New Perfume Review: Erik Kormann November + Imagine Dragons Demons Draw

Imagine-Dragons demons album cover

“When the days are cold / and the cards unfold ” – these first two lines of the song “Demons” by “Imagine Dragons” capture perfectly what the month November in Germany feels like to me. All the colorful aspects of autumn have disappeared and the gaiety of Christmas is far away. The days are getting shorter, the sun never seems to shine and everything around you is grey.  The chill in the air rattles you to the bone, and all you want to do is wrap yourself in a warm blanket and drink hot chocolate.

ErikKormann

Berlin  Germany Perfumer Erik Kormann

Erik Kormann, a talented artisan perfumer from Berlin, has added a new fragrance November to his calendar month series which is a respite from the dreariness to come. As in all his month inspired perfumes, the number of ingredients correlate exactly, i.e. November, the 11th month of the year, is composed of 11 ingredients (Dezember which ÇaFleureBon has reviewed has 12 and the most).

Anselm Kiefer, Let thousand flowers blossom!, 1999

Anselm Kiefer, Let thousand flowers blossom!, 1999

Dezember uses his signature incense and wraps it with a hints of flowers, then dips it in a delicate chocolate note redolent of spices.  Cardamom is prominent and instantly transports me back in time to my childhood when my mom would bake delicious cardamom cakes. The spicy sweet aroma would permeate the house and filled me with such joy, I would run to hug and kiss her. So when I spray on November, the darkness recedes and I feel happy and comforted.  Fir balm and heliotrope give me the feeling of taking a hot bath. Of relaxing. The resins of the base are dialed down and soothe, so gentle.  Tonka and chocolate are subtle, you never feel like you are wearing dessert, but your nose is glued to your wrist for hours.

Anselm Kiefer, Aschenblume (Ash Flower), 2004,

Anselm Kiefer, Aschenblume (Ash Flower), 2004

Erik creates perfumes that are deceptively simple, with just a few notes so it easy  to forget how well-crafted they are; beautiful illusions. And with every  Erik Kormann perfume there is always a surprise…. with November it is  the unexpected mix of chocolate and incense.

Die Frauen der Antike (The Women of Antiquity)

Die Frauen der Antike (The Women of Antiquity) Anselm Kiefer

 So I come full circle to Imagine Dragons’ song, as sorcerers and knights would use incense to fight evil and keep you from harm. Wearing November, I can face anything, even my own failed dreams.  I am sheltered from the beast outside.

Top Notes: Cardamom, Frankincense, Iris, Rosewood

Heart Notes: Cedarwood, Fir balm, Heliotrope

Base Note: Benzoin, Chocolate, Frankincense, Tonka bean

Bettina Korp, Guest Contributor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen- I used the multi media sculptures and illustrations of the Neo-Expressionist German Artist Anselm Kiefer who although most famous for his paintings of the Holocaust and use of Kaballah symbols, incorporates German mythology and symbolism in his work. No matter the subject, bleak cold, there is a sense of  warmth and fragility that reminds me of Erik Kormann’s fragrances

Disclosure: I received my sample from Erik Kormann, opinion is my own.

Editor’s Note: Erik Kormann Aromatisches Blog,is on our blog roll, and I love reading his posts, he writes with enthusiasm and great detail about his creative process and  his love of raw materials and ingredients. Currently November is only available at First-in-Fragrance, or by special order from Erik Kormann -MC

November

Erik Kormann November

Thanks to Erik Kormann, we have worldwide draw of one bottle registered readers. To be eligible, please leave a comment with a why you would like to win November, where you live and which month of the year that Erik has not used as inspiration (Juli, August, September, November and now Dezember) would make a great perfume. If you have ever worn Eric Kormann before we would love to know. Draw closes 10/30/2015

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

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43 comments

  • Madeleine Gallay says:

    April, when everything is new, when the days are long and flowers are waking up, when you paint your toenails pastel colors to match Easter eggs.

    November is when you buy roasted chestnuts, wear scarves and coats and pull a duvet up to your chin. It’s cozy and it’s the holiday season.

    USA.

  • Kim M. says:

    Where I live (Central Florida), there isn’t anything grey or static about November and December. It’s green, green everywhere, and only the slightest change in humidity hints at the passing of the months. It’s a little drier, and feels cooler, although the air temps still justify wearing sandals and shorts. I’d love a bit of smoke and fire to shake things up a bit!

    I think April would inspire a stormy scent — something with newness in the air, but a raw bite, too! And I love this song by Imagine Dragons. 🙂

  • Laurie Prior @Amazing_L1fe says:

    I would love to win November because that is my birthday month!! Plus, I love cardaomom and incense. I live out in Palm Springs, California USA and I’d love to see Erik create a fragrance inspired by April because I miss the smell of rain. Thank you for the chance to win! Good luck, everyone!!

  • fazalcheema says:

    November is a month of contrasts, saying goodbye to one season , awaiting for another and Erik’s November also seems a fragrance of contrasts with flowers, incense, and gourmand elements. I would like Erik to create for August because it is my birth month 🙂 thanks a lot for the draw. I am in the US

  • julesinrose says:

    Ooh, this sounds heavenly – fabulous list of notes and great intent (and that’s why I’d like to try it, also because I’ve not tried any of Erik’s scents!)! Your description of November sounds exactly like what it’s like in Northern New England. As I’m such an Autumn lover, I must ask, “Why is October left out?” October – the height of Autumn, the beauty of change, colors ablaze, scents and senses heightened because summer is well past but Winter hasn’t got its claws into us yet. . .In the US (still).

  • Maya says:

    November’s note list work well with the feel of November in New England. They would counteract the dreary chill of the month and yet highlight a sunny day and cool day. Erik should do June. It’s a happy month – winter is over, spring is winding down, and the real heat of summer is not here yet. Perfect! USA

  • jvisser23 says:

    This fragrance sounds great. I would love to win the draw and try this great fragrance to enjoy the unique combination of incense and chocolate which I have yet to experience. I feel that October would be a great month for inspiration due to leaves changing colors and cool air coming in. I live in USA. Thanks

  • Patty P. says:

    Frankincense in top and base both, I’d like to win this for that as it’s a note I favor. I’m going to ask for February because depending on where you live the weather can vary greatly. USA 🙂

  • Wayne says:

    Oh now THIS sounds delicious – chocolate, cardamom, and incense…..yum! I think FEBRUARY would make a great month for an awesome romantic gourmand – but then, I’m biased, as a Valentine’s baby! I’m in NYC in the USA and have been dying to try something from this house!

  • rodelinda says:

    I loved and owned (all gone now – wah!) Erik’s Eau de Frohliche, and the notes in November sound similar and equally delicious, so I was very excited to read about it here. I would choose March for his next month because it’s the transition from winter to spring. I’m in the US. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Iphigenia says:

    Chocolate and frankincense in November make me want to “taste” it!!! November is the month where preparation for holiday season start, the cold is getting stronger and we light the fireplace so the mood is for hot chocolate and perfumed candles light.
    I would love to experience a perfume creation for August month because its my birthday month
    I am a registered reader living in EU and I thank you for this lovely draw and review as well.

  • Roxhas1cat says:

    I can relate to the wanting to curl up in a blanket and drink hot cocoa. I live in the Pacific northwest. Chocolate and incense seems very eclectic. I’m of German decent and would love to try this. The best month would be September. The last bit of summer.thanks.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    This notes list reads like a “best of” for me! Cardamom, Tonka, Iris, Heliotrope…sounds great! I would love to be in the draw about November because, well, November is my birth month! As for another fragrance…I would love to see something warm, piney, cozy or “champagne and strawberries” for January (the new year)…though that might be hard to do with only one note/ingredient, if the pattern is consistent! I’ve never worn Erik Kormann before. I’m in the US.

  • Nemo says:

    I LOVE cardamom 🙂 It is possibly my favorite note ever! So I would love to try this perfume 🙂 I would be curious to see what he can do for January, with one note?

    I am in the US, and I am a registered reader. Thank you!

  • taffyj says:

    “Wearing November, I can face anything, even my own failed dreams.” Aw, I love this prose!

    My favorite month is October. That could make for some interesting notes.

    I am in the U.S.

  • Mel says:

    Ooo, Iris, heliotrope, chocolate, frankincense,Benzoin, and Tonka so many notes that I like. October sounds like a good point to start; I’m not sure how he would do Jan, Feb or even March inspired scents, if it’s just going to be made out of just 1~3 ingredients. I live in Singapore. Thanks.

  • Steve A says:

    A chocolate base has me interested as does a cold weather scent in general. A June inspired fragrance could be nice. I have not tried anything from Erik Kormann as of yet. U.S.

  • Joaquim says:

    Great, An Erik Kormann’s giveaway! He uses synthetics like nobody.
    Yes, I tried all Erik Kormann’s scents before, and December it’s my absolute favorite, and November is the month I was born, but January would be a beautiful perfume, full winter.
    I would love to win November because I’m in a incense rush!

    Thank you for the draw.
    Joaquim

  • Esther says:

    Well, I live in Berlin, Germany and can relate very well to the described feeling of wanting to be wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate. Reading a good book rounds this experience up. 🙂 I actually lime November, I think February is really awful, cause by then its just enough with Winter and spring still to far away. I still didn’t try any of Erik Kormanns perfumes though. Shame on me, but I’d love to try November!

  • Jess says:

    I have heard good things about Erik Kormann and I liked this review a lot. I live in the Midwest USA and it gets so cold and grey. Nothing is good until Thanksgiving. The idea of incense and chocolate is intriguing. One of the Kormann Pefumes I read good things about was Eau Froeliche 3 on your blog.
    I liked the tie in to imagine dragons demons and the art was really interesting

  • Timea says:

    Very nice article, I would very like to win November, because from the notes, I think it is a really interesting and good perfume. I have never tried any of Eric Kormann perfume.
    I think June is would make a great perfume, because that is the first month of the beautiful summer. Everywhere are flowers and fruits.
    Thanks for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • SandiL says:

    This house has been on my radar but I have yet to experience one of them. I love Erik’s creative process and his gift of composing a fragrance. I’m with Julie, why has October not been giving a platform? It is the time of year that things are shed to prepare a resting stage for the rebirth of to follow. It has it’s claim on beauty and the respect of promise for the future. I would love November… for several reasons. Loved being introducted to the lovely art and artist Anselm Kiefer btw… I feel that I’m always introduced to not only a fragrance but an artist each time I read CaFleureBon.. Thank You. I am a US registered reader.

  • girasole638 says:

    November is my birth month so I’m predisposed to be interested in this scent! But I also love incense, iris, heliotrope, tonka and cardamom. I’m so curious as to how they’d all smell together!
    I think March would make an interesting fragrance – all wet pavements, damp earth and rooty flower bulbs – narcissus and crocus – just beginning to push through the soil. The chill of winter isn’t yet forgotten, but I think things smell more alive then than even in full spring!
    For me, my fragrance cravings can be quite seasonal so I really like the idea of scents inspired by the months. I’ll have to pay closed attention to Erik’s work. I live in the US – thanks for the draw!

  • Paramedica SP says:

    I would like to win November cuz I because my birthday is 10/30 It would be a great gift. I think January would be a great inspiration for a dark scent for that could days. I live in US
    Thank you

  • bunchofpants says:

    November is my birth month as well, so dreary as it may be, it’s always a time to celebrate! A perfume with incense notes sounds like a perfect November scent, to me. I think June would inspire a really nice fragrance … it’s starting to get hot but not baking yet, flowers are in bloom and it’s a great time to get aquatic at the lake of the beach. This is my first knowledge of Erik … I’d like to know more! I’m in USA.

  • Francesca says:

    I’d love to experience all of these notes, many of which are firm favorites and I love to play with these! I have heard of this house and always been fascinated by the creations.Very curious with the use of Cardamon especially, which has so much potential and diversity and beauty as a note. I’m going for September, selfishly my month. The turning point no matter what hemisphere you are in..so what is a journey without a turning point? I’m in Aotearoa commonly known as NZ

  • Rosa says:

    Tonka and chocolate? I would love to try this combination!

    Haven’t tried any of Eric Kormann’s perfumes.
    October… because autumn is my favorite time of year. Thank you. USA

  • Moliterno says:

    I’d love to try this one. I haven’t tried any of Erik Kormann’s perfumes so this could be my first time.
    June could be his next fragrance. I love fresh scents. This is a good name for a summer scent.
    USA

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    Wonderful and a Little Bit weird combination – i would Love to have this perfume. March would be a good month as well, when snowdrops and crocus Spring, the thaw sets in and the sun grows stronger every day. As you can maybe guess, I live in the Alps, Europe. Thanks for the draw!

  • Dubaiscents says:

    How could you not want to try something with incense and chocolate?! November sounds amazing. I would want a scent from September when the leaves start to turn. I have a sample of Steampunk I still need to try and this is making me want to that right now. I live in the UAE.

  • Diego says:

    This could be my first time trying Erik Kormann’s fragrance.
    January should be the next. The new year is a good inspiration. Something new something that you can’t find in others fragrances.
    I’m from CA – USA

  • Mrs. MacDonald says:

    Wow! These notes are exactly me, and I too was born in November! What a great birthday gift this would be! Yeah, I couldn’t imagine January, with all of one note? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of Erik Korman, and now I am very intrigued indeed. I live in Ontario Canada, where the weather is becoming just peerfect for this fragrance. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • halesgordo says:

    I was in an apothecary in my small hometown last weekend and we hard a customer ask the store attendant if they had a perfume with patchouli and chocolate. She said, its my birthday and those 2 things would make my day perfect. The store attendant apologized and said they did not have a fragrance with those 2 notes. I wish I had some of this perfume for that lady. My Daughter and I talked about the lady’s choice and at first had a hard time working out how it would smell and then decided we would love to smell something like that. Seriously, this actually happened! How odd that I overheard this exchange and then learned about this incense and chocolate perfume by Erik Korman. Wow, we would love to have some and we will bring it to the apothecary for them to sniff too! We are in Wilmington, NC where things get gloomy and gray in November too. How about March, spring is almost here, but its not and its cold and windy and rainy and there are a couple of budding flowers. How to capture that in 3 notes will be amazing. Thanks, Paige

  • Greg Sh says:

    The notes in this one sounds fantastic! It makes for the perfect cold weather scent. My choice would be April because it’s my birthday month and I think it would make for a very good fragrance. I am in Canada and thank you for the draw! I’ve never tried a scent from Erik.

  • pursejunkie says:

    I love it: Cedar, Chocolate and double the Frankincense. I would love to win that. I would like to see an October fragrance, full of smoke and wood.
    I’m in the US.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I would like to win November because I am an incense lover, therefore any experience with this note makes me very happy and warms my soul in the cold days. It has some chocolate so it sounds even more appealing. Unfortunately, I have not tried anything from Erik and if I were to suggest a month, that would be January. Of course, only one note, something that smells like snow.

    I am from EU. Thanks for the draw!

  • maneki says:

    Someone mentioned November and dragons? Perhaps even chocolate, incense and cardamom? I’m listening!

    I, too, am born in november so a month hated by so many swedes is one that has a special place in my heart — despite it being wet, dark, cold, foggy and grey. And stormy… If for nothing else so for the melancholy of the month and the great contast between the wet and cold outdoors and the warm, cozy indoors (fluffy blankets, hot rosehip soup or cocoa, good books and warm light, electric and/or candle, is a much).

    I like seeing what people associate with “my” month and create inspired by it. Sometimes it’s something you can relate to, other times it’s not (like the pumpkin in CB I Hate Perfume November).

    Like several others I also find March a good suggestion for a perfume: the first scent of spring in the wind, which is still cold. Wet dirt and the very first buds, a promise in the air. Everything is, ever so slightly, waking up again, returning to life. You long for spring, for light and verdure, keeping an eye out for signs of spring, from the first snopdrop in the melting snow to the first day the tilled fields “smoke” (don’t know what you call it in english when fog rises from the soil) to the first wagtail. So march – or october with the crisp blue autmn air, colourful leaves, fires, apples and rain; a dichtomy between the cold and clear on one hand and warm colours and smoke on the other.

    I’m in the EU.

  • Staceyw says:

    I am fascinated to try November simply due to the fact that I can’t begin to guess how incense and chocolate smell together! I adore Steampunk and would love to see him add October to his line as it is my birthday month and Halloween is my favorite holiday. I’m in the U.S.

  • DGambas says:

    Today I am wearing Dezember. I love July. Borobudur is a beautiful fragrance. I adore Famagusta. Some perfumes are results of Erik’s collaboration with other perfumers, others he created alone. They all are well-crafted. My extra love goes to Dezember. This is the first I’ve tried. It’s pleasant, warm, rich in aroma. It is a real joy to wear it. A description of German November at the beginning of this article is typical for the region where I live, too. That’s the story of November in continental Europe. Erik’s November looks like the perfect counterpoint to gray weather. It brings us a harmony. I would love to experience Erik’s visions of January, February, months with less than seven ingredients (July). I’m sure that Erik has original thoughts on it. Erik Kormann belongs to my favorite artisan perfumers. I live in Croatia, EU. Thank you. Happy November!

  • Vick G says:

    Wow I like the sound of chocolate, cocoa, and incense! Sounds like quite a combo. I would love a scent to represent June. It’s my birthday month and it would make for a wonderful fragrance for the warm weather. I’m a fan of lighter scent, especially in June. I live in Canada and thank you!

  • Greg Mayne says:

    What a great read! I love the notes in November. They seem to fit my style. I haven’t experienced this house yet. I’d hope for a scent for the spring such as April or May.

    Canada