Lotus Blossom & Water Lily

Ikebana 'Ginger Lily and driftwood', originally uploaded by Otomodachi.

Ironically, it is here where I smell ginger lily, not in Dark Amber & Ginger Lily. Ginger Lily has more in common with ginger than with lily though, it’s more of a spicy, warm, rooty and sharp note rather than a floral, heady or pretty like you might expect.

Initially, Lotus Blossom & Ginger Lily is lighter and fresher than Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, but also a little odd. While I find the use of ginger lily unusual and daring, I am disappointed (though not surprised!) by the aquatic notes and even more so by the very obvious patchouli undercurrent. Patchouli and water notes to me are less appealing than mud. At least there is something genuine about mud; the artificial aquatic florals seem pretentious and trying too hard to please. And in this one even more than in Dark Amber & Ginger Lily – the Koh Doh connection remaind a complete mystery to me.

There is something that feels unfinished and disharmonious about Lotus Blossom & Water Lily, although I imagine it to be well received (otherwise, this limited edition wouldn’t have come back again this spring, or would it?) and because of its striking similarity to other popular mainstream scents (i.e.: Coco Mademoiselle). Some aloeswood perhaps peaks at the end, but again it does not feel authentic - it has that sweet berry note that seems to be the way agarwood is perceived nowadays ever since M7. So far from the truth.

Top notes: Aquatic Accord, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin

Heart notes: Lotus Blossom, Freesia, Honeysuckle, Water Lily, Jasmine

Base notes: Temple Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Bamboo, Musk, Aloeswood, Guaiac Wood