Heinsson

I am skeptical about oud, as it can come across as somewhat harsh to European noses. However, in this fragrance, the note is very well integrated and pleasant to wear.

Shortly after spraying, I smell apricot and peach, I thought. But after a short time, it becomes clear to me: that is not apricot, that is osmanthus! A coveted and high-priced flower, which is accompanied by woody-green scent nuances alongside the mentioned floral-fruity apricot.

In fact, I have real osmanthus in my small lab, so I assume that this fragrance contains real osmanthus. I find it all the more surprising that this scent note does not appear in the fragrance pyramid.

A slight imbalance follows after 5 - 10 minutes, when a phenolic smell comes through, which likely originates from the woods contained. Once you get past the phenolic outlier, the warm woods slowly reveal themselves with a finely-spiced, well-measured oud note. Well perceivable, but not exaggerated.

In the base, there are further woods and light amber, caressed by delicate apricot - which is likely created by synthetic fragrance materials - but does not smell synthetic.

Overall, for me, a successful fragrance that (aside from the imbalance in the top note) smells very balanced and is suitable for both men and women alike. Good longevity, later more skin-close.

The Mojito, with its sweet-fruity lime and refreshing mint mixed with a bit of rum, has always been my favorite cocktail, even though I rarely drink it. Therefore, I find it wonderful that Roja has managed to capture the characteristic scent of the Mojito in a perfume.

And of course, there is so much more: the top note can confidently be described as a citrus fruit bomb, in the most positive sense. Super fresh and super complex! I also find it nice that the fresh notes extend far into the heart note before the somewhat "musty" base takes over.

For this cheerful, moist citrus mix is accompanied by an old couch. This musty aroma is presumably meant to evoke the venerable halls of the Burlington shopping center in London. At first, I wasn't sure if I should like it, but somehow it provides a nice counterpoint and makes the scent feel more mature. The dose of old couch is thus just about acceptably measured.

Now to the price: 225,- for an average longevity and sillage is actually too expensive for an Eau de Parfum for me, although it is among the cheaper Roja scents. For those who are at home in the Roja world, it might be a bargain, but the price still puts me off.

Still, it's a fragrance that is fun. Especially in summer!

When I read a book by Jean-Claude Ellena, I became curious. He wrote about his inspiration. The moment he reached for a mango in an Egyptian garden and inhaled the delicious scent right after picking it.

And indeed, the fragrance presents a wonderfully creative green mango. However, you only perceive it for about 30 minutes in the top note. After that, the scent remains citrusy-green and personally reminds me of soda powder, followed by a rhubarb note that lasts for several hours.

Now, neither soda nor rhubarb is listed in the fragrance notes, but grapefruit is. Jean-Claude Ellena mentions in another book that he likes to combine grapefruit notes with orange and a synthetic fragrance ingredient called Rhubofix. I assume that the rhubarb note comes from that.

All in all, a creatively fresh scent, unfortunately with only average longevity. And not quite as fresh as some colognes, yet still more of a summer fragrance.