Nectary Jorum Studio 2019

First of all: I love rose scents. When a fragrance features a prominent rose, the chances are good that I at least won't dislike it. But not every rose fragrance makes my heart leap with joy. Nectary by Jorum Studio does exactly that.

I discovered it during a vacation at the shop in Edinburgh and was immediately absolutely captivated: It opens with a fruity rose, surrounded by juicy cranberries and a hint of peach. The rose is prominent, sweet, but not sugary.

You can already feel in the opening that behind the floral-fruity top note, something animalistic and deep emerges; a triple-animalic blend of castoreum, civet, and musk surprisingly does not come off as repulsive or "goaty," but instead adds such a cuddly warmth to the harmless opening and manages to make the rose not just sit on the skin, but harmoniously connect with it.

In contrast to this warm, animalistic rose is another rose favorite of mine, Frederic Malle’s Portrait of a Lady, which I would describe as a cold, dark rose. Both are unusual in their own way, both are a bit daring, but Nectary clearly differs with its warmth and depth.

I am absolutely crazy about this fragrance! It is probably the most beautiful warm rose scent I have ever smelled, and the combination of rose, fruit, and animalic notes is unusual and extremely well done.