Unnamed
Byredo (2016)

There is a lot of aldehyde in the opening blast, as mixed with a good dash of white peppers, resulting in a refreshing start that is a bit bland or is otherwise quite pleasant.

The drydown develops a light violet that soon sees an orris impression arising that forms a warmer and deeper counterpoint to the bright freshness of the opening notes. The base adds a woodsy undertone that has a slightly balsamic touch at times, but remains somewhat underwhelming on me.

I get moderate sillage, adequate projection and seven hours of longevity on my skin.

Not without some interesting touches, this scent for cooler summer days has some nicely fresh features, but remains a bit baldness and generic for most of its development; the orris with its more substantial character is the most convincing part of it.

This nameless composition might not deserve a special name given its somewhat ordinary features, but the concept is interesting in that it shows how much marketing-driven subliminal imagination makes us project our notions into fragrances that are not actually present in the smell as such.

2.75/5.

The gin top notes of this are almost aquatic, with juniper and some fizz, which I guess are aldehydes. After 15 minutes or so it settles down into powdery iris and violet, like face powder and posh handbag, before slowly fading into a green slightly acrid base. It is pleasant and inoffensive and feels to me like bottega veneta's less interesting, poorer cousin.

I've read some very harsh review of this on other fragrances websites. I have to say that I actually don't mind this - it grew on me the more I smelt it. The gin note is quite pronounced when it first goes on – it's not a cheap nasty gin though, but a fancy one, infused with herbs and something else that I can't quite put my finger on. Once that settles, the pepper shows through, as does the balsam, which gives this a lovely fresh feel. And after a little while, the violet peeps out – very soft, but noticeable. For a parfum, however, the longevity is not great – this only lasted a couple of hours on my skin. Still, I'm very glad I got to try it. For me, this is one I'd put on after a shower at the end of the day, when I'm puttering around at home and want to smell something nice, but won't be bothered by it not lasting. I like it, but it's not one I'd rush out to buy, and considering the hefty price tag, I definitely recommend trying it before you commit to a full bottle.