One of my top five fragrances of Esxence 2018 is the new Aedes de Venustus Musc Encensé.  It is the 9th offering in the collection that began with Bertrand Duchaufour's signature perfume in 2008 and the second by perfumer Ralf Schwieger (Iris Nazrena).  

"A meeting of two myths Aedes de Venustus Musc Encensé combines both spirituality   and sensuality, infusing its signature incense note  with a modern take on the long -lost Tonkin musk. Prized for centuries for its suave scent and the lift it gave to other ingredients, animal musk was imported from Central and Eastern Asia along the Silk Road. In Europe, the most valued variety was called Tonkin musk, after the ancient name for North Vietnam.Since 1979, the musk deer is a protected species and animal musk is no longer used in Western perfumery. But though synthetic musks have been available since the late 19th century, none achieves the depth and complexity of the real thing.

For Aedes de Venustus Musc Encensé, Ralf Schwieger draws inspiration from the long-lost ingredient by blending his own rendition of Tonkin musk. Aedes De Venustas Musc Encensé matches the most spiritual of ingredients, the house’s signature incense note,  with the most sensual of accords. The name is not just a play on the French encens (incense) and insensé (crazy). Encenser means both to scent with incense and to praise to the skies. Ralf Schwieger’s tribute to Tonkin musk takes on the Aedes De Venustas signature incense in a bold blend of the mystic and the animal." Aedes De Venustas Musc Encensé represetns the yin and yang of extremes-smoke and flesh.

Notes include: Incense, Musks, Ambery accord,Tonka,Clary Sage,Cashmeran

 Aedes De Venustas Musc Encensé, is an Eau de Parfum. Available in June 2018. Suggested Retail Price : 220 € (100 ml)/ $245

Via Aedes De Venustas and my own synopsis

–Michelyn  Camen, Editor-in-Chief