Encens Jinhae
Atelier Cologne (2016)

Noticeable smoky incense in the opening, that will morph into a peppery rose supported by a sharp cypriol note. In the drydown, the pepper and cypriol note leave to leave the rose take a soapy facet and a hint of sweetness in the background (what AC sells as cherry blossom).

This is very well crafted, but far from being unique since it reminds me of several other fragrances: AC Rose Anonyme, Cartier Declaration d'Un Soir but most of all De Nicolai Incense Oud with which it shares strong similarities, especially in the top and heart (even more than Rose Anonyme does). Unisex that leans (very slightly) feminine.
The only downside is its modest performance. Still, should you not own any of the ones I listed above, this one could be a great acquisition given the very affordable prices currently on ebay and at discounters. A small love for me.

Cold to mild days, 30+

In the opening I get a gentle pepper, which opens up the spicy theme that will remain with me throughout the development of this creation. This soon adopts an incense character, and an underlying lemon drop lolly-like aroma adds a touch of brightness. I don't much nutmeg.

The olfactory incense leitmotiv grows stronger in the drydown, and is mixed with some upcoming florals, mainly a fairly weak sone and a restrained cherry blossom; both these are on the linear side with little texture, but they are playing the second fiddle compares to the incense. This is not a heavy incense; on the contrary it is very restrained and discreet.

The base continues the incense these again, with whiffs of elemi adding additional depth to it; this nigh-balsamic notes is transient but the best notes of them all. A woodsy undertone, more nonspecific that sandal actually, is also present towards the end.

I get weak sillage, just adequate projection and ten hours of longevity on my skin, but the second have is very close to my skin.

A pleasant incense-centred autumnal scent that is nicely done for some stretches but too anaemic to convince. I could see this as suiting and incense lover looking for a weaker version for the office. Overall 2.75/5.

I usually dislike green, cologne-like fragrance, and acid rose (I always say rose with lemongrass) is my most disliked accord. Yet the greenness in this is very warm (and fresh, go figure) like in a Chartreuse liquor. May be it comes from a certain kind of sweetness. The rose is fresh as well, but not green. Incense is gorgeous in the beginning, then fades away. I love it because I would dislike it.

Really. this is an obscure creation. The opening is pleasant with musk and citrus notes. Fresh and light. That phase lasts 20 minutes on my skin and indeed it requires heavy application. But then it fades into a white musk skin scent not too far from the one Body Shop used to sell in those tiny vials 20 or more years ago. Actually BS' s was I think better than this overpriced concoction... it was an oil after all. This is office safe as it's a skin scent for most of its life. Mind you it's not bad at all but surely a weak creation by AC. Some of you will enjoy it no matter what.

So far, one of the only Atelier fragrances I would actually purchase. You get citrus, rose and Wood (in that order). Strange, but effective fragrance that must be sampled.

This is an interesting scent. Nothing wrong with it, but something doesn't quite trap me. In part, the citrus aspect strikes me a bit like a stale lemon lifesaver. In part I am not a big fan of cherry blossom, though it is a distinctive note and not at all fruity. In part, I wish the incense and resin notes were more prominent. It is a distinctive scent, not sweet or heavy. I recommend trying it, as I am sure it will register differently for each wearer.