Pierre de Velay No. 47 is pure prestige and animalic power in a bottle. Initially it opens with a slightly fecal and bitter castoreum with a beautifully smooth violet leaf to contrast this. The musk note in here reminds me a lot of Musk Aoud - it’s that same sweet and floral ambrette, however here it’s much more animalic due to the castoreum. Powerful tolu balsam soon emerges which is slightly dirty in the most brilliant way, alongside a sharp note of civet. This fragrance isn’t all about the animalics however, as it’s perfectly balanced with sweet birch, saffron and vanilla in the base - alongside the iconic Chypré trio: oakmoss, patchouli and labdanum. You may not realise while smelling it, but this scent is structured as a very classic Chypré would be - just elevated by Roja’s additions of animalic notes, balsam and violet leaf. This is one of the more challenging releases from the Pierre de Velay line, however is an absolute masterpiece if you enjoy high quality animalic fragrances.