Un Jardin sur le Nil (2005)
by Hermès

In UN JARDIN SUR LE NIL, the opening salvo of salty green shredded mango is rather bitter and nearly sour enough to qualify as a pickle. But that impression fortunately subsides quickly, at which point a strong steamed rice-like note takes over this composition, along with what smells to me like green tea. Conclusion: this smells more like it came from Japan than the shores of the Nile to me.

In waves, the quasi-rice note smells sometimes to me like rice cakes or even vaguely of popcorn! In fact, now that I think about it, there is an almost genmaicha tea scent here—albeit slightly too bitter. Well, I guess that I'm an outlier on this one. I do believe that this member of the Jardin series is more original than either MEDITERRANEE or MOUSSON, but its eccentricity is not enough to overcome the sour quality which would definitely prevent me from wearing this as anything but a novelty scent.

On to the latest minimalist creation by J.-C. Ellena, who appears to have a serious cult following, judging by some of the positive reviews!

28th September, 2011.

I bought a sample based on the review and this scent just does not vibe with my chemistry. It smells awful and reminds me of this horrible Victoria Secret scent my roommate used to wear.. Ich!

26th September, 2011.

After the initial spray, I felt myself at a fair, with those green mangoes for sale in one hand, while on the other hand a vendor was selling vegetables, sat next to someone who was selling flowers, especially Lotus Flower! Fantastic!

Then, I felt transported to my house, surrounded by a garden, while inside, in another room, someone lit incense that slowly begins to take care of the house with a very pleasant aroma!

A masterpiece created by Jean-Claude Ellena. A subtle scent, without the necessity of self-affirmation.

21st August, 2011.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, is in one word, odd.

This fragrance is the definition of unique. There really isn't anything remotely like it that I have come across so far.

The opening is very herbaceous and vegetal. No doubt, by looking at the notes, you understand why it smells like this. I come from a home where my mother is a gardening fanatic, and I swear that this fragrance smells very natural, just like a thriving vegetable garden.

Whether or not you want to smell like a garden is up to the individual. I'm not accustomed to these kinds of scents, however I'm not ruling them out altogether. Wearing Un Jardin Sur Le Nil would be both an experience and an honour all at once.

Interestingly enough the heart turns quite floral on the skin. The orange and peony notes tend to battle it out in strength, and the lotus gives a delicate, almost aquatic type feel.

The drydown is almost an oriental. Especially in regards to the incense, cinnamon and powdery iris notes. The base notes finalise this fragrance well, rounding off an almost wild and unique scent with a soothing, church-like atmosphere.

The previous reviews do not lie, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is a truly amazing scent, a masterpiece in fact. I am not surprised that Jean-Claude Ellena has composed this. With such great lasting power and its ability to work well in almost every climate, there is no excuse why every true perfumista should not try this marvellous scent.

7th August, 2011.

What is this Sycamore note we keep hearing about? I know sycamore trees. Some of my best tree friends have been sycamores. A garden on the Nile does not smell of sycamores! because why? because there ARE NO sycamores on the Nile.

14th June, 2011.

All I smell is one note: pink grapefruit, juicy and very natural. Perfect on a really hot, humid summer day!

13rd June, 2011.