Clive Christian - Noble Collection - VII - Rock Rose
ith Rock Rose, Clive Christian offers us not only a modern, oriental interpretation of the classic fougere but also an essay on the beautiful aroma of rock rose resin, or labdanum. Labdanum is the bedrock of modern amber accords, along with vanilla and benzoin. But on its own, the extract smells dark, leathery, rich, animalic, salty, and tobacco-like.
The opening act of Rock focuses on using fresh and spicy notes to introduce the resinous, floral heart. Sharp citrus oil, bergamot, black pepper, and neroli sharpen the appetite for what is to come, and soon this gives way to a delicately floral lavender note, with green violets and leathery labdanum (rock rose) supporting it.
It smells aromatic, lively, but also sturdy, with a streak of ambery, tarry leather running underneath the fresh, spicy floral notes. In the base, the chocolate-toffee-tobacco nuances of the rock rose merge with gourmand notes such as dark cocoa, patchouli, amber, and vetiver, thus supplying a silky, edible finish. It is powerful and masculine, but its slight floral and gourmand touches make it perfectly suitable for women too.
"It gives me great pleasure to announce the exclusive Noble Collection. Noble VII celebrates the splendor of the era of Queen Anne and is inspired by the richness and variety of a garden close to my heart. These exquisite, absolutely extraordinary scents exude the nobility of one of the most brilliant periods in the history of Britain."
- Clive Christian
