Here we are in March, and I am just getting around to writing about my favorite fragrances of 2022. After the holidays we really wanted to focus on our website, starting our free online consultations, and planning some events for 2023- so here we are! I’m happy to have the opportunity to share some of my feeling about the things I explored and loved in 2022. Not everything on this list was released in 2022, but would have been new to me regardless of the year is was released.
I would say my taste in fragrance is not bound by genre, though I do have my favorites. The main thing that draws me to a fragrance is that is exciting! Sometimes that comes by way of artful composition/ storytelling, other times it is out of genre experimentation and originality, and sometimes it’s just because something is so surprisingly pleasant. Please find below some of my favorites that I tried for the first time in 2022. As always feel free to email us if you have any questions about anything on this list or otherwise!
MY FAVORITES OF 2022
Varanasi • Meo Fusciuni - Few fragrances have the effect on me that this one did. It is truly unique and devastatingly well done. The notes listed for this fragrance are like a greatest hits of all of my favorite notes: saffron, nutmeg, cardamom, incense, amber, jasmine, rose, ambrette, cypriol, spikenard, vetiver, oud, gurjum, leather, and animalics (if I had to guess I would say civet mainly). The opening of this fragrance (which to me is beautiful and captivating) is about as bold as they come, and can turn some folks off to it because of this fact- but the drydown is pure magic. The complexity and evolution of this fragrance is astounding. As it explores all of the fantastic notes listed, it slowly but surely arrives at it’s final destination which is simply one of the best leathers I have ever worn. The leather is soft, clean, and addictive. I always love when a fragrance gives me a scent memory, and in this case I was absolutely transported! The opening notes reminded me of my grandparents garage/ workspace with a pleasant mustiness and a sweet motor-oil like vibe. Artful, inventive, refined, and elegant- an absolute favorite of mine; not just of this year but of anything I have tried to this day.
La Ravissante • MDCI- I know I am not alone in my love for this fragrance as I have personally seen positive reactions to it from everyone I have shown it to- regardless of their normally preferred genres or if what they are shopping for is wildly different. When looking at the notes I would never guess that this would be something I would love as much as I do, especially because it has a few notes I don’t normally gravitate towards (marshmallow, marine notes). Some of the best parts of this fragrance come from these very notes! The way this fragrance plays with genre and creatively dances around as it dries down led me to wear this probably more than anything in 2022, despite it being released close to the end of the year. The opening is a delicious bouquet of florals and fruits, and the dry-down is a genre-bending masterpiece that is equal parts pleasant, comforting, and playful. I don’t want to give too much away by continuing to describe it as it is simply delightful to explore! This is one of two perfumes made by Bertrand Duchaufour that made this list.
Dincanto • Profumum Roma- Profumum Roma is an exceptional house, but in my opinion they really raise the bar in two areas- patchoulis and gourmonds. Dincanto gives us the best of both of these star players, and throws in some amazing jasmine as well. This thing is like my all-time favorite Ummagumma’s dressed-up cousin and has had me coming back for more since the first spray.
Ierofante • Quartana- Arguably the best of an already excellent house, Ierfofante is fragrant storytelling at it’s best. Beginning with a gasoline accord (jet fuel, according to Quartana) to symbolize the blasting off on the hierophants’ journey, and zipping through bright spices, it ultimately lands on one of the classiest most luxurious smoky-leather bases you can find anywhere.
Indigo Smoke • Arquiste- It’s one of the best tea fragrances. It’s one of the best incense fragrances. It’s one of the best non-leather smoky fragrances. Indigo Smoke distinguishes itself by being a standout in more than one emphasis, and the medley is absolute perfection. I believe this fragrance will be Arquiste’s sleeper hit, and will end up as widely well-regarded and talked about as Misfit eventually.
Santal Umeshu • Scents of Wood- Move over Plum in Cognac- I’ve got a new favorite from Scents of Wood! This unique fragrance has a perfect blend of creamy sandalwood and boozy umeshu plum. This thing is amazing and it blooms on skin in a way that has to be experienced to be understood. Highly (highly) recommend for any boozy fruit fragrance fans.
Golestan • Tauer- This one also replaces an old favorite as it is easily my new favorite from Tauer- which is saying a lot! This has to be one of the coziest florals I’ve ever smelled, in part because of it’s resinous base and use of patchouli; but mainly because of the beautiful honey in it’s heart. The rose and jasmine are so well-blended they almost become a new fantasy floral that is just delightful atop all those warm resins. Definitely something that can be worn comfortably at any time of year.
To My Father • Vilhelm Parfumerie- This is the second perfume on this list made by the legendary Bertrand Duchaufour, and the only one I bought the same day I smelled it. Not everyone agrees with me, but this is the most stylistically similar fragrance to my favorite Slumberhouse compositions (Baque, Jeke), but with top notes! Sweet stewed stone fruits, whiskey, tobacco, and leather- what’s not to like? All expertly combined by one of the best perfumers to do it. I highly recommend for any fans of Slumberhouse to at least try it out.
Honorable Mentions: Kiste • Slumberhouse (2022 version), Luce • Meo Fusciuni, 2# Nota Di Viaggio (shukran...) • Meo Fusciuni, Summer in Paro • Hima Jomo, White Whale • Masque, Ambre Safrano • BDK
Some Great Things I Found Not Sold In Our Shop: Moon Bloom & Slowdive by Hiram Green (Netherlands), everything from Bombay Perfumery (India), and everything from Nosa Profumi (India)