Bois Datchaï Maison Crivelli 2018

I really like this. It hits some of my favourite notes in a combination that is so satisfying: blackcurrant, woods, a hint of patchouli. The woods and patchouli keep it from being cloyingly sweet, and the fruitiness of the blackcurrant keeps the woods and patchouli from being too dark and heavy. It reminds me a little of L’Artisan Parfumeur Mure et Musc, but spicier.

This is a really interesting scent. Opens fruity and almost sour - an unripe blackcurrant rather than juicy and sweet. Then as the scent moves past the opening, we get a nice cedar/leather tempered by black tea that is quite unique. I don't see a lot of similarities to the "smells similar" section, especially not close to Gris Charnel or Thé Noir, those are very tea-heavy while Bois Datchaï is quite cedarwoody - think pencil shavings/hardware store/IKEA. But the surrounding notes stop it from getting too boring and one-dimensional. Would have been an automatic full bottle from me were it not for the performance. Really really bad, turns into a skin scent right away, and even as a skin scent doesn't last. Too bad, great potential for this one.

Sample from official discovery set (which by itself is an aesthetic pleasure - inspiring to see a perfumery house which obviously cares about its customers as well as its craft, as is obvious from details such as tasteful packaging).

Bois Datchai has a crystalline and tangy start. It warms up and gets rounder towards the heart notes - which are sweeter, but retain the presence of wood chips.
I've read comparisons with Serge Lutens Féminité du bois, but the only common ground would be that both fragrances are about wood and fruit/berries. I can't wear Féminité du bois because of its haughty, distancing coldness, although I do realise it is beautiful. But while Bois Datchai is just as wooden, this Pinocchio is a "real boy" - meaning it's*alive* and breathing (however it is resolutely unisex and to my nose leaning towards feminine), and more complex in my opinion.

The scent stays close to the wearer, it is quite intimate and familiar, which suits its character. It's the kind of fragrance you wear for yourself, for the sake of childhood memories it evokes and as such it doesn't need to be loud.

I see it as the Yang to another forest's Yin - Amethyst Lalique. The forest in Amethyst is damp with raindrops drip-drip-dripping on nettles and blackberry brambles. Bois Datchai is a warm cuppa in your hands, standing on the threshold of a cottage wrapped in a woolen blanket, staring out at said damp forest from a warm and safe place.

I gifted Maison Crivelli Bois Datchaï to my sister, and she absolutely loves it. The warm, Blackcurrant bud absolute scent is both unique and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion. It's a thoughtful and classy gift that I would recommend to anyone looking for a special perfume to surprise their loved ones with.

I don't know what the original Shiseido smelled like, but this is what I was searching for in Lutens' Feminite du Bois. The plum in Lutens is nice, but kind of understated and a touch too sweet and funky in the dry down. Maison Crivelli's perfume on the other hand, kicks butt in terms of scent, silage and longevity. The scent is gorgeous, truly unisex. I don't care much for black currant, but here, hand in hand with the black tea, it's mesmerizing. This is absolute elegance, something I would wear on chilly autumn or winter nights. It gives me confidence, makes me feel like an absolute bad ass boss bitch.