Review by foetidus
The first couple of minutes after spraying are off-putting to me. Something in the combination is bothersome, but it soon works its way out of the mixture and what remains is an intriguing but soft and subtle accord that I cant deconstruct into the usual categories except that it is modern, abstract, fresh, non-ozonic, and so sniffable. What Im smelling might be what others are referring to fabric softeners, and if thats true, I want to find and use that particular fabric softener. I guess I have to spend more time in the laundry products aisle. What Baraja actually reminds me of is the opening and heart of Cool Water it doesnt smell like Cool Water not the same notes, at all but it has the same kind of abstractness and cool distance, and it gives off about the same style of sillage of Cool Water does; Baraja is much, much more subtle and refined than Cool Water, of course. Its overall impact is one of an abstract and neutral elegance of freshness. The drydown retains the initial freshness with a mild vetiver / patchouli / ambergris combination that is not very original but it is more than adequate and enjoyable. It would be even more enjoyable if it lasted longer.
If I were to still require quiet, fresh fragrances, I certainly would give this a strong purchase consideration in spite of its somewhat poor longevity. It is fresh done without those dreaded aquatics or ozonics; its done with class and discrimination and extremely enjoyable accords. It is refined and subtle and about as elegant as a fragrance of this type can be. I like it very much.
