New Niche Fragrance Review: Carner Barcelona Rima XI + A Ghost of Mist and Spice Draw

Sara Carner

I met Sara Carner, the creative director and owner of Carner Barcelona, almost two years ago. Even back then when she only was displaying her first two releases, D600 and Tardes, I felt she was going to be someone to watch. A year later she would commission one of my favorite perfumes of 2011, Cuirs. I was beginning to think 2012 might pass without a new release but as with so many things in life the best things often come towards the end of the year.

Gustavo Adolfo Becquer by Valeriano Becquer (1862)

Rima XI is the new release and its name is taken from the Spanish poem by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer of the same name, I offer it in both its original language and translated below:

-Yo soy ardiente, yo soy morena,

 

-I am ardent, I am brown,

yo soy el símbolo de la pasión,

 

I am the sign of passion,

de ansia de goces mi alma está llena.

 

of anxiety for pleasures is my soul full.

¿A mí me buscas?

 

Are you looking for me?

-No es a ti: no.

 

-It's not for you: no.

 

 

 

-Mi frente es pálida, mis trenzas de oro,

 

-My forehead is pale, my braids of gold,

puedo brindarte dichas sin fin.

 

I can give you endless happiness.

Yo de ternura guardo un tesoro.

 

I keep a treasure of tenderness.

¿A mí me llamas?

 

Are you calling me?

-No: no es a ti.

 

-No: it's not you.

 

 

 

-Yo soy un sueño, un imposible,

 

-I am a dream, an impossible,

vano fantasma de niebla y luz;

 

vain ghost of mist and light;

soy incorpórea, soy intangible:

 

I am bodiless, I am untouchable:

no puedo amarte.

 

I cannot love you.

-¡Oh, ven; ven tú!

 

-Oh, come, you come!

 

Lake Mist by DilekGenc

I can’t say I was familiar with Sr. Becquer but the imagery of his words were beautiful. I was especially intrigued by a perfume which might capture “an impossible vain ghost of mist and light”. Rima XI was signed by perfumer Sonia Constant and she has taken the poem and used it to create one of the softest spice-laden fragrances I have encountered. Usually when I say spice-laden you expect nose-tickling piquancy. Rima XI is the opposite of that; it is a sachet stuffed with exotic spices meant to entice one closer.

The Ghost of Harvest by Gyseltrut

Mme Constant uses a quartet of spices to open Rima XI but the two leaders are an incredibly transparent cardamom and an equally diaphanous saffron. This pairing is mesmerizing and is bolstered with the barest pinch of black pepper and a figurative sprig of mint. Both of those problematic notes are use so sparingly that they are barely noticeable. The cardamom and the saffron create “the sign of passion”. The heart uses a core of jasmine sambac but Mme Constant surrounds it in a swirl of cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg. These spices create a vortex within which the jasmine fills in the vacuum. It is here that even though all of these notes can be used with powerful intensity, Mme constant instead conjures “a treasure of tenderness”. The base notes ramp up the intensity but only a small amount. Cedar and sandalwood lay down the foundation for benzoin, amber, and vanilla to rest upon. Each of the latter three prominent in their vanity and complete the “vain ghost of mist and light”.

Rima XI has average longevity and average sillage.

Rima XI is almost 180-degrees different in tone from Mme Constant’s Cuirs but where in that fragrance she exposed leather by increasing the intensity; in Rima XI she makes the wearer almost yearn for something more intense. Thankfully it is that fine balance that makes Rima XI such a joy to wear as each time it drew me deeper under its spell. Every time I wore it Sr Becquer’s words “Oh come, you come” came to life on my skin. This makes the fourth quality addition to this line of perfume and one well worth seeking out.

Disclosure: This review was based on a sample of Rima XI provided by Carner Barcelona.

Thanks to Babalu Miami we have a 50mL bottle of Rima XI to giveaway. To be eligible leave a comment on your favorite Carner Barcelona fragrance or which one you think might be your favorite. The draw closes on December 9, 2012.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

-Mark Behnke, Managing Editor

Editor's Note: Cuirs was a Top Five FIFI Finalist in the Indie Category 2012.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 + 4 =

76 comments

  • I enjoy Tardes and D600 almost equally, although I’d probably side with Tardes if forced to choose. Happy holidays!

  • This one sounds interesting, definitely looking forward to trying Carner’s Rima XI.

    I love those type of scents that seem light and airy, but still maintain depth and intrigue.

  • I haven’t sniffed any of these, but from the reviews on this site, they all sound intriguing. I think I would fall hard for Rima XI. It sounds intoxicating, delicate and strong.

    Thank you for another great draw!

  • Love to try this new one! I am a fan of D600 although I don’t own a FB I do have a decant. Thanks for the great article and huge thanks to Babalu Miami for the opportunity to try the new one.

  • I have only tried Tardes with notes: geranium, rose, rosewood, almond,cedar, plum, celery, tonka, musk and heliotrope. I liked the softness of this fragrance, very easy to wear. I definitely would love to try this new one, its sounds lovely.

  • I fell hard for Tardes but it was so hard to find
    Thank you for introducing us to Babalu site and how nice they carry it
    Cardomom is one of my favorite notes when its grouped with Benzoin amber and vanilla

    RimaXI sounds fantastic
    The poem really added an emotional & ethereal quality to the review

  • I have not tried Carner Barcelona yet, but I think I would really enjoy D600 the most. Thank you for the draw!

  • I haven’t tried anything from Carner Barcelona yet, but of the available scents I’m fairly certain Rima XI would be an instant favourite!

  • I’ve never tried any Carner but Cuir and this new, one look really good. Hope to win this cool draw.
    Thanks.

  • I haven’t tried any, but I think D600 would be my choice
    I’d love to try all of them
    the last addition, with the dreamy spiced softness, sounds a must-try
    thanks for the draw

  • I have heard so much about this line and I am really curious
    Kill me softly with the soft spice of Rima XI
    It sounds perfect for me and I will Probably but it if I don’t win
    Thanks for the links to the other reviews
    How cool Cuirs was a FIFI finalist

  • I haven’t had the opportunity to smell any of these perfumes, but Rima XI sounds enticing. Thank you for the opportunity to experience it!

  • Your review makes me want to try Rima XI

    I do hope I get the chance. But of the four on their site and from you reactions to two of them, I think I’d really love some day to try D600

  • The notes of Rima XI are my fave notes, it’s right up my alley, I am sure I would love. Thanks for the draw!

  • Wow, these look lovely. I think I would love to try D600, but your review really interests me in Rima XI!
    Thanks for the draw and for the great review.

  • I love the interplay between the almond and rosewood in Tardes. Your review of Rima XI makes me very curious to try it. Thanks for offering the draw.

  • I haven’t had the chance to try anything from this line yet, but this release sounds like something I might enjoy. Cardamom, saffron, cinnamon and nutmeg? Yum.

  • Tardes is my favorite from Carner thus far but I can imagine Rima to be quite interesting. Tardes for me symbolizes lazy afternoons, which is great. Looking forward to Rima ! Thanks for the article !

  • I have a sample of Rima XI and it is perfectly described in your review. Super hard to choose a favorite so far but I’d have to go with Tardes for now~

  • I had a chance to try and love D600 but your review of Rima XI makes me want to try that one too! Thank you for the draw!

  • Rima XI seems to be an amazing scent.. Carner was on my radar for a while and I actually got to try the line last summer in Barcelona. Although I was charmed by the duality of Tardes and D600, Cuir turned out to be a very powerful and superb leather scent..
    Thank you for this generous draw..

  • D600 was one of my first niche perfume purchases and it is still one of my favorite fragrances of all time. I can’t wait to check out Rima XI! Thanks for the draw.

  • I haven’t had the chance to try any of them but I think Cuirs could be my favorite. It certainly gets rave reviews! Rima XI sounds wonderful, too!

  • D600 is my fav. Cuir is very pretty. I tried Rima XI and it is very well done . Smooth with a hint of creamy sandalwood. I was thinking about buying a FB. This draw comes just in time. Now I hope I am the lucky one.

  • This sounds lovely! I have heard of the house but have yet to try any of the offerings- They all sound great and I would love to give this Spice Laden Treat a try.

    Thanks for the draw and the post- another house added to my list to explore!

  • Tardes sounds beautiful! Though Rima and Cuir sound lovely as well! What a delicious sounding new brand to check out!

  • I have not tried any of these fragrances, but I think I would like Tardes, Cuir and Rima. Thanks for the draw.

  • Rima XI sounds most interesting to me. I enjoy experimenting with soft and/or fresh spice fragrances!

  • In spite of being Spanish and living in Spain, I have never tried Carner Barcelona fragrances. I’m looking forward to doing it, specially the one reviewed here: Rima XI. I love all the spicy notes.

    By the way, I encourage everybody who loves gotic literature to read Mr. Becquer “Rimas y leyendas” (Rimes and legends).

  • I must confess total ignorance of this house and its perfumes, but Rima XI definitely intrigues me! Thanks for the poetry and review, Mark! (-;

  • I haven’t tried anything from Carner Barcelona but Rima XI hits all the right notes for me. Too often I find perfumes billed as spicy too gourmand or cloyingly strong, so a soft spice seems perfect to my tastes. Thanks for the draw.

  • I think Rima XI might just be a future favourite. Jasmine Sambac blended with cinnamon and nutmeg? PLUS coriander? yes please, I’d love to smell the combination, I always love that blend. The top notes sound magnificent together, I appreciate her restraint with materials known for their volatility.

  • TimeaZsofia says:

    I think Rima XI might be my favorite, and I will pray for be a lucky winner of this fantastic draw.
    Thank you for the possibility! And happy St.Nicolas day 🙂

  • Cuirs sounds fascinating, though Rima XI sounds just as interesting! Thanks as ever for the draw.

  • Rima XI sounds right up my alley but Tardes could be my favorite by a hair. Thanks so much!

  • I admit I hadn’t heard of the company before. I think Cuirs could easily be my favorite. Saffron, Woods, Patchouli, Spice and everything nice… mmm The combination of cypriol and amber also sounds dreamy

  • I’ve really enjoyed Carner Tardes. Rima XI sounds like just my thing. Thanks so much for the draw!

  • I am not familiar with the Carner brand but am thoroughly intrigued by this review. I believe Rima XI would be my favorite. Thanks

  • Carner Tardes sounds delicious, especially since I’ve been on a heliotrope and almond kick lately. However, Rima XI also sounds very appealing. It was a tough choice. I would love to explore this niche brand further.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • My favorite Carner is Cuirs! I’m in Barcelona and love to see the name of my city in this line.
    Thank you for the draw!

  • I have to admit that I think Tardes sounds just perfect but Rima XI might be a top contender too. Thank you.

  • All four fragrances sound amazing, but I really think this new offering, Rima Xl, would be my favorite! Crossing fingers to win this… 🙂

  • I think Rima XI would be my favorite–I LOVE saffron and cardamon, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper…whoa this is my dream scent. Cuirs and Tardes both look great as well–very different but both aspects of fragrant experience I enjoy.

  • The wife likes Cuirs style scent the best, although the new one sounds good with Australian Sandalwood & Madagascan Vanilla Hints.

  • I have tried Cuirs and D600 which were both incredibly well done. This new release sounds promising. Based on the note list, this could be a contender and knock Cuirs out of my top spot.

  • Tomate Farcie says:

    The notes in Tardes sound delicious! with Rima XI I like the notion of a softer spice. This has me curious.

  • I would’ve thought Cuirs but I seem to be veering ever so slightly away from leather these days..and love spices. Rima XI, with its softness, sounds alluring. They all sound delightful!

    xoxoxoA

  • Rima sounds great with its saffron and cardamom top notes, both spices I love. From her previous scents I liked D600 the best. Thanks a lot for the draw!

  • I think my favourite would be D600, as it apparently is similar to Dior Homme. But Rima XI sounds great too, and I’ve always been a fan of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer!