Reviews of Pomegranate Noir (2005)
by Jo Malone

Very, very nice opening. Though it doesn't smell precisely like pomegranate, it does a good job emulating it. Dark, woody fruits is really it. However, it fades out after about an hour but during that hour it's really nice.

Like Coastfansocal, I got the hint of Vick's Vapor Rub, but not all that much camphor. I did not get the cedar chips in the hamster cage, but after a couple of hours, it has subsided and I can get some smoothness. Redhot candies, maybe that is what it might be on some. But I do say that the scent is not one to throw away after your first wear it. Have to give it some wearing, maybe like a Piper Nigrum. Many scents, I can tell from first sniff I won't like them, and those that have vanilla or powder, easily get tossed. Not so. This is my first Jo Malone sample to test, and while I tend to think this line gets less favored status, well, this is well made. I am going to give this a neutral, as I do not dislike it, but that Vick's Vapor Rub at first gets me. Now, someone remind me to come back and revisit this fragrance.

On me this is suffocating. It's very strong, bitter, and harsh. I'm not a fan of frankincense, which explains part of my aversion to this, but I think the kicker is the combo of frankincense and patchouli on my skin. I'm with Mr. Quarry on the furniture polish aroma, and I have to add that there's a bit of a carpet deodorizer bouquet there for me as well. (I have pomegranate-scented carpet deodorizer. Not a good scent association.) The composition of Pomegranate Noir is a beautifully balanced mix of fruits and woods, and it smells striking and deep. Unfortunately I don't find the smell appealing, but on the right chemistry I think I'd enjoy it.