Hip, edgy men's fashion retailer Odin New York debuted its eponymous fragrance line in 2009 and ever since they have brought to market consistently good fragrances. The brown chunky bottles could give the impression that this is a men’s fragrance line, and the fragrances are not outwardly feminine, but they are decidedly unisex and quite unique and wearable.
The latest addition to the line, Odin 11 Semma, which is touted by the company as their first tobacco based scent, is no exception. When I first put it on, I was disarmed by the vegetal aroma of a fresh, snappy pepper, assertively making a statement before the spice notes try to stomp it down. Like an unexpected giggle, this pepper note pops up here and there even when you think it is gone. Myrrh, cinnamon, and clove are some of my favorite perfume notes this time of year, but without this fresh, almost humorous blast of chili up top and weaving its way in and out, Semma wouldn’t be as interesting.
Andy Goldsworthy
As the perfume wears, the blend of notes creates a haze of autumn around your body. The perfume takes on that “favorite old sweater” quality, comfortable and warm. It is familiar, yet unique enough to be a welcome addition to the cool-weather wardrobe. It has some sweetness from the myrhh and tonka, but it is balanced by the woods and tobacco. The drydown is lovely, and longevity is also quite good. All in all, this is a pleasure from beginning to end.
Notes: Warm Myrrh, Fresh Chili Pepper, Cinnamon Bark, Herbaceous Clove, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Sweet Tobacco
I received my sample from Barneys New York in San Francisco.
Tama Blough, Senior Editor
Editor's Note: As you know, CaFleureBon contributor Kevin Verspoor was the nose behind Odin New York 1 and 2, collaborated on 3, and composed Odin New York 6 Amanu, which won the Indie Fifi Award 2012. Read his Profile in American Perfumery here and win a bespoke fragrance suite. We have heard whispers that Odin will be branching into women's scents, but they are unconfirmed.