Labdanum. A complex and enticing melange of amber, vanilla, and spice all in one material. This is a material that has many faces. Not one part of the plant goes to waste. When we say labdanum, we are referring to Cistus Ladanifers. The labdanum resin is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the shrub. While Cistus Oil (Commonly known as Rock Rose) is extracted from the Flowers of the shrub. Labdanum typically comes as a gum or viscous resin. Widely used in perfumery for its fixative abilities as well as the intoxicating aroma it has. Amber, honey, leathery, and a key ingredient to any chypre or amber fragrance.
This fragrance opens with a beautiful and bright frankincense from Somalia. It is bright and rich. Keeps to the tradition of what labdanum was first used for, which is incense for ancient Egyptians during rituals and ceremonies. It drys down to a mixture of Dark Aged Patchouli and French Lavender Absolute. The patchouli garners the earthy and herbal aspect of labdanum, the lavender supports the soft and powdery character labdanum can give while giving it an herbal and somewhat fougere feel as well as complexity. Then finally, the base notes come through with Labdanum being the main player. Amber is created in this fragrance adding vanillac material, which in this case is a gorgeous Tonka Bean Absolute, also adds a hint of sweetness. Then finally, to round it all out, we have Siam Benzoin. Which almost feels like it in a literal sense, glues all of the materials together creating cohesiveness. And Guaiac Wood adds a deep, slightly smokey and animalic touch to an already beautiful fragrance. To top all of this off, we use a Portuguese Labdanum Tincture. We soaked Portuguese Labdanum Resin for about a year before filtering and using it in this fragrance in place of the standard perfumers alcohol. Needless to say. If you love amber fragrances, this one is a no brainer.
Labdanum is my Love Language
Top: Somalian Frankincense
Heart: French Lavender Absolute, Dark Aged Patchouli
Base: Amber, Spanish Labdanum Absolute, Siam Benzoin, Guaiac Wood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean Absolute
