Stop the presses! I'm stunned by this fragrance it is nothing short of magnificent! I have never smelled anything like it before, very sweet but with a creamy, woody understated edge. The way Atelier Cologne's Santal Carmin comes on is very much like other quality sandalwood fragrances, it seems to creep up. Very minimal in the beginning and so reminiscent of other fragrances I've tried with sandalwood and papyrus (except for the occasional unpleasantness) this has sweet notes and a hint of citrus in the opening which elevate it so something else entirely. As it develops the sandalwood becomes both spicier and creamier combining with a gorgeous vanilla note which comes on stronger too. What is evident is one of my favourite, complex notes saffron which gives any fragrance a classy edge. The overriding scent I get however is a sweet berry, like strawberry or raspberry in this scent it's kinda the heart of the whole thing and I just can't see how that's bergamot and lime? Whatever it is, it's wonderful and contributes to a perfect storm, which combines many elements I love. The drydown is dense guaic wood and creamy sandalwood with sweet long lasting vanilla. It's strangely reminiscent of a few things Scent story 24 Gold just in style terms... maybe it's the sweetness, vanilla, and woods then Le Labo Santal 33 and Decennial Santal Sacre for papyrus and how tranluscent the Sandalwood is at first but then builds. Also reminds me a touch of Xerjoff Ivory Route but with gorgeous sweet and inviting gourmand touches of fruit added in making it totally different. It has what I've termed 'secret sillage' because hours after application and despite never being a powerhouse you get glorious wafts of it every now and again. My girlfriend thought it was 'very ordinary' and was surprised I was raving about wearing it so much but she said that about Ivory Route which I thought was amazing, maybe she doesn't like sandalwood? Santal Carmin is fantastic, great longevity, not the longest lasting but several hours puts it right up there and it does project softly. It just as innovative as Gold leather which is a brave boozy scent and these two alone make me rate Atelier Cologne as a house. If you don't like sweet, or gourmand fragrances it may not be for you but I can't even say that for sure as the sandalwood might just hypnotize you. I adore this fragrance and want a bottle pretty bad.
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I love this scent as it is for me very comforting and a perfect scent for colder rainy evenings and nights. Warm, softly woody and spicy, but there is also subtle sweetness present. The new bottle design is beautiful.