Frankincense & Myrrh (1984)
by Czech & Speake

A bit dull citrus and woods scent with a background of incense. The opening is a short-lived citrus that is not overpowering or strong. The incense notes and woods take over, but again are oh so subtle. Overall, just a basic citrus/woods/incense fragrance that is both weak and has poor longevity. Much better stuff out there.

13rd September, 2011.

The first time I saw Frankincense and Myrrh laying on a perfume shop shelf I expected a dark, bold and meditative composition a-là Avignon, but then I tested it...

The main ingredients mentioned in the fragrance name are concocted to a classic musky/citrus cologne with a result that while is not particularly outstanding is still pretty enjoyable and pleasant. If you're looking for your first frankincense/myrrh composition there're many better options out there, but considering this was originally rleased in 1984 and it's still one of the few citrus-frankincense-myrrh combo on the market, it definitely deserves a good rating. Very Nice.

2nd July, 2011. (Last Edited: 5th August, 2011.)

An enjoyable, disarmingly simple cologne that combines frankincense and myrrh with citrus notes (lemon, orange) and additional woods (cedar, and supposedly sandalwood). The myrrh is most prominent, and in combination with the lemon assumes a vetiver-like character that is not too far away from Guerlain's classic Vetiver. The drydown is one of lavender and liquorice and leaves one in no doubt that, despite the liturgical associations of the name, this is an aromatic fougère, plain and simple.

12nd June, 2011.

Well for starters I don't associate this with Christmas! Having said that I will concede that this is a fabulous winter snuggle-scent.

Soft, snuggly and smokey with a refined powdery drydown that reminds me a little of lavender and chamomile baby talc mixed with some (and I mean this positively!)past-its-use-by-date dried sage that you might find in the back of the kitchen cupboard. I find very little citrus here which is surprising as lemon notes usually project loudly on my skin. The frankincense is very enjoyable and never tips over into that slightly medicinal smell.

Sillage is discreet, I find this one wears quite close to the skin, but my oh my, it's special. Again and again I find myself raising my wrist to my nose.

A cold winters night with a crackling fire, a slightly rough tartan wool blanket and a hot toddy. Oh yes. A full bottle is calling....

7th May, 2011.

I enjoyed the mid-notes & drydown much better than the topnotes. To me it feels dated (released in the 80's, I guess that's why). I personally wouldn't purchase or wear it but since I can't say I hate this scent it gets a weak neutral from me.

19th April, 2010.

Frankincence is the staple note in most of the "incense" fragrances I've tried. That other biblical luxury, myrrh, is something I come across much less often. It appears perhaps most famously in Serge Lutens's excellent La Myrrhe, where it is set in the context of a bright, crisp, aldehydic floral-oriental. Czech & Speake's Frankincense & Myrrh casts it's two leads in a much simpler bubbly-sweet citrus eau de Cologne formula. As a result, the incense ingredients throw aside their accustomed gothic austerity and take on lively supporting roles in a fundamentally sunny, cheerful composition. The idea woks well in that the myrrh's inherent astringency adds a layer of nuance to the citrus accord, while the frankincense extends the life of the scent far beyond that of the traditional eau de Cologne formula.

If there's a downside to all the resultant good cheer, it's that the scent comes off as a bit simplistic. When the incense sheds its goth trappings it leaves its mystery behind as well, and smelling Frankncense and Myrrh reminds me that it's the air of awe and remoteness that makes other incense fragrances like Dzongkha, Jubilation XXV, and Zagorsk so compelling to me. So while it's unquestionalbly well-made and attractive, Frankincense & Myrrh also winds up being just a little bit dull.

11th December, 2009.