Bois d'Hiver (2006)
by Ayala Moriel

Yes!!! Woods. Quality woods! Like old furniture from the colonial period. Just simply amazing. Lasts long, smells great, adequate sillage. Just great spicy woods.

Ayala’s fragrances are wonderful and different from many scents on the market. She designs as an innovative artist and she makes the scents as a dedicated craftsperson. She uses natural ingredients (making many herself) and prepares small batches to ensure freshness. Her scents are striking, subtle and yet intense. Wearing one is a learning experience, there are always new aspects to discover! My understanding and appreciation grows each time I wear one.
This is certainly true for Bois d’Hiver. When I first tried it, I was unfamiliar with frankincense and frankly was a bit overwhelmed by it. Weeks later, I was in a church service where incense was burned. Then, I “got” what the scent was about, and I’ve loved it ever since. It captures the mood of a high church service: introspective yet celebratory, spiritual and yet sensual. The top notes are an amazing blend of juniper (fresh, perky, a bit minty) with good woody cedar. The middle has rich florals and a bit of citrus which combine seamlessly. The base is luxurious and is centered in frankincense, which is a rich and spicy green scent. Fir notes play against that, and provide invigorating “spikes” of a cooler green note. Bois d’Hiver is well designed and lovely to wear in cooler weather, particularly at the holidays. It is bold and yet gentle.

Allspice (pimento berry), balsam tolu, bitter orange, fir absolute, frankincense, jasmine, juniper berry, myrrh, orange blossom, absolute rose maroc, virginia cedarwood
I am revising my earlier review. I have compared this scent to its earlier version (Fete d’Hiver) and also have a greater understanding of scent issues, in particular frankincense and pine.
Bois d’Hiver is striking! The opening is very aromatic, green and bold. I think it is fabulous. Orange and other citrus notes are in the background, as are florals and peppery spice. The pine note is brief. The frankincense quickly assumes centre stage, with a bit of myrrh. These incense notes give the scent a round, rich, exotic quality. It is slightly sweeter, more dramatic and luxurious than its earlier version. This is a complex scent. Ayala has upped the ante here, not only adding more elements but in some cases increasing their quality (e.g., using absolutes). Thus we have a very memorable, special scent. I am growing in my appreciation of incense-oriented scents, and this is excellent.