Pomegranate Noir (2005)
by Jo Malone

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir EDC

Notes: raspberry, plum, pink pepper, pomegranate, patchouli, frankincense, spicy woods (from jomalone.com)

I have smelled pomegranates before--fruit, seed, juice and also oil pressed from the seeds. None of what I have smelled from real pomegranate smells like Pomegranate Noir. What I do smell is a very heavy spicy accord of cinnamon, clove, cardamom and cedar wood. If there is any fruit here, it is completely overwhelmed. The fragrance is not really dark as in "noir", but it is rather heavy compared to many other Jo Malone fragrances, and it is a bit sickening due to its poorly judged proportion of spice. In other words, PN lacks complexity, deftness and balance. Despite the heavy spice accord and woody notes, there is no real substance to speak of. If hamster cages were lined with cinnamon along with the typical cedar shavings, this is what it would smell like. It is a scrubber.

EDIT! I've recently received a sample of this with a JM order and, I tried it again. As is typical of me, one of the fragrances that's affected me most powerfully, is a fragrance I initially disliked on myself. After rereading my original review, I can't help but stress how much body chemistry, at any given time, affects the reactions of those of us who are extremely sensitive to our olfactory neurons. Fortunately, chemical change can be positive, and I think my norepinephrine levels must be in better shape. The first review was written a couple of months before I became pregnant with my daughter, who is now 20 months old. After having her, I guess I smell better! (Smell as an adjective, not a verb). In any case Pomegranate Noir is utterly, completely gorgeous; hypnotic, complex, and sensual. At first it smells like mulled wine, and it quickly transforms to a patchouli-resin warmth that's oddly reminiscent of my favorite Chanels. This pomegranate beauty is so perfect for enhancing the mood for the upcoming holiday; pomegranate is my favorite fruit to eat, and now Ill enjoy it even more. Pomegranate Noir comes across as a fragrance that would be perfect for sitting in front of a fireplace after a day of skiing. Our Southern California Autumns, with the Santa Anas in full swing, often are hotter than our summers. Even with its "cool weather" connotation, Pomegranate Noir is beautiful in our current 90 degree+ weather. The heat brings out a dry warmth in this fragrance (patchouli?) that I absolutely love.

Original Review: On me this is suffocating. It's strong, bitter, and harsh. I think the combo of frankincense and patchouli reacts badly on my skin. I'm with Mr. Quarry on the furniture polish aroma...The composition of Pomegranate Noir comes across as balanced mix of juicy fruits and and heavy woods, and it smells striking and deep when sprayed into the air. Unfortunately I don't find the smell appealing on my skin, but on someone with the right skin chemistry, I'd enjoy it.

With notes of clove, pumpkin, and persimmon, this seems like a scent to use in the fall, especially around Thanksgiving. Aggressive and rather pungent, there isn't much subtlety here. Someone described it as "linear" - the scent never changes from splash-on to fade-out. Long-lasting.

I vaguely remembered that in Greek mythology, poor Persephone had something to do with pomegranates. But did you know that in Exodus the High Priest had images of pomegranetes woven into his robe? That Leonardo and Boticelli featured pomegranates in their Madonna and Infant paintings? That the Qu'ran mentions pomegranates will be in Paradise? Or that some Hebrew scholars speculate that the pomegranate was the forbidden fruit in The Garden of Eden?

No? It's OK, neither did I. I looked it up in Wikipedia.

Be forewarned though, according to the same:

"The pomegranate also evoked the presence of the Aegean Triple Goddess who evolved into the Olympian Hera, who is sometimes represented offering the pomegranate. "

So reviewers, myself included, better watch what we say---one diety you do NOT want to piss off is The Triple Moon Goddess.

How does Jo's offering stack up?

Longevity is very good. I could still smell it on my skin 9 hours later. This is a linear scent, so be certain you like it--as you'll be stuck with it for 9+ hours.

Sophisticated and unusual. However now that some time has passed I concur with Vibert--it no longer puts me in a good mood, either.

Furthermore, I believe women can be better served by this one.

The Bride in Kill Bill immediately comes to mind.



M.

Hmm. Was dying to try this as have heard so much raving about it. Disappointingly spicy, cheap and jarring to my nose. Can't see what all the fuss is about, big thumbs down.

Finally a perfume that sort of resembles Jungle, L'Elephant by Kenzo which I adore; its absolutely unique. BUT Jungle is very hard to find & I sense it will be discontinued soon. So Pom' Noir would be my next choice.
Hildy