Rise Journal

Anyone who thinks of heavy, sacred temple incense sticks or sweet mango sticky rice when it comes to Thai niche will be surprised by Rise. The house Journal from Bangkok has created a practical signature scent that can be worn all year round. Somehow, for me, it is the noble Thai answer to our classic shower gel fragrances.

The history of the brand is also interesting. Journal originally started with a focus on traditional Thai spa and aromatherapy body oils before they began producing perfumes. This origin and naturalness can be felt in all the brand's fragrances, starting with the composition of the perfume. Journal forgoes the classic and sharp cosmetic alcohol. The scents are based on fractionated coconut oil and a portion of drinkable, natural alcohol derived from Thai sugarcane. The feel on the skin is correspondingly soft, gentle, and irritation-free.

So how does Rise smell? For me, it is hard to categorize into common boxes. While it is easy to wear, it makes it difficult for me to put it into words. The typically Western, zesty-sour citrus in the opening is absent here. Even the opening seems to bridge to aromatherapy. A fascinating, spicy freshness. To my nose, there is something like a very mild eucalyptus vibe or that ethereal, clear freshness you inhale when entering a high-end spa. Perhaps there is a minimal citrus note, but I find it hard to truly decipher this top note because it is simply unusual for me. However, it smells absolutely excellent.

As it develops, this fine wellness freshness is caught by pepper, vetiver, and Thai woods like chalood bark. Where European blue fragrances often drift into synthetic scratchiness, Rise remains consistently harmonious, clean, and elegantly understated.

In the drydown, another twist reveals itself. A very gentle and wonderfully integrated oud appears. It is not detectable at first, but then it resonates pleasantly for a long time. The oud here is neither dark, nor medicinal, nor fecal, but rather a balsamic, soft wood accord that gives the fragrance a mature substance and considerable depth. Perhaps comparable to the gentle oud note in Ormonde Man.

The longevity is very good for a fresh-spicy scent, and the projection is absolutely solid and pleasantly noticeable. The coconut oil base releases the fragrance molecules more slowly and evenly, which is why Rise continuously emanates its scent instead of quickly dissipating after a loud opening. However, due to the oil base, the fragrance should not be sprayed on clothing.

Overall, a brilliant and completely uncomplicated scent for everyday use. A masculine daily driver with a refined freshness from Thai spa DNA. You smell excellent, and at the same time, it flatters the soul. A real underdog hit for me.