So I had this down as a 'like' from a previous wearing and I'd stick to that, there's something interesting and comforting about this sort of perfume. However, I think the kind of person who seeks out such smoky thrills would be better served by something slightly less sophisticated than this, some indy bollocks where they dose birchtar like a pissed chef, or I reckon if you're into brands doing smoke and phenolic vibes, probably seek out Beaufort or something? I appreciate the subtlety of this the smoke (that guaiac wood sort of BBQ) it hangs like a shroud over some other stuff underneath, which is frustratingly (but deliberately) never properly revealed. I get some booze and wood but it has a cool air to it both in temperature and temperament, flinty and a touch metallic even, reminds me of bonfire night as a kid when I had to do a performance of the gunpowder plot. Amazing how the olfactory nerve endings trigger these long term but rarely accessed memories. I mean this perfume is doing no wrong by me, and if it was stronger and more powerful it probably would be annoying me now, but it's very well balanced I must say, fairly long lasting and present but reasonably quiet. This is not really my vibe but it was one of the trio I originally tried from this brand and it definitely fits in.
Bois d’Ascese is a scent constructed in typical Naomi Goodsir fashion, meaning it STINKS - but not in a bad way. This scent is profoundly powerful, it can fill rooms with ease and definitely won’t be for everyone; there is no mass appeal here. A brutally strong note of sticky, sappy labdanum coupled with an absurd amount of incense gives you this intensely smoky and dense aroma, if I’m being completely honest it almost smells like a burnt out barbecue. Pair this with spicy cinnamon, dry leafy tobacco and burning whisky and you’re left with more confidence than you can deal with. If you wear this you will smell like your clothes are burning all day, so take that as you will. As is often the case with this house, this fragrance is exceptionally well made and smells of fantastic quality, but it’s just not something I would wear. I don’t want to smell like I’m burning.