Reviews of Sutra Ylang (2005)
by Bois 1920

This started out way too sweet on me. As I went about my business, waiting for it to evolve, I began to smell horse manure! Sniffed my wrist and sure enough, there it was. I suppose this could have been the indole/jasmine, though I haven't experienced it with other jasmines. When the weird reek faded, the perfume settled into a sweetish/powdery fog. Even without the fecal phase this isn't my cup of tea. But someone who likes sweet, powdery, STRONG florals might love it.
I let my daughter try it, she likes sweeter frags than I do, and no horse patties appeared on her, so once again my chemistry may have fouled up a perfectly nice perfume.

Top: lemon, bergamot, cardamom, laurel
Mid: rose, jasmine, violet, lily of the valley, carnation
Base: sandalwood, cedarwood, moss, benzoin.
Sutra Ylang is a distinctive scent! I find that violet dominates (leaves + blossoms). This combination is brisk and piercing, yet also flowery and powdery. In my opinion violet is an acquired taste. I find that I now can appreciate it; formerly I didn’t understand it nor like it. Sutra Ylang has a good opening. There is citrus, spice, and a fine green note from the laurel. I appreciate the latter. Lovely florals (rose, jasmine, lily of the valley) are set against the restrained yet powerful violet. The effect is haunting and memorable. In the dry-down; the citrus persists (unusual!), the wood gets tangy, and eventually the violet and benzoin combine in a powdery-sweet sustained note. I lose interest in the later stages of the dry-down, but up ‘til then I enjoyed this.