New Kerosene - Fields of Rubus

[PalmBeach]

From MinNY website.

Fields of Rubus opens up with a thick, sweet jammy blast of raspberry and patchouli. As it settles, the raspberry softens up as vanilla, musk and woods unfold and envelope the host in a warm blanket of pleasantries.

Notes: Raspberry, Plum, Apple, Tobacco Wood, Musk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cedar, and Patchouli.

****THIS ITEM IS A PRE ORDER AND WILL SHIP AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER****

[fitch256]

John said on Facebook that these are ahead of schedule and should be at Min within a week or so.

[Redneck Perfumisto]

OMG - an indie niche take on "fruitchouli"! Probably goes where no innocent fruity floral dares to go.

MUST SAMPLE.

[senore01]

So talented this guy. To think, I have been watching his videos on YouTube for years. Now he is a well known perfumer of niche fragrances. Incredible.

[jamwires]

Also has another new one called "Wood Haven."

[fitch256]

he's describing this one as "jammy" as in raspberry jam. if so, a thick syrupy raspberry with some spice would be a home run for the fall.

[starshipvelcro]

A bit apprehensive at the rate these are coming out, but I know he's been working on them for a little while now. Still, this one interests me the most so far. Plus, his other scents haven't disappointed me so far.

[SportsFan]

A bit apprehensive at the rate these are coming out, but I know he's been working on them for a little while now. Still, this one interests me the most so far. Plus, his other scents haven't disappointed me so far.

That was kind of what I was thinking as well (that he really is churning them out at a pretty fast rate!)

That said, where can you get samples of his fragrances? I'd like to give some of them a try.

On a side note, I've always enjoyed his YouTube video reviews....his review of Baldessarini Ambre' is directly responsible for me purchasing a bottle of it, and I'm glad I did!

P.S. - I'm guessing that this one will be heavy on the raspberry and blackberry(???)

[starshipvelcro]

Min NY has sample packs you can purchase.

[SculptureOfSoul]

I've only tried R'Oud Elements and it was pretty good. I don't like to see these coming out so fast though. I know there is money in numbers, and few will really fully appreciate the depth, intricacy, extremely carefully coordinated and balanced evolution and nuances of a scent that a perfumer spends a year or more perfecting, but still... it seems like the indies, above all, should embody that mentality towards perfumery rather than jumping on the designer churn-a-new-scent-or-five-per-season bandwagon.

[Maque]

I've only tried R'Oud Elements and it was pretty good. I don't like to see these coming out so fast though. I know there is money in numbers, and few will really fully appreciate the depth, intricacy, extremely carefully coordinated and balanced evolution and nuances of a scent that a perfumer spends a year or more perfecting, but still... it seems like the indies, above all, should embody that mentality towards perfumery rather than jumping on the designer churn-a-new-scent-or-five-per-season bangwagon.

While it is true that it would be great that a perfumer takes a year or more to perfect a scent, but that does not mean a perfumer only works on one scent at a time. He is probably working on three, four, even more projects concurrently.

And some indie perfumers churn out lots of new scents a year (DSH for example), and yet their products are still well-liked by perfumistas.

[laroche]

.. it seems like the indies, above all, should embody that mentality towards perfumery rather than jumping on the designer churn-a-new-scent-or-five-per-season bangwagon.

I agree. The timing of a delivery is not insignificant.

[SculptureOfSoul]

As someone who's been working with naturals for years now, I definitely understand having multiple projects going on at once. I really like John/Kerosene and respect the path he has taken and the success he has had - I just hope said success doesn't change his process to accommodate a quicker release schedule.

I've seen other brands start out with quality work but dilute their name and reputation through a frantic release schedule (Montale, anyone?).

[alfarom]

I've only tried R'Oud Elements and it was pretty good.

Same here!

[Kerosene]

Hey guys,

It’s true, a lot of releases this year, but I don’t think they will disappoint. Wood Haven was a scent in the works for over a year now, and Fields of Rubus, close to 8 months. Im constantly rolling about 12 ideas at a time. Most never finish. Just so you know, I don’t release something, then afterwards, begin work on something fresh to release next. A lot of hours go into the creations. Hope you enjoy, and thanks!

And right now, only planning to have 2-3 releases for all of next year. If they are ready.

Take care all,

John

[forfreddie]

Love the sound of this Haven't tried the line yet but would love to.

[fitch256]

Hey guys,

It’s true, a lot of releases this year, but I don’t think they will disappoint. Wood Haven was a scent in the works for over a year now, and Fields of Rubus, close to 8 months. Im constantly rolling about 12 ideas at a time. Most never finish. Just so you know, I don’t release something, then afterwards, begin work on something fresh to release next. A lot of hours go into the creations. Hope you enjoy, and thanks!

And right now, only planning to have 2-3 releases for all of next year. If they are ready.

Take care all,

John

Thanks for the info! It's true the new ones will be available for purchase next week? Min's website is a bit confusing. Says it's in stock, but won't ship until the end of September.

[PalmBeach]

Thanks for the info! It's true the new ones will be available for purchase next week? Min's website is a bit confusing. Says it's in stock, but won't ship until the end of September.

Even more confusing, First in Fragrance shows 8/21 date. To add to the confusion, First also shows as an 83ml, which is kind of odd.

His other release "Wood Haven" looks like it could be a winner as well.

[MonkeyBars]

It’s true, a lot of releases this year, but I don’t think they will disappoint. Wood Haven was a scent in the works for over a year now, and Fields of Rubus, close to 8 months. Im constantly rolling about 12 ideas at a time. Most never finish. Just so you know, I don’t release something, then afterwards, begin work on something fresh to release next. A lot of hours go into the creations. Hope you enjoy, and thanks!

And right now, only planning to have 2-3 releases for all of next year. If they are ready.

Good to see you here John. I can't wait to try your creations. Have you attempted to work out a distribution deal with Luckyscent / Scent Bar?

[furrypine]

It sounds verrry nice, and perfect for late autumn. Definitely sample-worthy.

[silentrich]

With every new release, his fragrances are becoming more complex. Santalum Slivers is one of the best sandal wood fragrances on the market and something that shouldn't be missed. Impressive to say the least.

[Kerosene]

Good to see you here John. I can't wait to try your creations. Have you attempted to work out a distribution deal with Luckyscent / Scent Bar?

Luckyscent has indeed contacted to pick up my brand, but for the time-being, Im exclusive through MiN NY. For how long, remains to be seen. But so far, that's what it is.

- - - Updated - - -

Even more confusing, First in Fragrance shows 8/21 date. To add to the confusion, First also shows as an 83ml, which is kind of odd.

His other release "Wood Haven" looks like it could be a winner as well.

Hi Palm Beach,

MiN wasnt exactly sure when the scents were going to be ready for sale, so they were covering themselves with the later date. But they will have stock next week.

For First in Fragrance, there was an issue with my dispenser volume machine and some bottles that were shipped to Europe were short a few mls. Some just a couple mls. But the issue has been sorted out and corrected. But for website and not to get in trouble, they had to put on their website a lower amount of mls to cover themselves. Hope that clears up the confusion. But going forward, there's no issues with bottle volumes. All will be exactly 100mls.

[SculptureOfSoul]

Thanks for chiming in Kerosene. I didn't mean to be negative although I'm sure it came off that way. I just hate the thought of losing one of the 'good guys' to the pressures of commercialism.

I've really got to get around to sampling the rest of your creations. Copper Skies, especially, sounds like something I would love.

[Kerosene]

No worries, Scripture. I try and reply to all my inquiries, but this has been the busiest year of my life and sometimes people get missed. I've had so many requests asking me how to begin to make perfume and I simply just cant respond to everyone. Still working my regular day job and so many late nights and working every weekend on the fragrance brand. Next step is working on my website, but all in all everything is going well.

[PalmBeach]

Hi Palm Beach,

MiN wasnt exactly sure when the scents were going to be ready for sale, so they were covering themselves with the later date. But they will have stock next week.

Any update when they will be in stock at Min. Still showing pre-order only.

[stiffdogg06]

Any update when they will be in stock at Min. Still showing pre-order only.

Now. Ordered mine on Thursday. Arrives tomorrow.

- - - Updated - - -

This is full of so much win. Got my bottle today. Kerosene definitely did something right here. Time to try his other stuff.

[PalmBeach]

OMG - an indie niche take on "fruitchouli"! Probably goes where no innocent fruity floral dares to go.

MUST SAMPLE.

Yes, you must. Got a sample today from Min. Definitely a fruitchouli.

[Tonyprince]

The only reason I ordered a sample of this one is that I wanted to try Wood Haven and am really interested in the recent wave of new American artisan perfumers (Smell Bent, Slumberhouse, Kerosene, etc.). I would never have sought out a fragrance that lists raspberry and plum as the first notes. I'm still not sure that this fragrance is "me," but it isn't feminine like I expected it might be. So gentlemen, don't let the word "jammy" scare you off. I'll be sampling both this one and Wood Haven further. The only previous Kerosene fragrance I've really liked was his first one, R'Oud Elements, so I'm encouraged to find I'm enjoying the two new ones, although I've yet to decide if either of them are FBW for me. I'll be checking back to this thread to find out what other guys think about this one.

[auslander]

I remember when Kerosene first announced R'Oud Elements on YouTube. He was selling it and another one through Etsy at $80 a bottle, if I recall well. Now his perfumes are exclusive for MiN and they go for $140. Now don't tell me that MiN charges $60 for featuring your creations, cause I don't believe you.

"My first official fragrance release, all handcrafted myself, R'oud Elements, with notes of Oud, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Lavender, Iris, and Orange Bitters.

Woods. Warmth. Man.

3.4oz bottle for $90 shipped in U.S. - $95 shipped International."

[PalmBeach]

I remember when Kerosene first announced R'Oud Elements on YouTube. He was selling it and another one through Etsy at $80 a bottle, if I recall well. Now his perfumes are exclusive for MiN and they go for $140. Now don't tell me that MiN charges $60 for featuring your creations, cause I don't believe you.

"My first official fragrance release, all handcrafted myself, R'oud Elements, with notes of Oud, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Lavender, Iris, and Orange Bitters.

Woods. Warmth. Man.

3.4oz bottle for $90 shipped in U.S. - $95 shipped International."

Do you think that MiN is a non-profit company?

[auslander]

No, but $60 more seems a bit exaggerated.

[fitch256]

No, but $60 more seems a bit exaggerated.

Or it costs him more to produce now and his initial price is no longer viable to continue running his company. It's also not exclusive to MiN, he sells at a few other websites as well. $140 for a 100 ml bottle really isn't outrageous at all to charge for a guy making his own fragrance.

[PalmBeach]

No, but $60 more seems a bit exaggerated.

Do you really not understand the retail business?

He sells to Min for $70.00 a bottle. MiN sells for normal markup of double the cost for $140.00.

[Tonyprince]

I don't understand this continual harping about Kerosene's prices. I think most of us would agree that the jump from $90 to $140 is a bit much. I remember a few years ago when Lorenzo Villoresi's 100 ml bottles went from $90 to $120 (now $135), that seemed like a big leap to me at the time and this is even more extreme. That said, Olivier Durbano's line went from $125 to $190 last year, so a small perfumer selling his perfumes at $140 for 100 ml is not at all out of line with what is going on out there in perfume land. L'Artisan is $135-$165. Serge Lutens is $120-$140 for 50 ml bottles and we aren't spending all of this time complaining about that. Yes, Kerosene is new and not "professionally" trained. So what? If you don't like his fragrances, or don't think they're worth what he's asking, don't buy them. I'm not a huge fan of his work so far, but I certainly don't think he's ripping anybody off.

[psychoskip]

Just put this on my "next to try" list.

[MikeJ]

I was just about to post regarding the price. Looks like I was beaten to it.
Would you guys say his fragrances are "niche quality?"

[Bigsly]

There's no way he can do what what was accomplished by the perfumers in the 80s, IMO, so I don't have much interest, but that's true of all new releases. They all lack at least one major element, so the best would be something like Acqua di Gio, which doesn't have any major flaws but I wouldn't pay more than perhaps $25-30 for 100 ml. The reason? I would rather go to Perfumer's Apprentice and buy ingredients, then try to put together the kind of frag I'm seeking. And that way ingredient quality won't be an issue. However, right now I've got so many frags I like and hardly ever wear that I see no point in trying to concoct a frag that might be a little different than something I already have and enjoy. Others, of course, may be in a very different position and wiling to pay at least double what Kerosene is asking.

[starshipvelcro]

I remember when Kerosene first announced R'Oud Elements on YouTube. He was selling it and another one through Etsy at $80 a bottle, if I recall well. Now his perfumes are exclusive for MiN and they go for $140. Now don't tell me that MiN charges $60 for featuring your creations, cause I don't believe you.

"My first official fragrance release, all handcrafted myself, R'oud Elements, with notes of Oud, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Lavender, Iris, and Orange Bitters.

Woods. Warmth. Man.

3.4oz bottle for $90 shipped in U.S. - $95 shipped International."

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if MinNY did take a chunk of it similar to that amount...that's the cost of business. You're not really thinking it though, most stores mark up their items 25-50% in order to make a profit, otherwise it's not worth their time.

I think everyone should stop complaining about prices when they have no idea what the story is, just &$^*ing enjoy the fragrance or not.

[eatigs]

Have no idea what MiN's mark-up is, but anybody who knows anything about the cost of doing business in Manhattan and/or anybody who has seen the cash the owners have dropped on making it an inviting store will know that they need to charge a significant amount on top of whatever it costs them to buy fragrances to stay in business. Furthermore, I don't know John, but I have found all of his fragrances that I have tried well-crafted (if not all "me") and the bottles are quite attractive and unique. $140 seemed not in the least out-of-line.

[Sol invictus]

Definitely interested in trying Fields of Rubus.

[Hojji77]

I now have a bottle of FoR. Unlike anything I have smelled before (not that my experience is encyclopedically wide)--it's heavy and warm, and the raspberry is there, but with no resemblance to the "fruity" note in cheap contemporary feminines. Smells more like actual fruit, and it harmonizes surprisingly well with the wood/patchouli/tobacco elements that background it. FoR puts me in mind of a sort of 1970's post-hippie aesthetic (a general aesthetic, that is, not a fragrance one)--weathered barnboard, herbs, blackberries overrunning an old orchard. It's sweet, obviously, but not at all cloying: for all its domestic associations it says more "outdoors" to me than "inside."

[psychoskip]

I have to admit, this fragrance was pretty cloying to me. Scored a 5ml sample. Used it sparingly. Found myself annoyed by it. Sugar dipped raspberries is right.

[Birdboy48]

Had the chance to smell the whole line this evening, as my sister had just received a sample set.

Everyone to their own taste of course, but after some backing and forthing, this was the one that I found most interesting.

...Aside from Whips and Roses that is, but I REALLY wanted to smell that one on a woman.

Or what I mean is....maybe I just want to meet the particular kind of woman who would wear it.