Scent Of The Metaverse - Verse 1 Rook Perfumes 2022

I expected to like Verse 1 the least of all my Rook samples. I didn't buy into the concept, anything regarding the "Metaverse" makes me roll my eyes, but I couldn't stop smelling myself after I sprayed it. The frankincense note is the true star for me, it grounds the scent and keeps it from veering into headache-inducing territory, which seems to happen a lot for smoky perfumes. The rose opening is unexpectedly sweet and fruity, I'm getting a lychee-like rose, which is how I like my rose notes to smell. I'm going to hold onto my sample for a bit before I decide on a full bottle; it's very similar to Cloon Keen's Roísín Dubh, and I see myself going for Faqqua Iris or Undergrowth first.

Rook is definitely an "expect the unexpected" type of house, and I'm glad for it.