Bohemian Spice April Aromatics 2011

Bohemian Spice opens with a dull orange-laced nutmeg clove and ginger spice melange. As the composition moves to its early heart the progression remains linear as the early spice deepens, now adding a very natural smelling radiant incense-laced cedar and sandalwood woody duo to the mix with the dull orange remaining in support. During the late dry-down the woods disappear and the spice begins to dissipate as a prominent patchouli base note takes control through the finish, softened by slightly powdery vanilla. Projection is average to above average and longevity very good at 9-10 hours on skin.

When I first applied Bohemian Spice on skin the composition reminded me immediately of fine orange spice tea. Probably the nutmeg, clove and dull orange are the key culprits, but whatever the drivers may be, the scent while more "old school" classic in structure than innovative is entirely believable to its name, natural smelling and sublime. The woody incense in the mid-section adds a new layer to the composition that blends with the orange spice perfectly; and patchouli from the base gently peeps into the heart, first acting as wonderful support before providing an excellent finish, coupling with the gentle powdery sheen of the vanilla. Considering this is an all-natural composition, the relatively good performance metrics also deserve mention. The bottom line is the $250 per 30ml Bohemian Spice is a relatively linear composition that provides a more old-fashioned classic structure lacking innovation, but the composition smells incredible, earning an "excellent" rating of 4 stars out of 5. At over $8 per ml it is hard to justify Bohemian Spice's relatively high price tag, but there is no denying the superb ingredient quality for those looking for a more "old school" composition made of all-naturals created by a nose that knows what they are doing.