Mystery of the Rose by Neville Dsouza

One of the longstanding quests of many perfumistas is the search for the perfect dark rose. We want a rose scent that is as far from innocent and dewy as possible, laden with dusky patchouli and purple jam. We also want it to refrain from scaring off everyone in proximity. I am pleased to announce that perfumer Pierre Guillaume of Parfumerie Générale has just answered many prayers with the introduction of PG 26 Isparta.

Rose Harvest in Isparta, Turkey

Isparta is named after the region in Turkey that is famous for growing roses. The pink roses are picked at dawn when they are half open and at their peak of fragrance, then distilled right away to capture the rich aroma in oil. This spicy, rich rose is used to excellent effect in PG 26 Isparta.

Sasha Pivavorova: Source queenpoly

When I apply perfume, I usually take a second to just inhale and enjoy and then go about my business. Some perfumes make me stop down for a little bit longer, and really savor the experience. Isparta is one of those. The vivid, deep rose is almost sticky, as though it has been caramelized, but is not overtly sweet. All I can do is breathe myself in and smile, as the dense, honeyed, woody aroma of an excellent agarwood (another term for oud) rises to meet the rose. Just enough fruit has been added to achieve the coveted “jammy rose” effect. When I wore this perfume, I spent a fair amount of time just basking in the aroma. It is a prime example of a deep, purple, sexy rose.

Black Rose by Michael Creese

Although it may sound like this is a perfume that could be overwhelming, it isn’t. It is actually quite soft after the first half hour or so, and dries down beautifully. The sweetness of benzoin is a perfect complement to the dark aspects of the fragrance. In the hands of a less adept perfumer, these ingredients could have resulted in a fragrance that would overpower the staunchest perfumista. M. Guillaume's master sensibilities have taken these notes and created a perfume that is rich and deep, but has beautifully translucent qualities. I would wear Isparta regularly, with relish and joy. Aside from the new Collection Signature fragrances, this is the first new fragrance in the Parfumerie Generale Collection Numeraires since Djhenne 2012.

Notes: red fruits, summer rose of Isparta, Peru balsam, calamus, patchouli, incense, benzoin, agarwood (oud), ambroxan, musk. Retail Price 100 ml/$179

I received my sample from Parfumerie Générale.

Tama Blough, Deputy Editor

PG 26 Isparta, which launches today, January 27, 2014,  is available to order through Osswald Parfumerie + Luxury Skincare Boutique in New York for $179 for 100 ml and also in 50 ml for $100. If you don’t see it on the website, call Nik at 212-625-3111. Thanks to our friends at Osswald, we have a carded 2ml spray sample to give to one lucky reader living in the US. Let us know in the comments what appeals to you about this perfume or your favorite Parfumerie Generale  Collection Numeraires Fragrance, and that you reside in the USA. Draw ends January 30. 2014.

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.