Of the various incense
perfumes, Avignon perhaps most convincingly captures the spirit of olibanum,
whose terpy-citric-mineralic scent is vaguely redolent of Coca-Cola. Here, this
association is particularly pronounced in the opening when the sweetly herbal odour
of Roman chamomile is most noticeable and the fragrance has a refreshing zinginess.
If there’s a
criticism to be leveled against Bertrand Duchaufour’s creation however, it’s
that the timbered facet of frankincense feels somewhat over-developed by a
heavy (circa 25 %) Iso E Super-driven chord of woods and woody-ambers (inc. cedramber, cedryl methyl ether ?). Still, the presence of some guaiac-type
smokiness in the fond successfully contributes to the liturgical theme, and is
perfectly balanced by lightly powdered musk.
Nose: Bertrand
Duchaufour
House: Comme des
Garçons
Release date:
2002
Notes (per
Fragrantica): incense, chamomile, vanilla, patchouli, rosewood ambrette.
