Bull's Blood Imaginary Authors 2023

Bull's Blood is a benchmark in evocative perfumery. It tells a vivid story and the blend itself is incredibly smooth, full of transitions. The performance is remarkable, and as such, this is a huge achievement for Josh Meyer and Imaginary Authors.

Since it manages to deliver on the bullfighting imagery, it's a frangrance aimed at the more advanced users. The opening can be considered as challenging. On top of a metallic blood accord, I also get a saffron nuance. Not the almost culinary kind, but the damp and slightly rubbery one. This is further accentuated by an earthy, spicy form of patchouli.

Once the bull bleeds out, you're left with a medicinal aftertaste. As you stand victorious, your traje de luces soaked in blood, the ravished crowd throws sweet roses at your feet. Geranium is a jack of all trades here. Its metallic undertone makes the blood note more convincing; and its citric, floral, green qualities complement the rose.

Eventually, an opulent labdanum takes over the composition. It could be a combination of black musk and tobacco, but it strikes me as a leathery resin. Animalic, smoky; this leather facet dominates the drydown. There's a pleasant sourness to it, reminding me of red wine. A matador drowning his sorrows, or perhaps celebrating? Who knows.

Animalic, metallic, medicinal and earthy, yet blended so well it puts me in a trance. Careful with the sprays! Bull's Blood easily fills the whole room and sticks to your skin for 10 hours. While it's not for everyone, it plays many roles to a flawless degree. A rose-patchouli scent; a smoky tobacco scent; a sour leather scent. Pick your poison.