Oh wow! This is a stunner. Very much in the vein of those heady, sweet leather fragrances like Tuscan leather, Clive Christian C, golden boy, AdP leather....etc etc... But crucially this has much more of a delicate touch. When I say that don't get me wrong it's just as deep as the counterparts I've mentioned but possibly has more dimensions in that I definitely smell more of an incense bias. It's sweet, warm, smoky and I can surely see why the name is becoming. Additionally it's more wearable (on a regular basis) than a Tuscan leather type scent. It has a touch of the noble incense about it, saffron smoothness and although not dominated by frankincense I definitely get that from L'incendiaire too. The only negative I can think of is that I didn't buy it in the spot. I do have Clive Christian C and have had the chance to get others (I view as pale in comparison) but for all it's likeness this new Serge Lutens still has merit and I suspect when trailed side by side the differences will be even more apparent. I loved it. Top marks from me. hmmmm...Update. Well I say above "...not dominated by frankincense..." ??? yeah...that's wrong. After a turbulent and opulent opening this fragrance dries down to a perfectly high quality and slightly darker Olibanum than usual...but it is just that....olibanum. I must've been nose blind first time out, I stick to what I said about L'incendiaire it gives a complex impression when first applied but doesn't take long to die down to a heady frankincense and I'm so sorry to SL and Sheldrake but I can get that (I except not quite this) elsewhere cheaper. It shouldn't be about money but in this case I have to pass on this fragrance.
Notes identified by kafkaesqueblog - Ginger, cloves, cumin, plums, stewed fruits, incense, labdanum, amber, cedar, patchouli, styrax resin, tolu balsam, oud, brown sugar sap, possibly a pinch of birch tar. ---------- I find this to be an arrestingly beautiful and unique fragrance. It ebbs and flows gently, sometimes seeming light, then redoubling its brooding, throbbing burn, rather like the embers of a fire that don't die, but just keep glowing and cooling, then glowing again as breezes stir the remaining fuel. It manages to skirt several genres, never quite settling anywhere specifically, but always burning and glowing. It's a work of staggering technical genius to keep twisting and turning and playing tricks, all the while remaining one unified scent experience. For me this is a classic, unforgettable masterpiece, and I'll cherish what I have for as long as possible.