Malachitgrau Grauton Parfums 2022

…rolls passionately with Rachel Leigh in the surf.
Ah, those were the days!…

I am currently testing the (at the time of this review four) shades of gray, and this is so far my favorite.

To my great surprise, since the fragrance pyramid reveals nothing of the sort, "Malachitgrau" is for me *the* incense scent! So penetratingly Catholic, one might spontaneously convert. This is exactly how an old church ship smells to me, the historic masonry along with the wooden benches. Perhaps also an old religious library, run by silent monks, with historical texts in brittle leather bindings.

And it's so incredibly sexy that the fragrance screams "Take me! Buy me!" imperatively from my forearm. Ah, Father Ralph, you hot thorn bird…!

The scent starts with a wonderful, citrusy freshness that holds up remarkably well. It could almost come from mint or nose-clearing eucalyptus, but is served sparklingly by the hesperidic bergamot-mandarin-lemon-bitter orange ensemble, allowing metallic peaks to rise continuously, breaking through the dark-warm-soft carpet in a dancing manner.

Malachitgrau is a warm, soft, cozy perfume that envelops you like thick wool. If it were a color (which, as a synesthete, is unavoidable for me), it would be a deep eggplant. It is dark and serious, but also a bit comforting. And for me, above all else, extremely incense-like and sacred!
At the same time, it is always interwoven and uplifted by a network of fine, dazzling bright yellow freshness spritzes.
Mineral? Yes, also. Damp, gray pebbles.

If I had to assign a season to "Malachitgrau," it would most likely be autumn. November scent. But still wearable in winter. However, it is not so heavy/sweet/loud that it would be completely unsuitable for other seasons.

I don't get forest here, unlike many other reviewers. For me, as a big fan of forest scents, this is not a forest scent - one cedar does not make a forest! ;) Interesting how perceptions differ.

My association is more: In front of the fireplace, snuggled up, calm, peaceful, red wine.
(Okay, maybe Father Ralph on the bearskin rug too)

I find it astonishing and exceptionally well done how the notes of the pyramid intertwine equally and permanently here. Yes, the base notes carry the perfume and are present - but also cardamom, also lemon and pepper, also the very lightly powdery iris! The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
As a "freshie," I love the lasting freshness aspect in all of the confessional litany.

The perfume seems to me to be well wearable for work. I experience both the sillage and longevity //UPDATE/EDIT: as good// (more H! than S), but this is also desired by the creator and corresponds to his style & handwriting. I agree that this level of performance and somewhat subtler "external effect" suits this scent.

"Malachitgrau" has for me a nuance that feels like anticipation in the stomach and prickles over the warm soft violetness, along with a hint of light smokiness. Suitable for more noble, classic occasions. Very sophisticated.
I also find the simultaneous presence of a prickling freshness on a warm-ambered base irresistible - for me, the absolute pied piper.
What still wafts briefly, albeit distantly, in the fragrance memory center: A little idea of "Encre Noire (Eau de Toilette) | Lalique." Here served with freshness.

Is this now a purely masculine scent? Guys, I don't care, I wear your stuff. This is neither a pure aftershave nor purely herbal scratchiness. Ladies, let it dry down a bit - before you shake your heads and curl your lips at the offered soutane. ;)
As a "blind surprise gift" for the beloved, I would not recommend "Malachitgrau" nonetheless.

Well done, Mr. Fuhs. If I can still convince myself regarding the not screaming (but also certainly not bad! Just not at the level) H/S (I like to have a bit of "oomph"), a decant will very likely become a bottle.

UPDATE 15.09.22: Father Ralph has moved in. Performance is flawless with a proper spray from the 50ml bottle. The bottle is also exactly my thing - simple, clean, minimalist, and pleasing!