Perfumer Yosh Han is known for her iridescent, unique fragrances, her ability to build community, and her delightful personal appearances that feature scented aura readings. She recently began a collection in her YOSH perfume line called the “M” series, which focuses on deeper nature over the ethereal represented in her main collection. Her first scent in that series was the intense, smoky Sombre Negra (released in 2010 as a limited edition, then updated and added to the "M" collection in 2011), and she has followed that up this year with König. König means king, and the perfume was inspired by legendary medieval kings of the black Bavarian forests. It is an “homage to the king within”. 

Richard the Lion Heart by Bryan Hoey

When I first started hearing about König, I was expecting a scent that was dark and primeval. Maybe it was the heavy Germanic font used on the bottle that gave me that impression. I was surprised when I first smelled it, because in its early stages the scent is actually quite transparent. It opens with crisp, refreshing aromatic notes that are reminiscent of a good cologne, which makes sense for a Germanic-influenced perfume, once I thought about it. However, the fragrance starts to morph into something more complex quite quickly, revealing a fresh crunch of tart apple surrounded by smoky woods and a tiny hint of a winter flower being crushed underfoot.

Bavarian Forest Castle by Ruth G. Foster

As I write this review, I am sitting at my desk with my kitty keeping me company, Christmas music on, and my little tree waiting for his ornaments. The vetiver has made an appearance, and with the woods and leather in the base, the fragrance feels somehow seasonal. I just realized that the perfume is wearing on me like a winter day going by: the snap of cold morning air, the apple eaten off the tree, coming inside to warm up in front of a fire, and settling in for a day of relaxation and being cozy. I’m surprised by the depth that comes out of this perfume in its middle stages, because it starts out so transparent. It slowly fades into a woody, slightly musky skin scent that reminds me of the last traces of the fire at the end of the day.

Forest Stream by Andrei Nikolaivich Shilder

I somewhat underestimated König at first. When I realized it was rather light, I applied quite a bit, only to be surprised by its headiness and oomph a little later on. I enjoyed it, but in future I think I would be a bit more careful with application. As always, this was just my experience, and it will take more wearings to find my balance. I like this perfume quite a bit, was appreciative of its surprising nature, and think it is a good addition to the line.

Notes: aromatic bitters, sage, cypress, red apple, smoky papyrus, snow flowers, bois d’landes, vetiver, white musc, saddle leather, amber and firewood

My sample was provided by Yosh’s Italian representation Campomarzio70.

Tama Blough, Senior Editor

Yosh Han is currently on a Barneys NY launch tour for König (with scented aura readings) at the following locations and dates:

Tuesday, December 17th – Beverly Hills (by appt only)
Thursday, December 19th – Seattle 1-6PM
Friday, December 20th – San Francisco 1-6PM

Courtesy of Campomarzio70, we have an additional sample for one of our US readers. Please let us know your experience with YOSH perfumes, or what appeals to you about König. Draw ends December 20, 2013.

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