John Pegg makes a vanilla fragrance the only way John knows how (very well)
John Pegg's amber accords have always been a favorite of mine. They're sweet, but not too sweet, with plenty of resinous notes to make it complex and enjoyable. He's always had a good amber too; his first perfume R'oud Elements features a subtle amber, and he's since explored some sweeter ambers in the likes of Unknown Pleasures and Follow/ Followed. One thing in common with all of these is that amber plays a supporting role to some other notes. In Promises, Promises, however, amber plays a starring role.
Well a co-starring role. This is as much a vanilla fragrance as it is an amber one. John has kicked the resins in the amber accord up a ton, giving us a balsamic, spice-like, almost smoky amber that is heavenly. I can understand the incense comparisons for sure. The amber still has that slight sweetness to it, giving the fragrance a cozy warmth. The amber plays well with vanilla, which has a naturally sweet and woody bent to it. The musk in this adds a powdery/dry aspect to the fragrance which I very much enjoy, as it moves the fragrance away from a vanilla sap or dough to a vanilla powder.
The resinous notes seem to concentrated closer to the skin, whereas the vanilla and sweet notes have better projection. This has an effect of being a pleasant slightly-sweet vanilla from afar, and getting more resinous and complex as one gets closer to the person wearing Promises, Promises.
Overall, a very good linear scent from Kerosene and John Pegg. An incredible unisex vanilla that will be staying in my cold-weather rotation for a very long time.
