In contrast to many of the other wood scents we carry that lean toward the cool and crisp, Comme des Garcons Red Series 2: Sequoia has reinvented the redwood tree to smell warm and sappy. Of course, notes of wood are still quite apparent, brought to the front directly upon application with an accord of California redwood, Chinese agarwood (the oh-so precious oud), and mahogany. The last of the three woods contributes to a hot and spicy top-note that smells like cardamom, and maybe a touch of clove. A melody of leather helps add heft to both the wood and spice notes, without causing any of the components to fall out of their delicate balance. What leads Sequoia down a unique path among wood-centric scents is the introduction of Karo-Karounde, the defining woody-spicy-floral note in the Timbuktu fragrance by L'Artisan Parfumeur (can you smell the similarities?), and a potent rum underlining. This manages to add it's softly sweet and warmly resinous features to the composition in just the right amount. I don't know if it was the red packaging that made me think this, but it almost smells like there could be a touch of rose in the juice as well. Overall, if you like woody perfumes but you want something a little sweeter and warmer than Hinoki, check out Sequoia. It's weird and woody in a completely awesome way.
FRAGRANCE NOTES: California redwood, red rum, opopanax, kara-karounde from Guinea, Chinese agarwood, mahogany
100 mL Made in France |
