The blackcurrant is positioned exactly between berry and green. In this balance, both the prickliness of the fruit and the carpet-foam quality of the green are cut off. A generous layer of sugar ensures that the scent certainly does not bite. However, it is by no means banal, as the sweetness is contrasted with a hint of fresh green. If this is a sweetness, it is of an elysian quality that far surpasses the capabilities of any candy. Yes, the first few minutes can even be a delight for those who generally find little enjoyment in gourmand fragrances.
Equally exquisite is the use of gentle vanilla, which, despite the sugary environment, does not become overly sweet - nor does it display the dark, bitter, almost smoky potential that sometimes swells in other natural scents.
After barely two hours, the blackcurrant is practically gone, and our softly sugary vanilla reigns. By late morning, it brushes the edge of excess, with only a strangely crystalline veil maintaining a light touch. Throughout the afternoon, the contribution of the fruit gently swells again, so that the scent ultimately returns in a wide arc to the vicinity of the noble super-candy of the opening. The journey of ‘La Cautiva’ is thus a truly well-rounded affair.
The prominently placed musk in the notes (also from the manufacturer) behaves - fortunately, in my opinion - subtly throughout the day. Only in the evening does it become more noticeable, as everything slowly and quietly fades away.
Sounds really intriguing, thanks! Somehow, based on your description, I get the feeling that the pyramid described above might have been mistakenly turned upside down. Joha berries "simulacra" (green) usually only work for top notes. An absolute as a heart note? But as a base? Hmm. Seems to last great for a nature guy. I'm hooked!
Black currant and vanilla - yes, that seems to have something going for it!