(03-09-2018, 02:28 AM)stesa Wrote: Initial Impressions: Rose Santal
Rose Santal opens up with a distinct cardamom note, which is lent some brightness from the bergamot. I thought I had it figured out as a spicy rose.But boy was I wrong!
The cardamom retreats into the background, and milky sandalwood appears, along with the rose. Together the sandalwood and cardamom give off the distinct impression of chai. This chai brew is kept warm through the use of a cleverly placed black pepper note.
However, this is a chai suitable for people who do not like chai (like me) because it is kept in check by the rose note. In some ways, the combination of rose and sandalwood notes can give the impression of honey. Rose Santal is a cup of spiced tea with honey.
As the scent progresses, it becomes progressively sweeter as the rose comes into the foreground. The cardamom never really goes away, keeping the sweetness of rose in check. In Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens, the sweetness is kept in check the bitterness of cacao. There certainly are artistic merits in choosing to go either direction.
Overall, this is a wonderfully warm scent for this winter.
Next up, Sylva. I have it on my other hand, but it is so beautiful, I just want to experience it without thinking for now.
That is a great review, thank you! Wonderfully written and insightful. I love it, thank you for taking the time to write it!