Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The romantic in me is attracted to the idea that Paestum Rose by Eau d’Italie is inspired by the roses that grew in such profusion around the temples of Paestum, a city south of modern Naples, that Virgil referred to them as “the rose-gardens of twice-bearing Paestum.” These were the same roses that were sacred to Aphrodite on the island of Samos and that were showered upon guests during Nero’s decadent feasts.

Although such a story might lead to expect a composition similar to Ormonde Jayne Ta’if, a rich crimson rose hiding honey and incense ashes in its petals, Paestum Rose is a modern spicy flower, the transparency of its rose notes being more reminiscent of Stella than of ancient unguents. The spicy touches are embroidered upon the sheer floral accord, with the composition foiled in the dryness of woods and the subtle earthiness of patchouli. …

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BBC reports that the Stilton Cheese Makers Association (SCMA) has launched Eau de Stilton, a perfume that the SCMA hopes would encourage people to eat more stilton. As one of the SCMA representatives, Nigel White noted, “The perfume has a very earthy, musky, herby type of background which is very different to the very sweet perfumes you smell wafting down the street as someone walks past you.” “Blue Stilton cheese has a very distinctive mellow aroma and our perfumier was able to capture the key essence of that scent and recreate it in what is an unusual but highly wearable perfume that we are very proud to put our name to. ”

For the time being, the fragrance is available in sample form from the SCMA, however, if it is to prove commercially successful, the mass distribution is planned. More information on the creation of the perfume is available from the Stilton Cheese Makers Association, which also lists the notes for the perfume as including yarrow, angelica seed, clary Sage and valerian. The samples can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. Thanks to Paru for the link.

To my knowledge, this is the first time that cheese has served as a direct inspiration for a perfume, although a clever Canadian Gouda cheese ad has often been construed as advertising a fragrance. It is rather amusing, and I encourage you to take a look.

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

One of my niche discoveries this year was Parfumerie Générale, the perfume house established by Pierre Guillaume, a perfumer who came to this profession by way of chemistry. The line offers an interesting array of exotically named fragrances such as L’Eau de Circé referring to the enchantress in the Odyssey, Aomassaï inspired by the African wood carvings, and Jardins de Kerylos capturing the salty breezes of the Cyclades islands. The notes are just as unusual: Cumaru wood in Musc Maori, Canapa Sativa seeds in Coze, Matale black Tea in L’Eau Rare Matale.

Out of all the fragrances I have tried thus far in the line, Cuir Venenum was the one that captured my attention the most. A leather steeped in the nectar, it combines the smoky balsamic pungency of animalic notes with the luxurious floral sweetness. …

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Parfumerie Generale has extended its line with the following fragrances:

Jardins de Kerylos
A pairing of fig and sycamore wood.

Iris Taïzo
Cardamom, iris, gingko wood, fig honey, Mexican vanilla.

Aomassaï
Inspired by the African woods and accented with the gourmand notes. Caramel, hazelnuts, spices, vetiver, tolu balsam, bitter orange, incense, licorice and wenge wood.

Hyperessence Matale
A more concentrated version of L’Eau Rare Matale.

The fragrances are available directly from the online boutique of Parfumerie Generale.

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The contrast between the glitzy ornaments bedecking the Little Mermaid-like flacon and its voluptuous oriental contents is enough to make the newest fragrance from Lolita Lempicka, L, stand out in the crowd of placid summer editions and flankers (which, as I explained to my friend last night, are the perfume versions of movie sequels, and are usually just as disappointing). The burnt sugar and bitter herb redolent immortelle forms the main accord of L, which rests on the plush oriental base of vanilla, coumarin and sandalwood. The immortelle does not make it debut particularly often as the main note, and I can only think of a few fragrances where it unfolds in its sun burnt intensity, namely Annick Goutal Sables, Gobin Daudé Biche Dans L’Absinthe, and Christian Dior Eau Noire. Therefore, it was a surprise to pick up a bottle of Lolita Lempicka L and discover a bittersweet breath of dunes inside it. …

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