Isos
by Farmacia SS. Annunziata

Luckyscent sent me a free sample of this, by my estimation because in the same order I had requested a sample of CdG's Wonderwood. Good call, Luckyscent.

The initial blast of pepper is quite satisfying and it is a fresher, somewhat less biting pepper than Wonderwood's. Although I don't see it listed in the notes, essential to this composition is a smooth, clean, cool and creamy musk or ambergris component that extends the pepper and integrates it pleasantly and seamlessly with the dry woods at the base. The effect is a much more organic and mammalian (though not at all skanky) presence compared to the conceptually similar CdG composition, which exudes a much sweeter and more synthetic vibe (though that will be what some love about Wonderwood). I prefer this, though.

15th January, 2012.

I am anosmic to pepper so I don’t actually smell much of the opening’s pepper even though it is so strong that it tickles my nose. What I get is a light, spicy guaiac wood and vetiver accord that is visited by a touch of cloves and mint: It’s mainly an aromatic thing that I’m experiencing. Behind the aromatics (pepper, guaiac wood, cloves, mint), I get a bit of resinousness that I don’t ascribe to the gaïac, but rather to the myrrh note – it adds depth, character, and especially an interest that I need because I’m missing the aroma of pepper. I especially appreciate the lack of sweetness in this fragrance – the dryness of the fragrance, including the light but elegant drydown, is natural and well balanced. Like several of the Farmacia SS. Annunziata fragrances, I find that Isos, although nicely balanced and progressed, is too light for my taste.

16th July, 2010.

lovely scent! followers of "Green" scents, add this one to your sampling list! i would say this is a greener version of Malles French Lover without the animalic drydown.
Opens with a very sharp, juicy and very (realistic) green accord of peppered vetiver with hints of spices. Opening accords smells like tender Green mango leaves crushed in palms. the accord has enough depth and smells pretty lovely. the way the green accords are blended with woody accords is another beautiful twist in tale. overall, a well thought of release with heart.

24th September, 2009.