No 1 - El Pasajero Lengling 2015 Extrait de Parfum

Seaweed Absolute?
The olfactory palette here supposedly ranges from aquatic-fresh to brackish-muddy - a definition that hardly provokes astonishment, even if the subjective expectations are prepared for the worst. Free from all fragrance pyramid information, the inclined tester fortunately notes a pleasantly watery hint of freshness in the opening, whose salty components are homeopathically strong (thus not present). A pleasant breeze wafts through the experience, charmingly complemented by the light green scent colors of a floodplain forest: It seems that I associate it more with the Schlier than the North Sea. Whether this opening is sufficient to classify "El Pasajero" in the aquatic genre is a question I answer with a determined "Actually, no!"

Effortlessly, the floral components in the bouquet can be savored: So charmingly blended, so free from all ostentation, so devoid of all bombast, the floral aspect appears rather juicy than blooming. That it is the magnolia that contributes its aromas more in budding than in full bloom, I must believe just as much as the claimed influence of Methyl Dihydrojasmonate. The latter has successfully imitated jasmine notes since 1959 - I manage to specify it in Lengling's scent somewhat better than with the magnolia. Overall, however, the floral components present themselves as sun-bright nature projections with no clearly defined origin; whispering flowers in muted white establish the floral idea as a subtle, quite lovely, but hardly sweet scent color.

Very elegantly, Osmanthus presents its peach-fuzzy aromas like fruity scent cushions in the bouquet; they are quite identifiable, skillfully balancing on the edge between blossom and fruit, and yet they sing in unison with the other nature-inspired notes. You see me impressed!

I do read "Amber" - and would much rather find "Mint" in the pyramid: While the former reveals itself only weakly to my nose (that's better!), I perceive a hissing fresh note in the fragrance - subtle and unobtrusive, entirely unmedicinal and certainly devoid of any chewing gum flatness. If I were to hallucinate at this point, it would surely not be to the detriment of the composition: "El Pasajero," in any case, retains the freshness of the opening, the breeze from the floodplain forest remains invigorating, and the floral-green notes continue to spread a calm-joyful mood.

This feels early-summer-like, still unburdened by oppressive heat and humid sultriness; like the recently refreshed riverbank of a lively flowing mountain stream. Certainly, benzoin fits just as little with my association as seaweed and jasmine - but the resinous foundation primarily appears to me as a fixative. In addition, it gives the fragrance a little depth, a hint of sweetness, and not least a gently grounded powderiness.

Officially, by the way - the name "El Pasajero" already hints at it - I should find myself under shining stars in the mountains of Andalusia at night; that it is rather 5 PM in Upper Bavaria for me, I apologize for. My nose also works deficiently: The "silky magnolia," which I cannot quite identify, officially serves as a "beautiful contrast" to the "brilliance" of the Spanish summer night. Silly - for me, it proves to be an outstandingly cooperative player without allure.

"El Pasajero" is - despite all the joy in the scent - not something I would necessarily want to wear myself; this is likely due to current taste preferences. Beyond personal preferences, I like Lengling's perfume very much, even if it certainly does not open new horizons. After all, "El Pasajero" - unlike its colleague No. 5 ("Eisbach") - is definitely suitable for boys as well as girls.

Conclusion: The unknown perfumer (what is that about, anyway?) has impressively demonstrated his skill and created a charming-bright fragrance. Monumental longevity and room-filling sillage are not offered by "El Pasajero," but it obviously provides a wide range of associative options from Andalusia to Fischbachau - an olfactory wonder weapon for the travel-averse…