Turtle Vetiver - "it's Back!"

[Buzzlepuff]

The samples for a new release of Turtle Vetiver Back from Les Nez are now making their way to interested collectors of The Les Nez Turtle Vetiver Project. After quickly selling out of the limited release of Turtle Vetiver Exercise 1 (2009), Turtle Vetiver Front was launched early in 2012 in a limited edition with promises of a follow up to come later. Turtle Vetiver Front was a big hit and sold completely out a couple months ago. And now comes the third in the series - Turtle Vetiver Back. Samples are here - you have to ask for them probably since it has not been announced yet.

I received a surprise sample from Luckyscent of the brand new Turtle Vetiver Back. Surprise! The smell of "Back" is fantastic and I will be an early customer for purchase when it arrives for shipping. I have not found any release of notes for the new TV Back, but I can say that the scent profile definitely resembles the other two in the series. The vetiver smells much more civilized and blended by being modified with descriptive bridge notes at all parts of the scent. The vetiver is a dark aged green, rooty vetiver - probably a blend of Haitian and Reunion Islands - would be my guess. The opening of "Back" is very similar to Annick Goutal Vetiver, also a creation of Isabelle Doyen and in this scent it smells identical until it develops a little. Am doing a side by side comparison right now and they differ only in subtle ways. Turtle Vetiver is BACK and I now have but a tiny sample of my newest vetiver obsession!

[starshipvelcro]

This is the thread I've been waiting for!! Thanks for the info, I'm not going to be late on it this time.

[drseid]

I am very eagerly awaiting the release of this one as I love the first two in the series. A definite buy for me...

Edit: Just checked with LuckyScent and they said the product should be available on their site for order later today in a few hours! Happy days... :-)

[PalmBeach]

I am very eagerly awaiting the release of this one as I love the first two in the series. A definite buy for me...

Edit: Just checked with LuckyScent and they said the product should be available on their site for order later today in a few hours! Happy days... :-)

Same here.

Although their website still shows Front as being available.

[drseid]

Same here.

Although their website still shows Front as being available.

I think even though the LuckyScent site still shows the "Front" product page, it has it as sold out and no longer available if you try to order it.

[socalwoman]

I called LuckyScent to order and was asked to wait until it's online - maybe 30 minutes more. They can't do phone orders until it's online.
*sets a timer for 30 minutes*

[PalmBeach]

I think even though the LuckyScent site still shows the "Front" product page, it has it as sold out and no longer available if you try to order it.

Sorry, was speaking about LesNez, which is who I ordered mine from.

[drseid]

Sorry, was speaking about LesNez, which is who I ordered mine from.

Ah yes indeed. I saw that too. I find it strange they would not have sold through the 90 units by now (if indeed they haven't)... Maybe they did an additional run and didn't update the site? That is pure speculation on my part though...

- - - Updated - - -

It is now up on the LuckyScent site.

[PalmBeach]

It is now up on the LuckyScent site.

Yes, saw that and has been ordered.

[drseid]

Yes, saw that and has been ordered.

Ditto. Thanks for the heads' up on this, btw!

[socalwoman]

Ditto. Thanks for the heads' up on this, btw!

I bought a bottle too, and some Santa Maria Novella pot pourri for good measure. Many thanks Buzzlepuff!

[PalmBeach]

I bought a bottle too, and some Santa Maria Novella pot pourri for good measure. Many thanks Buzzlepuff!

Since you will get it before us east coast people, you'll have to let us know your thoughts.

[hobbes22]

Buzzlepuff, thanks for the heads up! I'm keen to try this one.

Now begins the battle in my mind: sample first or blind buy?

[sjas1962]

Mine is on the way!

Regards,
Steve

[dougczar]

Buzzlepuff, thanks for the heads up! I'm keen to try this one.

Now begins the battle in my mind: sample first or blind buy?

Not much of a battle in my mind... Blind buy! Lol. Thats what I am going to do tonight.

[alfarom]

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Roper-Hall]

Thanks Buzzlepuff! Love the bottle.

[Oupavoc]

Why does everyone like this?

I tried Turtle Vetiver Front and have a sample of it...lets just say, its different. I get like a lighter fluid scent out of it?

[Buzzlepuff]

Why does everyone like this?

I tried Turtle Vetiver Front and have a sample of it...lets just say, its different. I get like a lighter fluid scent out of it?

These vetiver fragrances are definitely not for everyone. There is a mystery to them that takes me out of the modern world and into an earlier time where nature was more important. Obviously I like her work. But, test before you buy. I think the fact that Isabelle Doyen's fragrances are very different from other vetiver scents and very well assembled is part of the appeal. If you didn't like Vetiver Front, thats a clue that you should not blind buy this. These vetivers hold up really well in my opinion. But I am also a big fan of some other vetiver fragrances that not everyone appreciates too - Villoresi Vetiver, Encre Noir and Goutal Vetiver. I am very positive towards most of the other things in her LesNez line too, especially Let Me Play the Lion, but I haven't worn it much this year. But - Test it.

[starshipvelcro]

Why does everyone like this?

I tried Turtle Vetiver Front and have a sample of it...lets just say, its different. I get like a lighter fluid scent out of it?

Because it's a raw and true vetiver, rooty and potent and of superb quality. I can see how people wouldn't like it, it's not exactly "pretty"

[HDDP]

thx for the head up, looking forward to try this

those who'll get this soon, please do share your thought

[Marais]

Why does everyone like this?

I tried Turtle Vetiver Front and have a sample of it...lets just say, its different. I get like a lighter fluid scent out of it?

I would advise sampling too, before joining the hype-train to Turtlesville. I hated TV front.

[walkdogg]

TV is amazing. Can't wait for the next

[drseid]

Because it's a raw and true vetiver, rooty and potent and of superb quality. I can see how people wouldn't like it, it's not exactly "pretty"

This. Certainly targeted at vetiver purists, but those that are should be in for a real treat as it is just about as good as it gets (except for the other Turtle versions).

[forfreddie]

I really like the look of this one, violet and mimosa? Yes please

[sjg3839]

Thanks for the info. Have to get a sample of it.

[b3t0_1972]

Since I am in LA I went to Scent Bar and picked up a bottle, it is more wearable than Front. Buzzlepuff is right when he mentions that is "civilized" definitely is more wearable and is well blended. I got bottle 30/100 . So for all vetiver lovers this is a must try and get it before is gone.

[PalmBeach]

Checking my tracking, I see I should be getting my bottle tomorrow. For people who have received their bottle, any additional feedback?

[dougczar]

Checking my tracking, I see I should be getting my bottle tomorrow. For people who have received their bottle, any additional feedback?

Please let us know your thoughts. You will be receiving yours before I get mine. I am a big fan of vetiver, but have never smelled Front, so I don't know what to expect.

[hednic]

Wonder why there isn't a larger size of this.

[socalwoman]

I have mine, but I still have a virus that seems to have taken permanent residency in my nose since a week before Christmas. From what I can tell though, it's going to be in my Top Five Vetivers list.

My bottle says /100. Someone neglected to number it.

[Buzzlepuff]

I checked UPS tracking and it said . . . "delivered". Just now pulled it out of its little tube package, fresh off the truck and am giving it a try.

I definitely smell all the same notes that were in Turtle Vetiver Front, but it smells more alive, woodier, and also has a lemony green floral aspect in mid notes before a very dry base. It still smells all "Turtle Project" in character, but is a little more developed than the last one (Front).

Luckyscent says Isabelle Doyen added violet which is noticed in the top notes (??) and mimosa which is in the mid notes. I have to admit I don't smell strong florals at all, but the green rooty vetiver scent is woodier (violets?), with a hint of green floral in the middle to enliven the vetiver a bit. To the base musk was added. I smell no definite musk notes but there is a dried clay scent, kind of like damp mud - smells grounded - as an exclamation point and ending. This wet clay note is probably the presence of musk on top of all the earthiness.

This vetiver is in the same general category of Encre Noire, Goutal Vetiver, Turtle Vetiver Front, Sombre Negra (new) and Villoresi Vetiver. If you already have this dry earthy type of vetiver covered in your collection you might not miss skipping "Back". It's a judgement call here. If you are a vetiver purest - you will definitely want to try it out. It is a fine fragrance! But, this one is not really new, not groundbreaking. I am happy to add it to my collection and I am sure I will wear it from time to time. Thumbs up from me!

[Fhaoilgeal]

I have mine, but I still have a virus that seems to have taken permanent residency in my nose since a week before Christmas. From what I can tell though, it's going to be in my Top Five Vetivers list.

My bottle says /100. Someone neglected to number it.

Did you check the plastic tube it shipped in from Les Nez? The plastic tube is labelled 8/100 on mine though the bottle itself only shows /100.

So far...smokey, woody, rooty, with a hint of floral/sweetness? Not enough time with it, but initial impressions are, "I like it a lot!" This is my first experience with the Turtle Vetiver Project so I can't comment on Back's place in the lineage. It's edgier than my other vetiver fragrances, but not extreme or outre. I think you'd have to love vetiver to enjoy it, though...which I do.

[socalwoman]

Did you check the plastic tube it shipped in from Les Nez? The plastic tube is labelled 8/100 on mine though the bottle itself only shows /100.

So far...smokey, woody, rooty, with a hint of floral/sweetness? Not enough time with it, but initial impressions are, "I like it a lot!" This is my first experience with the Turtle Vetiver Project so I can't comment on Back's place in the lineage. It's edgier than my other vetiver fragrances, but not extreme or outre. I think you'd have to love vetiver to enjoy it, though...which I do.

Aha! Thank you Fhaoilgeal - it's 33/100.

[starshipvelcro]

Wonder why there isn't a larger size of this.

If you buy Front and Back you'll get 100mL and 2 variations on a theme.

[PalmBeach]

If you buy Front and Back you'll get 100mL and 2 variations on a theme.

[drseid]

Back (11/100) just arrived at my office and I gave it a spritz on paper to get an early read on things. It is just a bit softer than Front, but the scent profile is very, very similar (at least on paper). If you love Front, my guess is loving Back is a near sure thing. If you disliked Front due to its fragrance profile then Back will most likely also not be your thing. If you disliked Front because it was too harsh and you just wanted a similar scent that was toned down just a hair, then Back may be what you are looking for. I love it already (but for full disclosure I loved Front too).

[ziffy321]

Got mine today (17/100) and am very relieved to say I like it a lot. I was a bit worried it was going to be too harsh as I HATE Malle's Vetiver Extraordinaire and Guerlain Vetiver. The raw vetiver is there but in a very smooth way.

Good addition to my growing vetiver collection, although Mona di Orio's Vetyver is still my fave.

[starshipvelcro]

I got mine today (3/100) Yes it's smoothed out by the additions, from what I understand from reading about exercise 1, then owning Front, I see Back as another iteration on the already great theme. You'll get the same great vetiver accord found before, but with the new additions it's a little easier to wear. It's still a masterpiece vetiver, but you must like vetiver.

A word about the bottle, I love the new design, it matches my Le Labos and Slumberhouses, but dislike the label. I don't know if they all come this way but mine seems to have not been pressed on right and when I tried pressing it back on (to no avail) I noticed I had scratched off part of the label already. Purely cosmetic, but I do enjoy looking at a beautiful bottle.

- - - Updated - - -

Side note: This would probably flip flop within my top 3 vetivers, in and out with it's cousin Front. Some days I would want the pure minimalistic vetiver of Front, while other days I could see myself preferring the more refined feeling this gives.

[PalmBeach]

27/100. My label is the same way, not put on real well. Haven't done a side by side with Front, but you can definitely tell they share the same DNA. Probably this weekend I will try and do a real comparison to each other.

[Fhaoilgeal]

A word about the bottle, I love the new design, it matches my Le Labos and Slumberhouses, but dislike the label. I don't know if they all come this way but mine seems to have not been pressed on right and when I tried pressing it back on (to no avail) I noticed I had scratched off part of the label already. Purely cosmetic, but I do enjoy looking at a beautiful bottle.

Ditto.

[thebeck]

Back (11/100) just arrived at my office and I gave it a spritz on paper to get an early read on things. It is just a bit softer than Front, but the scent profile is very, very similar (at least on paper). If you love Front, my guess is loving Back is a near sure thing. If you disliked Front due to its fragrance profile then Back will most likely also not be your thing. If you disliked Front because it was too harsh and you just wanted a similar scent that was toned down just a hair, then Back may be what you are looking for. I love it already (but for full disclosure I loved Front too).

Thanks for your input. Problem for me is I loved Exercise 1. Front is way too mainstream and smooth for me. Now Back is even smoother? Yuck!

Like black patent leather, too much shine and polish.

[drseid]

Thanks for your input. Problem for me is I loved Exercise 1. Front is way too mainstream and smooth for me. Now Back is even smoother? Yuck!

Definitely if you thought Front was too mainstream (which I personally don't), then Back will *definitely* not be for you as it is significantly more polished and soft than Front, now that I am wearing it on skin for the first time as my SotD.

I actually think Front was the perfect compromise of keeping to the raw untamed spirit of Exercise 1, while just adding a touch of polish to tone down the composition and make it a bit more wearable, but Back takes the polish a hair too far (maybe even more than a hair). That is not to say I don't love it and am happy to own it (because I do and am), but I prefer Front of the three releases, followed closely by Exercise 1, with Back a significant step behind.

[Osi1s]

I see a lot of comparisons here of E1 and front...anyone care to venture a stand alone opinion on this? Are the coconut / mimosa notes individually noticable or is it just smooth blended composition? Projection, longeviety?

[PalmBeach]

I see a lot of comparisons here of E1 and front...anyone care to venture a stand alone opinion on this? Are the coconut / mimosa notes individually noticable or is it just smooth blended composition? Projection, longeviety?

It's hard to do as a stand alone, unless Back is the only one you have. They all share the same base DNA . . . Vetiver.

I cannot say that you pick up the individual coconut note (ala VIW) or mimosa. They are smoothly blending and softening down the Vetiver, which is still extremely prominent as one should expect from the whole Turtle project.

From my initial test, longevity is very good.

If you like Vetiver that is not soapy or citrusy, then this is for you. If you prefer your Vetiver like Creed OV or Guerlian Vetiver, this may not be for you. All of this is just my opinion. I am sure other may feel different.

[nomdeplume]

19/100. A Dry, earthy vetiver top to bottom, and on dry down, 6hours or so in, on me, a pepper-ish quality, but I seem to do that to everything.

Very similar to MPG's Route Du Vetiver. Turtle being much deeper, robust and unwaivering/stubborn about who it is.

And yea, the label.

[drseid]

I see a lot of comparisons here of E1 and front...anyone care to venture a stand alone opinion on this? Are the coconut / mimosa notes individually noticable or is it just smooth blended composition? Projection, longeviety?

Longevity is exceptional. I have been wearing it for 13 hours now and it is still at near full strength. Projection on me is very average...

[dougczar]

Longevity is exceptional. I have been wearing it for 13 hours now and it is still at near full strength. Projection on me is very average...

I am glad to hear that. I am wearing it now - for about 3 hours and it seems like just a skin scent... hopefully just OF. Been wearing a lot of different things today.

I really need to wear it a few times, but for the first 30 min it really reminded me of Dior Vetiver. Anyone else get that similarity?

Wife loves it suprisingly. Walked by her and she said "mmmm... that smells peppery!" as long as she likes it.

- - - Updated - - -

30/100. Very interesting packaging and bottle. The large plastic tube is quite different from anything else I have purchased.

Do they really limit the manufacture to just 100 bottles? That seems awfully low.

[cosmopolit]

What a beautiful, brilliant opening accord! Vetiver, coconut and violet. If you like those notes independently, I predict you will like interplay here. The coconut does a great job of tamping the green, shrill quality of vetiver that is my least favorite facet, allowing the rooty darkness to emerge. Haven't tried the other two, but can't imagine I would like them better than this . . .

[rynegne]

How would this compare to the vetiver in Chanel's Sycomore or Lalique Encre Noir? I own and love both of those, and I'll add that I have tried, and thoroughly enjoy Route de Vetiver. Recently, I purchased Dior Vetiver blindly as I didn't want to miss the boat on that one, hearing it was discontinued. I should get that in on Monday and test it when received. I did hear Turtle Back shares and ink note as sniffed in Encre... If I enjoy any of those, would you recommend purchasing a bottle of this given the limited availability? Also, how will this do in the summer? It seems like it's a more fresh take from reading the notes.

[drseid]

How would this compare to the vetiver in Chanel's Sycomore or Lalique Encre Noir? I own and love both of those, and I'll add that I have tried, and thoroughly enjoy Route de Vetiver. Recently, I purchased Dior Vetiver blindly as I didn't want to miss the boat on that one, hearing it was discontinued. I should get that in on Monday and test it when received. I did hear Turtle Back shares and ink note as sniffed in Encre... If I enjoy any of those, would you recommend purchasing a bottle of this given the limited availability? Also, how will this do in the summer? It seems like it's a more fresh take from reading the notes.

My guess is if you like those, then Back should also be up your alley. As to working in Summer, of course it would...

[dougczar]

How would this compare to the vetiver in Chanel's Sycomore or Lalique Encre Noir? I own and love both of those, and I'll add that I have tried, and thoroughly enjoy Route de Vetiver. Recently, I purchased Dior Vetiver blindly as I didn't want to miss the boat on that one, hearing it was discontinued. I should get that in on Monday and test it when received. I did hear Turtle Back shares and ink note as sniffed in Encre... If I enjoy any of those, would you recommend purchasing a bottle of this given the limited availability? Also, how will this do in the summer? It seems like it's a more fresh take from reading the notes.

If you like the Dior, I think you will like TV Back. Back reminds me a bit of the Dior Vetiver, just a little more raw.

[rynegne]

Thanks for the feedback drseid. Which vetiver that I've listed would you find it most comparable to? If any at all..

My guess is if you like those, then Back should also be up your alley. As to working in Summer, of course it would...

Thanks dougczar! I'm looking forward to getting my Dior on Monday.

[Trebor]

I prefer Front of the three releases, followed closely by Exercise 1, with Back a significant step behind.

Well, at least it's at the... back. Tada!

[rynegne]

In saying this one is more of a raw vetiver, can anyone speak to the mimosa absolute, coconut lactone, violet and musk? Are they detectable like sandalwood and cypress are in Sycomore or are they used to make the vetiver "less rough/harsh?" Seems like there's some mixed feelings on that here...some are finding the other notes detectable, some not so much.

---
And sorry for asking a million questions. I've just been on a big vetiver "kick." And I'm trying to pick up some of these before they're gone in Dior Vetiver (bought this week - arrives Monday) and possibly Turtle Vetiver.

[drseid]

Thanks for the feedback drseid. Which vetiver that I've listed would you find it most comparable to? If any at all..

I personally would not specifically compare it to any of those but instead say that it is kind of in the same spirit of scents like Sycomore, etc. Actual fragrance profile-wise it strongly is tied to the other two Turtle Vetiver releases and those are the closest to it in fragrance profile by far, only Back is more toned down and softened in relative terms than its Turtle sister fragrances (though still quite the relatively hardcore Vetiver in its own right).

[rynegne]

Thank you for the input. I was unable to try the other two fragrances releases in Front and Exercise 1. But, I do love Sycomore, I may need to purchase a bottle of this stuff before it's gone.

[Kielecki]

I have almost blind bought this one

[fraghead93]

I have almost blind bought this one

Haha, im in the same boat as you.

[rynegne]

Just did blind buy it! Hope it's good!

I have almost blind bought this one