Rainforest (2001)
by Ayala Moriel

Rainforest opens with a mélange of green and conifer notes, quickly joined by a mysterious, earthy element that makes me think at once of mushrooms found under an old log. These notes coalesce into a central accord that vividly depicts the scent of a moist forest floor. A potent, semi-sweet hay note eventually makes its way into the foreground as the scent develops, and as a result Rainforest moves into brighter and more pastoral territory.

Rainforest has reasonable projection and moderate sillage, but it's not a very long-lasting fragrance. After an hour or two on my skin it dries down to a mossy base, still heavily infused with hay. I don't object as it's good enough to re-apply as needed.

I find Rainforest to be an amazing, bold scent! I have a completely different experience than the reviews below which suggest the scent is light or gender-neutral. I agree that it is a very green scent, but I find it to be dark and brooding, primal and powerful, and to my mind quite masculine. The image of a Green Man from ancient mythology comes to mind, with tendrils and leaves framing a face of nature personified. Another connotation – appropriate to this Vancouver-based company – is of the marvelous paintings of West Coast painter Emily Carr, who depicted dark forests and spooky totem poles. Rainforest starts with a very sharp, almost rubbery opening. BAM! This is as bold and distinctive as the old war-horse Fahrenheit, though not weird or obnoxious. Rainforest is different from anything I’ve tried; likely this is due to healthy doses of galbanum which give a spicy-green, resinous tone. Florals emerge which slightly soften the opening. Phase two is hay and moss, slightly sweet and grassy, and the scent settles into this aspect for the dry-down. Phase two is quite enjoyable, but Phase 1 is incredible!

Light, green, refreshingly under-sweet, like rain in the springtime. I love green fragrances, especially those that do not involve citrus, and this fits the description. However, greens perform better on me with a heavier, earthier base to make them last longer.

Green delicious is all I can say.
If you are a lover of gender-neutral green fresh essential oil based scents you have to try this one! Great for every day wear.
The oil based perfumes of Ayals have wonderful staying power, but the EDT's are nice if you like a soft kiss of fragrance.