Essence No. 7 : Neroli
Elie Saab (2015)

A delightful complement to warmer June temps, Kurkdijan's No. 7 Neroli reminds me of Seals and Crofts "Summer Breeze": blowing through the....orange blossom in my mind? Hmm, not quite as poetic, but now that I've set the tone I want to say that neroli is a challenging note for perfumers to extend, if you will; as in, extend into the heart and leave suggestions into the dry down. It can either be too fleeting or if extended poorly, too synthetic, almost bleach-like (horror).
However, Kurkdijan struck just the right balance, to allow the natural energy of neroli run its course and to allow a white floral to flourish in the heart, and cedar to sustain the effect into the dry down.

There is a certain creamy, velvety texture that gives a somewhat lux feel, deviating from the expectation that neroli is meant just for eau de colognes and transparent citrus aromatics. It lingers, and past the cedar, impressions of neroli-tinted musk remain for a surprisingly long time. Well done.

I bought three citrus for a patio area, put them in big tubs to be fed & watered and watched them flower. I also happened upon the story of Lue Gim Gong, the citrus wizard and found it heart-breaking.
I ordered Essence No 7, knowing it was a linear fragrance, linear but joyous and very beautiful. I haven't enjoyed a Neroli fragrance so much since Annick Goutal's version. It is high summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, the weeks of white linen, broad brimmed hats, sauvignon blanc and the promise of fruit to come after the orange blossoms have set. Lovely.

Way too much dark orange blossom heaviness for me. I had expected something a bit lighter and sprightlier, but instead this smells bottom-heavy and much more dense and jungle-y than I had anticipated. Surprisingly feminine and frankly, somewhat cloying.

I love a good neroli, and this is excellent...deep, rich and luxurious smelling with a nice touch of muskiness...has a bit of a citrusy flavor to it also...this would make for the perfect fragrance for a warm summer night...detecting a slight touch of spice...a pleasure to smell...smells of very high quality ingredients...very nice projection...like being surrounded by neroli...

Stardate 20171115:

A well constructed orange blossom fragrance with some musk. Simple comfort like mac and cheese.

A FK study of Neroli. If you love Neroli you will love this perfume. Honeyed Orange Blossom with nuances of Cardamon and Ginger and the "Metallic" that comes off more like Chalk Wall to me.
Neroli has a natural counterpoint within it's note.
Used as a counterpoint in complex perfumes I see it as tremendously important.
Singular and as nuanced study falls flat for me.