Vivacité(s) de Bach (2006)
by Les Fleurs de Bach

I brought this, along with other artisanal or small firm (if you prefer) fragrance samples from a trip to Paris 2 years ago. When I noticed this was on the ‘’Recent Additions’’ list of Basenotes, I decided to open it and write a review. My knowledge about Dr Bach and his list of unusual flowers(at least for the perfumery industry) was basic, therefore my initial surprise on the first sniff of this juice was justified. The Pyramid provided by the maker puzzled me. Top notes: Gorse, Centaury, Middle Notes: Hornbeam, White Chestnut, Olive and Base Notes : Larch and Mustard. Even if you knew what Gorse, Centaury, Hornbeam or Larch smells like, I assure you, it would be impossible to separate any of those in that blend. The opening is very bitter, aromatic and herbal, very close to the smell of an Italian Amaro Aperitif (Campari). The herbal accord that dominates the composition becomes more fresh and earthy for the mid and base notes. I could see it only as a part of an aromatherapy treatment and not as an EDT. Actually the majority of the ingredients used, have some kind of healing properties (i.e. Centaury used to be prescribed by Saxon herbalists for snake bites and other poisons). Not for everyone.

27th September, 2009.