Chinatown (2005)
by Bond No. 9

What a great disappointment this one was! I've never been a big fan of Bond No. 9 fragrances but had hoped Chinatown would be the exception.

However, not only didn't it work well with my body chemistry (this is the only house where I’ve constantly experienced this) but it was a tad too feminine for my tastes. Also, sillage is way below average and its longevity is not as great as many have stated. As for the apricot note, it failed to add any real edge to what is already a mediocre fragrance.

Well, that’s one less fragrance house to worry about...

[Original submission date: 10 April 2008]

The only problem with Bond No. 9 CHINATOWN is that I get an overwhelming urge to make a batch of snickerdoodle cookies evey time I wear it. Not that there's anything wrong with that....everything in moderation, right? The thing is that I might not EAT them in moderation, and I can't get the craving out of my system until the fragrance wears off, which for me is several hours.

In all seriousness, I absolutely adore this perfume. It's got everything I like in a fragrance, but isn't like anything I've ever tried before.The perfumer has managed to blend sugar-sweet notes mixed with vanilla and warm spice, a little burnt wood, and the density of tuberose with a hint of coconut creaminess. The resulting combination is lush, rich, delicious, and warm. And good enough to eat...

Oh this is wonderful and amazingly lovely! I feel like I am wrapped in clouds of very refined incense and cherry blossoms. There is also peach brandy in there somewhere. It is so uplifting, and lasts and lasts. The body silk is maybe even more heavenly than the spray. Chinatown is strongly intoxicating and exotic, very special!

I do think it is overpriced significantly, but I won't assess it on that issue. Also, I almost always try to avoid top notes, so keep that in mind (I don't get any major peach note). The first time I smelled it (one small dab to the wrist), I thought it was at least interesting, and not offensive. However, my policy now is to sample at least a few times over the course of a few weeks, or more (if I don't dislike it). On the second sampling (a "full" wearing), I liked it for a few minutes, found it bearable for perhaps an hour, then came to dislike it. I got some on a blanket during application, which actually was very helpful (I smelled it during the night), because I realized that Chinatown is very similar to Animale Animale for men, and I can't stand that fragrance either (but again, it does smell nice at first). My guess is that for whatever reason I really can't stand any fragrance that has a strong lavender, moss, and gourmand combination. I've got more than a few "women's" fragrances in my rotation now, so I wouldn't be the best person to ask about its "unisex" quality (or lack thereof), but you can always buy the "for men" Animale Animale one instead (and save "big bucks"). Sillage is good and longevity is excellent (unfortunately, for me). Sample this one (or AA for men) several times before buying a bottle! If you like the lavender/moss/gourmand type fragrances, this might be great to you, so I'll give it a neutral, even though I can't wear it at all.

This isn't really a floral at all. It is a tart, gourmand smell of dried pickled plums! Go look for a bag of this salty dried fruit snack at any Asian supermarket, it is that exact same note. The drydown is somewhat powdery but the pleasant sour plum note predominates. It literally makes the mouth water. I give this thumbs up for capturing such an elusive note and for the courage to put this into a perfume. It isn't the usual sexy, flowerry, musky concoction, this is one of the most unique and interesting scents I've come across.

I smell the peach note only after several minutes, and then it's a strange, waxy fruitiness that smells Chapstick-like. The first, and overwhelming, scent that I pick up initially is cinammon. The cinammon lingers, becoming more and more attentuated, as the scent wears down. This is a strange fragrance...not sure where I come down on it yet.