Bitter Splash Dries Van Noten 2024

... so that I can finally wear this fragrance.
Because Bitter Splash is actually my favorite of the four new Eau de Parfums from the eclectic scent worlds of Dries van Noten: A wonderful spring fragrance without any notable rough edges but with very distinctive features.

“Impossible combinations, olfactory duality, and the art of contrasts. The four new Eaux de Parfum are an ode to eclecticism.”
Quote Dries Van Noten

And here it is the citrusy grapefruit at the beginning that stands in contrast to the (slightly woody) leather at the end of the fragrance development.

“I chose to explore a paradoxical but balanced play of light and texture - the sparkling radiance of grapefruit covered by the matte softness of leather.”
Quote Suzy Le Helley, perfumer

And she succeeded (and fortunately so, as it also works on my skin, which often does not like leather notes)!

The opening is zesty grapefruit combined with mood-lifting cypress. And this freshness kick hits immediately!
As the iris root and carrot seed take over in the development, joined by geranium, the fragrance loses its acidity, becoming warmer and simultaneously spicier. The good mood remains :-)
Then the leather takes over, and bright woods spread out. A peculiar transformation, but a very pleasant one! And by then, I know why Bitter Splash is a spring fragrance for me but not a high summer scent.