Ankh by Scents of Time, 2008

Woodsy green oriental. Very nice opening that's not too off-putting with medicinal or "perfumey" qualities. Excellent bergamot there. A mix of herbs and woods in the heart and base almost and just barely almost makes it a "potpourri" fragrance as in it smell like generic lavender spices. Yet there's something in the base that's holding everything back and letting them develop slowly. As the scent approaches drydown, a smokey accord wafts up with a semi-sweet green incense and sandalwood accord making for a unique and pleasant experience.

Top: Sicilian bergamot and lemon, lime, junper, pink pepper
Mid: Myrtle, cypress, lavender, geranium, jasmine, cassia, cinnamon, nutmeg, black apper
Base: Benzoin, labdanum frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, vetiver, birch tar, cedar, guaiacwood, accord of honey, tobacco and vanilla
This is a truly excellent scent, a woody oriental that I can whole-heartedly endorse. The citrus notes of the opening are good, but predictably brief. Myrtle and cypress give green, coniferous notes. So far, it is light and refreshing, but then it develops some really interesting spicy-earthy elements. The sandalwood is well done, quite authentic. The birch tar is smoky and tangy, and cedar and guaiac are good and woody. The hints of tobacco and vanilla are not problematic for me. They are not sweet nor heavy. They give an earthy tang which, combined with the spices, creates an old-stones note that I find pleasant. Romantically, it suggests the atmosphere of an old pyramid tomb. The scent here is like Eau DItalie, but with less citrus and more stony character. It is most intriguing, and I like it very much.