Hora Fugit Atelier Flou 2017

Well, this is a real gem for all those who enjoy a smoky scent. Hora Fugit, derived from the proverb “Hora Fugit, facta manent,” which means “The hour flees, the deeds remain,” starts off lush with plenty of incense mingling between resinous benzoin and sweet-soapy-green to spicy notes. One might perceive more of the classic kind of frankincense.
The opening packs quite a punch, with the smoke extending until the end, overshadowing many accompanying ingredients more or less.

The first victim is bergamot, which I doubt anyone would seriously miss. Lavender and bay leaf peek out a little between the gaps, while sandalwood only gets a real chance to assert itself from the second row. However, everything harmonizes splendidly.

Less than an hour later, cedar makes its presence felt more strongly, giving Hora Fugit a tiny hint of that woody pencil character. The smokiness recedes a bit, and in the dry down, one perceives more of the sweet-spicy to resinous-coniferous notes. Nutmeg and leather don’t really play a significant role here.

All in all, Hora Fugit results in an impressive fragrance that initially brims with smokiness and then becomes more subdued. Not for everyone, but for those who appreciate it, it offers several hours of olfactory pleasure that lingers in memory.