Escentric 02 (2008)
by Escentric Molecules

I now test Escentric Molecules 02 - Ambroxan. (This time, I will summon up as much open-mindedness as I can; 01 - Iso E Super mostly alienated and went over my head...)

Ambroxan, the brand name for ambroxide (grey amber) chemically is C16H28O, very close to Iso E Super's C16H26O. Ambroxide is one component of the luxury substance ambergris. Intial impression is also very, very light and airy, with a formaldehyde-like note hitting me like a comet every few seconds. I do smell a bare modicum of the muscone (artificial musk) which comes across as pretty "wet" and fresh; but barely the hedione (resembles jasmine) - or at least as I usually perceive it.

Am I sniffing it too much, given that the development is so slow and subtle to my perceptions? I put more time between sniffs, and I now I get a scintilla of Iso E Super in there, as well as a tiny dab of dry vetiver. That's all I can I detect from this elusive concoction.

As before, I won't criticize nor condemn the intentions of Escentric Molecules for making 02 - Ambroxan: I simply do not grasp and therefore appreciate what is attempting to be done here. It will NOT be something that I wear on the fly like other scents in my collection; rather, it will reside among my decants as a "to be determined" liquid that I can't really pin down at this present time.

I will post this under every EM product, so if you've seen this before stop reading but at least one time note the following: you should buy every Molecule 0X and Escentric 0X and I will tell you why.

The reason (I have found and the usual miles may differ) is that this series is an education in fragrance. Each archetypal component molecule is examined -- start from the Escentric 0 to the X, then go to the equivalent Molecule. You will soon discern the influence of major scent famiies like Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ambroxan, and ISO E Super. You will thereafter learn these very popular notes in other compositions. Graduate-level education in fragrance. You will also learn how these major chemicals interact with your personal skin chemistry.

Do all eight for a true Rosetta Stone of the universe of fragrance, but at least a pair or two, whatever interests you.

Blind bought this because I love, and I mean LOVE Molecule 02... I said to myself "alright, I'll get Molecule 02 with a little extra" Oh boy was I wrong...

This is simply horrifying. Total scrubber. There goes my money down the drain... HOW can Molecule 02 be sooooo freaking amazing and Escentric 02 be soooooo damn bad ?! I wonder.

Oh, I don't like this at all! Wet cardboard, cold green vegetable water. bleh!

Very light with a woody background, very masculine and kinda "fresh" if you get a waft of it in your nose. Longevity is very good but projection is light. As others have said, the scent comes and goes.