Impérial Opoponax
by Les Néréides

Interesting how diverse opinions this one has received. I especially find it interesting that, not just T. Sanchez (The Guide), but also some others in the forums have considered this more sweet fougere than a opoponax laden oriental, which is another popular opinion.

To me, IO smells basically just like Givenchy's Pi's *shower gel* mixed with dash of good quality powder, benzoin obviously being a starring ingridient.
IO is very sweet, warm and powdery, leaning towards feminine side. Chaps can easily pull this one off too though, just remember not to spray 10 litres in your neck at once. (Well, that goes for ladies as well - 10 litres is just a bit too much)

Superb lasting power on this cozy perfume. It comes recommended especially for YOU, who likes the smell of that Pi (EdT), but finds it perhaps too sweet, strong or commonly used and wants an "refined" niche alternative. I rush you to get this one instead.

7th April, 2011.

Many people like this perfumes, so I know I’m swimming upstream here, but this is one unappealing perfume. I think it strives for harmony, but winds up feeling like motion-sickness. Lavender and amber are like their own one-material harmonies. They generally form pleasing accords so easily. And opoponax is one of the more appealing botanicals, rich but jagged, strikingly handsome.

Combined in this perfume, they form a cloying mix that sticks to the back of my throat like sick. Reminds me that individually beautiful elements can be used to make a mess.

19th March, 2011.

What foetidus & tvlampboy said.

l will only add that l think this warm, sumptuous fragrance is easily unisex, & very reminiscent of Shalimar with that combination of bergamot & vanilla. Great value & highly recommended.

10th February, 2011.

Imperial Opoponax is an interesting and original take on a note that I enjoy. It starts with blunt citrus over an unusual, soft, buttery accord that I can't quite place at first. The citrus recedes rapidly, while the buttery accord reveals itself to be an incredibly smooth sandalwood seasoned with benzoin or vanilla. The combination smells remarkably like warm condensed milk, and is just as comforting.

When the opoponax arrives it's surprisingly sharp, and I realize immediately why it needs the fluffy sandalwood and vanilla pillow. The heart of the scent is at once arid and sweet, reminding me not only of condensed milk, but of sweetened flaked coconut.

As the scent evolves the opoponax takes on a bitter edge - something I actually like, since it keeps the scent from getting sickly sweet. The drydown is all about vanilla and sandalwood, becoming quite powdery by the end. Good sillage, moderate projection, and the scent lasts quite well.

29th November, 2010.

An opening of wonderful opoponax that quickly dissipates. What follows is a sweet and spicy arange creamsicle scent that is pretty vile and almost makes it unwearable. The drydown bounces the scent back from nauseating though. A rich, warm, resinous vanilla. Unfortunately, it isn't enough to save the scent completely.

7th July, 2010.

The first thoughts that hit me when giving Imperial Opoponax a first sniff was "ahhh - there's the other half."

For years I have reveled in the earthy, spicy and absolutely unconventional delight of Oriental Lumpur, another fine selection from Les Nereides. While it doesn't bother me in the least that Oriental Lumpur has nary any other fragrance save the spices themselves, many others have commented that it "doesn't smell like perfume, it smells like a spice cabinet." That personally is the olfactory bees knees for me, but not for everyone. I've even heard complaint that O.L. "doesn't smell complete."

Imperial Opoponax completes things. I've no doubt, if you were to layer the two together, you'd come a lot closer to a high-end commercial frag, say a Creed or a Hermes. Les Nereides could pour into the same vat these two masterpieces of the niche market world and take on the mainstream if they found the inclination. For all the bold top notes of spice, spice, and um... spice that appears in O.L., Imperial Opoponax is all rich lingering basenotes - heavy, resinous, slightly powdery sweet, but always on the masculine side of it. A true deconstructed work of art.

Not enough can be said about the masculine aire that is here in the sweetness. Resins and the essence of a wood-paneled library with glowing burnished mahogany carells, a vanilla that is indeed the raw pod and no candy, and of course the title character, balsamic, golden, and even a bit boozy - myrrh.

Wonderful lasting power, discreet yet omnipresent silage, rich and unique sweetness with a classical power not frequently seen these days. Here's hoping that availability of Imperial Opoponax increases just a bit on this side of the pond. great stuff.

22nd December, 2009.