Dry Wood Ramón Monegal 2011

One thing makes me sympathetic to Ramon Monegal: when a special molecule is used, they name it as such in the pyramid. While Ambroxan was presumably responsible for the herbaceousness in Agar Musk, it seems that Norlimbanol is at play in the closely related Dry Wood. According to Perfumer's Apprentice, Norlimbanol creates a very strong woody-animalic amber note that is supposed to be particularly dry and has hints of patchouli.

I cannot disagree; this description reads almost like a summary of Dry Wood: just like Agar Musk, Dry Wood is bone dry, creaky, and very much an acquired taste. Dry Wood may have it a bit easier for me - a vodka martini and a decent red wine help me access it. Besides the suspected Norlimbanol, a laurel note is noticeable; overall, there is a herbaceous-green touch, and I initially thought of notes like carrot seeds or absinthe. Cashmere wood, which I often perceive as burnt and licorice-like, is thankfully not isolated in this case.

Unlike Agar Musk, a citrus-minty top note makes it easier for us to approach such a level of herbaceousness. This is supported by a slightly aromatic yet mossy hint, of which I would have liked even more. The green citrus note harmonizes unusually well with the rest - great compliment, it couldn't be done better! Of course, it fades after a while and then reveals the herbaceousness completely unfiltered: it doesn't just smell like wood, but also like pure, fresh plant juices. If this perfume were a red wine, the connoisseur would highlight the pronounced tannins.

Ramon Monegal demonstrates with these two fragrances a both puristic and extreme interpretation of a (men's) scent. This uncompromising concept should be approached with interest but also with all due caution. In Agar Musk, I did not like the unfiltered bitterness on my skin. However, perceived from a distance on someone else - this opportunity arose at a small Parfumo meeting - it was quite magnificent. I think the same applies to Dry Wood, although in this case, the extremely well-harmonizing citrus note provides the perfume lover with a familiar anchor.

Ramon Monegal exaggerates with Dry Wood and also Agar Musk that puristic approach that has been showcased by perfumes like Wonderwood or even some of the Dsquared men's fragrances for some time now. While many seek their masculinity in today's sweet orientals or yesterday's opulent aromatic fougères, Ramon Monegal shows us how it could also be done differently. However, since both of the herbaceous Ramon Monegal perfumes can claim the attribute "slim," any assumption that they are essentially macho perfumes is misguided.

Dry Wood and Agar Musk will find their audience, but probably a small one.