Blue North Agonist 2015

My first association with the scent (on a scent strip) was: mint gum. I couldn't imagine wearing that, was my second thought. Fits the name, was my third :) So fresh minty and at the same time slightly artificially sweetened. Not in the sense of synthetic, but rather an original imitation of a non-naturally produced product. Sounds a bit complicated. Mint gum describes it well ;)
Upon further testing on the skin, however, this impression changed for the better, which I will try to explain below.

**Short interlude about the brand:**
The brand Agonist from Sweden has been producing fragrances since 2008 that are positioned in the exclusive price segment. This one costs €125 for 50 ml. It is characterized on the brand's homepage as a "fragrant homage to the artistic mystery and beauty of darkness and the cold season of the North." Originally starting with a single product, the line now consists of seven unisex fragrances. The individual compositions are said to be distinguished by a combination of natural fragrance essences, and the glass bottles are handcrafted in Sweden.

And now? How is it now? :)

**Scent development:**
Blue North opens with a penetrating minty note, immediately underlaid with a powdery fluffiness that comes across as slightly sweetened. It made me think of iris, which gains a high permeability and looseness through the mint. This loose powderiness somewhat diminishes the penetrating freshness of the mint while simultaneously carrying it like on a cloud bed. As a result, the fragrance gains volume, a bit of warmth, and substance, while remaining very light. The spicy notes that fit the scent character in their herbaceous-ethereal-sweet manner are perceived only subtly, just like a creamy-almond note that is very delicately and finely woven on one side and a dry-dull pencil note on the other. This creates a perfect balance in my nose between coziness and distance. Throughout the development, it essentially remains the same, becoming almost imperceptibly a touch softer and warmer. And I keep catching that slightly sweetened, sparkling, fluffy soft underlined freshness. A very special blend and, in my opinion, really well done!

**Longevity and sillage:**
On my skin, the fragrance lasted about 5-6 hours very noticeably, and even after that, it can still be detected close to the skin for several hours. The sillage is quite clear in the first half to full hour and then slowly diminishes. The fragrance is perceived well, but not overwhelming.

**Conclusion:**
Blue North is a penetratingly fresh mint scent, lightly fresh-spicy underlaid and carried by an equally present, slightly sweetened, fluffy powderiness.
For everyone who likes light, fresh fragrances, but finds those with a strong mint content too penetrating and cold (like me), this offers a great compromise. Very fresh, but with cushioning that simultaneously creates volume.
In my opinion, it is a year-round fragrance. I have only tested it in the cold season so far. In sub-zero temperatures, it has enough substance through its powdery volume and conveys a wonderful penetrating freshness, like clear winter air can. In the warm months, I can imagine it as a subtle, very fresh companion that doesn't become too aggressive due to the powderiness. Due to its noticeable but not overwhelming presence, it is suitable for many everyday and professional occasions, while one can also enjoy it over a longer period.