Floral fragrances achieve a style and complexity that is uniquely their own. From the singularly complex to the utterly symphonic, the category encapsulates the most diverse and distinct of styles. In this sample pack, we offer a taste of the many different florals available in perfume format.
Czech & Speake's No. 88 Cologne begins this flight with a dark and complex heart composed of rose, geranium and frangipani. Whilst the moody and umbrous facets of rose are drawn out in this composition, the trick is that No. 88 leans into the masculine familiar. Geranium and bergamot serves to unite two worlds, from the interesting floral sparks of rose to an austere masculine accord of dry sandalwood and vetiver, calling to mind traditional dusky Fougères. Lavender has long been a staple in many early men's colognes, and in the barbershop. Practically beginning for reinvention, Antonio Gardoni of Bogue moves the note away from its usual confines. But there is no doubt that this is a lavender fragrance, overdosed and dizzyingly rich with four distinct extracts of lavender, which becomes the basis of a complex sequence of aesthetic effects - lavender starts to resemble clay, wood, mineral, burned sugar, earth, and smoke. We believe it - Gardoni has created a lavender both familiar and totally innovative.
Eau de Protection by Etat Libre d'Orange harnesses the tenacity of brooding black pepper, cumin, and ginger to create a brilliant and addictively unconventional rose scent. A fistful of roses are crushed amongst these spice notes, creating a scent greater than the sum of its parts. It transforms its central rose note so it appears larger than itself – its cliched prettiness and delicacy transforms into pure strength – an engulfing flame that leaves an extraordinary trail. Tauer's PHI-Une Rose De Kandahar similarly develops the rose note through clever combination, leaning on the rich spiciness of tobacco, apricot, almond, amber and vanilla. Harnessing a rare rose extract from Afghanistan's rose growing region, Nangarhar, Tauer demonstrates the good sense of balance and proportion, offering a composition that is generous but not excessive, wrapping its central rose note in a textured and refined powder.
Iris de Nuit from Heeley reminds us that tastes are a fashion, and that violets represent an anachronistic masculine taste. Iris merges with violet flower to create a classic floral for the traditionalist, as a distinctive earthiness trails with a long length. It has the rich textures of the terrestrial - a medley of angelica seed, ambrette, and carrot seed, amplifies the effect of iris absolute, which ranges across buttery and waxy, woody and dry, stemmy green, and sweetly floral facets. Its feeling is indeed nocturnal – melancholic, tempestuous, and grey – and yet remarkably velvety and cool. Neither sweet nor feminine, but simply, earthly and floral. In brilliant juxtaposition from this coolness, Bruno Fazzolari’s Feu Secret (FZOTIC) sets florals alight, as aristocratic iris root and turmeric are thrown onto spicy cinders made of spruce, eucalyptus, and cedar. The result is dramatic and a work of great contrast: at once fresh yet dry, warm yet cool, earthy and hot.
