G like good hope or galbanum
Galbanum is one of those essential oils that are tricky to handle. Extremly powerful, a touch too much and it will completely destroy the head (and middle) of a fragrance. On the other hand, at least in my nose, it has this wonderful property to lift, raise and bring about aspects in mixtures that are otherwise somewhat hidden. And it is -for me- a green scent! Green like hope, or green like cut grass in mid summer.
Looking at my Lavender trial, I wanted to reduce the head’s complexity, streamline it a little bit and in a sense raising its character, making the head more unique, talking straight and clear. I also wanted the fir balm absolute to be a little bit more prominent and I wanted a touch, a tiny little bit of a lily-of-the-valley note in the middle.
Frequent readers of this blog may remember my reference to Roudnitska’s 6 rules for a good perfume. I had the impression that my mixture missed a little bit of character in the opening. My hopes rely now on Galbanum, to overcome the softness of the increased fir balm and to bring in a touch of spicyness. Without reducing the softness of the head notes assembly.
First approximation: Not so bad. Let’s see what Vero says tomorrow.
Finally: After meeting with my perfume sister in arms tomorrow I will stand for a few hours around the shop, forcing innocent shopers into trying some southern air. With temperatures around zero Celsius it may be somewhat difficult to find a centimeter bare skin….. Fragrant greetings to you all!
December 15th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Zero Celsius?
REALLY?
I wish I were there…SIGH…
The sled dog in me longs for such cold weather.
I love the concept of galbanum- one of my favorite notes.
It’s what makes M, and Molinard de Molinard sing.
Makes Vent Vert sing.
Makes me sing, too…
I wished you were in my kitchen, late last night.
The brisket was slowly resting in Egri Bikaver, bay leaves, fresh marjoram,roasted garlic, vidalia onion confit, Sweet Hungarian paprika…
Tonight, potato pancakes with fresh dill, parsley, scallion, and onion will join the meat.
[Sour cream, and apricot-applesauce sit demurely by]
Lots of red wine to wash it dowm, followed by strong coffee, and pastries [butter shortbread-base, lemon curd, cream cheese].
Happy Chanukkah, Andy !
Thank you for your kind heart, and generous nature…
Fragrant kisses to you.
December 15th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Well, in order to be honest. Now the sun has come out of the fog and it got slightly warmer. I am more the aligator type… need sun and warmth to move!
Your Chanukkah festivities sound like an evening in paradise, my dear, and I have to run to the fridge immediately! Fragrant kisses back to you
December 15th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
I’m suddenly very very hungry, and feel like the plant in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
I love the idea of these adjustments, Andy. Love them. You know how I feel about fir and also I adore galbanum.
December 15th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
You know, Leopoldo, I was amazed how much a few adjustment change the overall impression of the head! I am curious what it will be like after a few days maturation! patience, patience….
December 17th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
I was at the scentbar here in LA and one of the owners was singing the praises of your new lavender. I can’t wait to try it..
December 18th, 2006 at 8:29 am
hi tmp00,
I’d bet this was Franco! I am somewhat jealous and I wish we have a scentbar around here, too… of course: Including a Mr. Luckyscents!
December 23rd, 2006 at 1:26 am
Frequent readers of this blog may remember my reference to Roudnitska’s 6 rules for a good perfume.
I read this blog for the first time could you please tell me about Roudnitzka´s 6 rules?
Thank you!
December 24th, 2006 at 9:21 am
Dear Gonzalo
Yes, how right you are! I forgot…
The criteria for a “good” perfume come from Edmond Roudnitska, outlined in his little book “le parfum”. The essentials of any good perfumes are in his words (translated from French):
character, vigour, diffusive power, subtlety, clarity, volume and persistence (depending on your counting you end up with six or seven criteria for a perfume.
Every trial I make ultimately ends up being tested on those criteria. I have a piece of paper right next to my work bench, with the 7 words written on it, volumen and persistance being on the same level for me…