Myrrh & Tonka
Jo Malone London (2017)

An interesting and peculiar fragrance from Jo Malone, a brand which I'm rarely impressed by. Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense enters the Jo Malone London's Cologne Intense series and the fragrance has been performed by perfumer Mathilde Bijaoul. This is a particular kind of unisex mature (and temperamental) fragrance which finally leans on the masculine side of the pitch imo. It finally possesses a sort of woody (slightly pencil shavings, almondy and a tad smoky)/resinous/kind of rubbery aromatic assertive soul which is the main trait of its temperament. This feel is the main characteristic of the final aroma which smells spicy-ambery (vaguely talky), resinous, smokey-kind of turpentinic-pencil shavings-slightly earthy, aromatic and slightly almondy under my profane nose. Almond is another key element providing a sort or heliotrope/amaretto-vibe and influencing the burning myrrh's vibe. That's what you are going to smell I suppose even on your skin. Florals (delicate and almost ghosty) provide an initial gracefull brightness as joined to lavender and a minimal tad of citrus. Along the way we experiment on skin a sort of juxtaposition between fresh aromatic lavender (and bright floral notes) and blazing/burning warmer myrrh. The latter is combined with sensual vanilla and soothing tonka in order to create a rich resinous vibrant soul. The latter features this cool spicy fresh spark of lavender and florals (throughout lingering around) till the end when the resinous trait recedes and a woodier smoky vibe keeps masterering the stage. Vanillic tonka is another protagonist in here since it balances the vaguely turpentinic myrrh's blaze in order to slightly sweeten the elements and to imprint a sort of nutty cumarinic caramellous almondy luxurious twist. I detect similarities between this fragrance and the spicier and more articulated Roja Dove Manhattan, a spicy ambery heliotropic accord which is finally fresher-spicier and less smoky-resinous. Finally I perceive a more than good projection (with its resinous licoricey waves) and an excellent longevity on my skin. A fall season/winter fragrance to me (disagree it could be a valid spring/summer days kind of fragrance).

Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense opens with a rush of lavender ‘beeswaxed’ for sensory pleasure, aromatic and honeyed, hurdling towards a warm hearty balsam of myrrh, its slightly sweet, earthy, turpentine spirit, wonderfully rounded by coumarin and vanilla nuanced in an almond accent, that overall speaks a classy ‘amaretto’ inflected in tobacco. Surely, one that is inviting and intimate, sexy and sure, seamless and sleek... Lovely!

I love anything safraleine, and this has it in spades. Possibly ethyl vanillin, but definitely coumarin (natural tonka doesn't usually play well with vanillin in my experience). I'm not positive, but I get nectarate and dorinia sa. Regardless, the end result smells expensive, is linear and wears like iron. I'm a fan. I bought this for my boyfriend, and he loves it as well. Definitely spray some on next time you see it for a road test.

A stodgy almond Battenberg of a tonka bean cups a chewy licorice lace myrrh in its sweaty clasp, and they both drown in the disappointing chemical buzz that is the standard Jo Malone base. Pro: it is stronger than most Jo Malone scents and will last all day. Con: it is stronger than most Jo Malone scents and will last all day.

Received a sample of Myrrh & Tonka with a purchase. Thought I might like this one but it's disappointing. I get a designer lavender at the top, which faded quickly and then a resinous almond accord that drifts a bit sour. The notes say tonka and vanilla in the base but I couldn't detect any sweetness, which it desperately needed. All in all it's a bitter nutty fragrance that wears so light it's almost not even there. Pass for me.

The lavender in the opening is a fairly traditional version, except that it is lighter and brighter than expected. Still, it is rich enough to satisfy.

The drydown brings in the myrrh, Omumbiri myrrh apparently, and it dark-ishly herbal smooth with gently spicy underdone. A bit later on, I get some nice fresh sweet almonds in the background, together with the tonka that is a bit tardy in making its appearance as promised by the name of this creation.

The base continues the tonka, only that there is a gradual mixing in the the vanilla, so that both, as well as the almond, merge into a sweet fest towards the end, truly leading to a gourmand finish.

I get moderate sillage, very good projection and an excellent ten hours of longevity on my skin.

A lovely scent for warmer spring days, rich and soft and standing on it own feet without the need to be layered like so many Jo Malones. The development is a bit linear at times, but the quality of the ingredients is very good, as in their blending. 3.25/5.