Bois Marocain Tom Ford 2009

A long day was slowly coming to an end. Exhausted, the gardener took a seat at the edge of the massive stone wall that lined the path and decided to take a short break. Even as a child, he had loved this place, completely absorbed in play, he had spent countless hours here watching the lizards that remained motionless in the midday heat on the rugged stones, only to suddenly disappear into the crevices of the wall as one approached them. And even now, a whole lifetime later, he gladly took the time to pause for a few minutes after completing his work at this familiar, beloved piece of land. The gardener looked around. Even in the morning, it had been clear that the sun would mercilessly bathe all life in blinding heat again. It had been a tiring day, but the certainty of having done his day's work properly filled him with deep satisfaction. Now, at this late hour, the heat was easing a bit, and a barely perceptible breeze brushed against his nose. The scent of freshly trimmed cypress caressed him, and he also caught the smell of the old cedar, which, since a lightning strike many years ago during a fierce storm, had been withering away by the roadside and was now, encouraged by the water droplets from the sprinkler system, shyly releasing its bitter aromas. Later, the water would make its way through the freshly piled peat, and the dark, earthy scent would be contrasted in the cool evening air by a fine hint of incense from the nearby chapel. The gardener closed his eyes. He loved his profession, and no amount of gold in this world could ever outweigh the happiness he felt at that moment. Slowly, his thoughts began to circle…

Bois Marocain, dear fragrance community, is to be discontinued. Thanks to a sharing (thank you very much, Morgaina!), I was fortunate enough to experience this dreamy scent. One may have their opinions about the Tom Ford Private Blend collection. The profit-oriented approach and sometimes questionable quality/originality of the fragrances have already been discussed extensively in the forum.

However, Bois Marocain is, in my opinion, beyond any doubt. A dark, earthy note combines with a wonderful cypress-cedar accord. This gives the fragrance an incredible depth. Nevertheless, BM is never intrusive, and the base culminates in a captivating, sweet note that has something golden about it. A wonderful fragrance for a break!

It's a shame that Bois Marocain has to make way; I would have found it easier to bear the loss of others from the Private Blend. Those who are lucky might still acquire some of this treasure before it is finally laid to rest.