 2011 release is a favorite of Creed fans as well as those looking for a refined cedar scent. Cedar, listed here as a heart note, is present throughout the relatively linear dry down. The galbanum and angelica lend different facets of very intense green incense, keeping this from getting too dry or falling too quickly into the creamier sandalwood/musk. If one ground pepper up finely enough and mixed it with dried bergamot and lemon zest, they may get a similar experience as we had with the opening of a 2020 decant of Royal Oud.
Read MorePerfumer Andy Tauer has established a cult following for scents like this. The cumin and coriander brightened with petitgrain provide an earthy, spicy, musky, bright opening. Some reviewers are bothered by this spice opening. The rock rose (labdanum) and jasmine support a sweet, resinous, powdery transition to the dry desert star of the show: cedar.
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