Insulo Jeroboam 2015

Barely had the shops reopened after Corona when the hunt for new, beautiful fragrances began again. Even though testing was significantly hampered by wearing a mask, I was in the best mood to buy something fresh, aquatic, and green. Searched, found, and purchased were "Lune d'Eau" and "Tulsivivah!" Deep in the drawer, samples were rummaged for me, and it took even longer to study whether they could really put these testers in the bag for me. In the end, among others, it was "Insulo," and I quickly went from the assumption of "Insulin" to "Island" ... oh, perhaps a refreshing vacation scent! Far from it. Unfortunately.

The fragrances from Jeroboam come in a black box with a golden belly band and a typeface that I would describe as Art Nouveau meets Arabia. It looks appealing at first glance. The bottle also impresses with its inside black lacquered clear glass and a relatively simple golden cap.

However, the first spray with the tester revealed to me that the subtle restraint for the coming hours was going to be a thing of the past. The scent can certainly be described as opulent. One quickly comes to the conclusion that they are withholding one or two accords from us in the pyramid. Vanilla, tonka, chocolate, condensed milk, coffee in various brewing methods all push together at once with dark flowers in full bloom and musk into the nose and refuse to leave anytime soon.

I don't feel compelled to speak of a progression here. No, the individual components do not hit one after the other but rather all together with a sledgehammer. If anyone knows a classical music piece that starts with a crescendo in the first chord and does not fade throughout the first movement, please mention it in the comments below.

In any case, it was far too much for me, far too intense, and overall far too sweet. The scent is described as unisex. I certainly don't come to that idea in Central Europe. I once knew a Persian carpet dealer who smelled similar. But the overall impression fit the image he was conveying. Although I wouldn't necessarily classify Insulo as an oriental scent - it lacks the typical additions like patchouli or oud.

I can't really think any more about this fragrance, as headaches quickly set in, forcing me to perform ritual washings before my wife comes home from the office and asks me exasperated what foul-smelling soup I have brought home this time. (A small question on the side: Can you still publicly say "whore diesel" these days?)

Something positive to conclude? Insulo lasts quite well. At least several intensive hand washes with degreasers and vinegar cleaners. That's already worth a lot during Corona times.