Encens Epicé (2004)
by Il Profumo

A resinous woody fragrance — quite an unusual aroma. I’m having a difficult time categorizing the accords and notes except that there is a lot of wood. I do catch some spice, but my nose doesn’t show me enough spice to warrant the name. The same goes for the incense — oh, the incense is there, but it is recessive. There’s a definite patchouli and that fits in well with the “wood” label. In the drydown there is a tobacco note but I can’t find the opoponax unless it is hiding amongst the resinous accords. I find that the whole fragrance has an undercurrent of synthetic feel. I find that the accords rather attractive, but there’s nothing in them that holds my interest for very long. My main problem with the fragrance is its lack of personality — lack of direction. It might have something to say, but I’m not hearing it.

Fragrance notes: cypress, larch, incense, “pine tree gems”, coriander seeds, patchouli leaves, opoponax, blond tobacco
As we see, there are very interesting ingredients in Encens Epice (“Spicy Incense”) – and those ingredients deliver an intriguing, complex fragrance. I’m baffled by comments below about the synthetic nature of this scent. To me, it is very natural. The opening is slightly smoky and aromatic. It also has a clean, slightly rubbery smell that is not unpleasant. I have the impression of coniferous and resinous woods (which is what those “gems” are I suppose... resinous beads of sap). The scent is dry but very aromatic and full, with no florals. The wood tones continue to develop, and I really appreciate the cypress which is haunting and evocative. As the incense and patchouli develop, the scent becomes richer and sweeter. Ultimately, I like the front end better than the finish of this scent. I like the beginning dry aromatic aspects. The dry-down is lovely, honeyed and rich, with a faint balsamic/vanilla note. A bit sweet for my taste but many will appreciate it.

I'm trying, really, I am. Il Profumo's web site places Encens Epice in the "oriental, smoky, woody" olfactory family. (Just for the heck of it, and since I have the page open-- EE's "Psychological effect" should "stimulate mental activity, provide serenity and induce to meditation." The Italian description, I'll admit, is somewhat more poetic than the translation...) The point here is that for such a promising (if not eyebrow-raising) description, I'm getting nothing but essence of Glade. More precisely, this is the scent of the waxy air freshener with the push-up plastic cover and gelled substance beneath that turns into hard wax after a month. To my nose, this is sharp and waxy, and should be called "Glade Summer Breeze." The notes of "Glade Summer Breeze": accord de Pine Sol, fabric softener, wax, something burnt (not incense), and possibly lemon. Lovers of this scent, I welcome criticism of my olfactory know-how... but to my nose, this is a "no-no" in profuming. Perfuming.

Extremely weird, spiced bubblegum och bubblegum incense. Where does the sweetness come from?? There are no sweet notes listed, but I recognize the sweet, synthetic, cool-ish note from wome perfume or other. Could it be The Dreamer? Not that that one smells like bubblegum at all. This.. this just smells like some cheap yucky-sweet perfume oil imitating.. I don't know... bubblegum?