New Perfume Review: Sonoma Scent Studio Amber Incense + Persian Poetry Fragrance Draw

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Rana Javada Once Upon A Time Untitled 2 courtesy of Robert Klein Gallery

I will soothe you and heal you. I will bring you roses; I too, have been covered in thorns.” -Rumi

sonoma studio amber incense

Rana Javadi Iranian artist via Artsy.net

Laurie Erickson of Sonoma Scent Studio (well known for her beautiful artisan perfumes and at CaFleureBon for her collaboration with Editor-in-Chief, Michelyn Camen on Yin and Ylang) awaits the arrival of a carefully selected damascenone natural isolate, the final ingredient in her forthcoming Amber Incense; a poetic study of primordial forces in perfume: incense, roses, and amber.

laurie erickson sonoma scent studio

Laurie Erickson of Sonoma Scent Studio

An archetypal moment for the perfumer, as she reinvents her website this week, and Amber Incense's  full release, following later this month.  Sonoma Scent Studio is preparation for a quantum leap, where the common sense science of “where there is smoke there is fire” will be as true as living on a flat planet.

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Rana Javadi Once Upon a Time courtesy Robert Klein Gallery

Like the shadow, I am and I am not.” -Rumi

Capturing the swirling non-permanence of incense smoke and it's residency in aromatics, Laurie has structured a perfume which alters accords like the pillar of aroma shifting and rising from a glowing ember. From the opening plum and Sichuan pepper on elemi and frankincense– you are summoned and the mythical process has begun- you are hero called to leave what you know and everything you think you know about these so-called perfume standbys is now Dark Ages.

shiva ahmadi iranian artist

 painting Iranian artist Shiva Ahmadi The Red Veil

I have become a rose petal and you are like the wind for me. Take me for a ride.” -Rumi

Plum blooms into queen rose and joined by her king, jasmine, the resins are now billowing  patchouli, oakmoss, and tonka; a blend vintage in aesthetic.  While we may be proving there can be smoke without fire, there is the same imminent change of something aflame- bursting with the heat of change.This heat melts a glorious rivulet of beeswax and a clearing of cedar, which uncharacteristically has remained a forest in the background. Heliotrope and an apricot blend from natural isolates sweeten and perfect this golden moment when reapplication is understood and accepted as destiny.  We are at the moment in the mythic hero's journey when there is temptation to rest in paradise found. Myself, subject to siren song, would rest here in the arms of this olfactory Circe… happily transforming into wallowing pig if only this moment in Amber Incense would last eternally.

bird shiva ahmedi

Shiva Ahmedi

Our journey is profound, but far from over.

Mahmood Sabzi - Iranian Abstract Impressionist painter - Tutt'Art@ (21)

Mahmood Sabzi – Iranian Abstract Impressionist painter – Tutt'Art@ (21)

LIGHT THE INCENSE! YOU MUST BURN TO BE FRAGRANT! To scent the whole house, you must burn to the ground.” -Rumi

Before burning Amber Incense to the ground, you still have the amber archetype to encounter, and the return home a changed individual. Laurie integrates the wondrous feats of our journey by beginning the rose and benzoin dance which kicks up puffs of powder as they tango across the stage. It is a delicate and frenzied spectacle and also smokescreen– another waft has cedar peppered with pepper somehow left over from where we've begun.  Slowly, New Caledonian sandalwood mingles and clears the amber- which is sweet and classic in its combination of vanilla, benzoin and labdanum.

 Notes: elemi , Sichuan pepper CO2, clove bud absolute, rose absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, beeswax, frankincense, cedar, New Caledonia sandalwood absolute, labdanum, oakmoss absolute, patchouli, heliotrope isolate, natural apricot isolate blend, natural damascenone isolate, tonka, benzoin absolute, vanilla

-Einsof, Natural Perfume Editor

(disclosure: my sample was provided by Sonoma Scent Studio for review; Michelyn was a beta tester.)

*all quotes by Rumi.

Editor’s Note: This is Laurie’s third 100 percent natural perfume, joining  Cocoa Sandalwood (2013) and Spiced Citrus Vetiver (2013).  Amber Incense will be available in 34ml /$125; 17 ml/$64; 5ml/$25. Congratulations Laurie on your beautiful new website 

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen Jelaluddin Rumi, the 13th century mystic, was truly one of the most passionate and profound poets in history. Einsof brings the beauty and relevance of Rumi to Laurie's Amber Incense. To honor this heritage, I chose modern Iranian artists. They are not affiliated with Sonoma Scent Studio; I chose them because they spoke  to me.

 *“What you seek is seeking you.”

Laurie has generously offered three samples of the final formulation of Amber Incense to a US reader. Irreplaceable, these samples are from the original final modification of the perfume, for the commercial batch still waits its damascenone bloom.  To be eligible please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Einsof’s review and your favorite Sonoma Scent Studio fragrance. Draw closes March 14, 2015

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

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38 comments

  • Georgette Villareal says:

    I enjoyed the imagery that you used to describe the notes. It sounds amazing. I have never tried this house, but would very much like to.

  • What a poetic review, and the images completed the experience. I love SSS Velvet Rose. The ultimate Rose Perfume.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Ooh, I have been waiting for this one! SSS Is my favorite perfume house! I especially love Champagne de Bois and Cocoa Sandalwood. I love the descriptions here. Thank you for the draw!!!

  • I particularly enjoyed the artwork and the lovely portrait of Laurie Erickson! My favorite perfume from SSS is Incense Pure, but there are many others, particularly Champagne de Bois. I would love to try her new work!

  • hotlanta linda says:

    I love SSS`s violet scents! This new one sounds like what we need to warm up with!! 🙂 The artwork here is very nice!, and goes well w/ the storytelling 🙂

  • I’ve wanted to try this one ever since I first heard about it. This review makes it sound as good as I hoped, and I love that it was narrated like a story. My favorite SSS fragrance is Winter Woods. Thank you!

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    the most interesting part of this review was introduction to Iranian artists. in addition to enjoying Rumi quotes, I also looked up pictures taken by Rana Jawadi on the internet. I can only imagine how the final ingredient will affect the composition. my fav. SSS creation is Incense Pure. thanks so much for the draw. I am in the US

  • I liked Einsof’s Circe reference.

    Amber Incense sounds truly stunning. I’d so love to be able to try it — especially a sample from the original final version! What a rare opportunity!

    I have long loved SSS fragrances, and as a matter of fact, it was the lovely SSS Voile de Violette that first launched me into the exploration of niche and indie fragrances. In that way, I will always think of Laurie Erickson as my first guide. Thank you!

    I am in the US.

  • My very favorite SSS fragrance is Champagne de Bois, but I also adore Ambre Noir, Incense Pure, and Rose Volupté. I’m a big fan of Laurie Erickson’s artistry and have been dying to try Amber Incense. I really enjoyed the poetic review (I could almost smell the scent!), not to mention the artwork and the Rumi quotes…

    I’m in the US.

  • Wow, this really sounds amazing. I absolutely love plum, rose, jasmine Nd tonka. The artwork choose was magnificent, I can feel the allure. I’ve unfortunately never tried an SSS fragrance, but I’d love for this to be my first! Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US!

  • Recovering Perfectionist says:

    I love the Incense Pure, and am excited to find out what Amber Incense smells like.

  • I’m intrigued. I really like this sentence:

    “Capturing the swirling non-permanence of incense smoke and it’s residency in aromatics, Laurie has structured a perfume which alters accords like the pillar of aroma shifting and rising from a glowing ember.”

  • The description of how the notes in Amber Incense unfold as a journey through notes I love is captivating. I have not read Rumi’s poetry for a long time and appreciate the reintroduction. Champagne de Bois is one of my favorite fragrances. Thank you.

  • “I will soothe you and heal you. I will bring you roses; I too, have been covered in thorns.” -Rumi

    I am so excited about Amber Incense! I have and greatly enjoy many of Laurie’s fragrances. Jour Ensoleille is one of my favorite fragrances as well as Incense Pure.

    Thank you for this drawing. It would be great for the three winners to post a review after they try Amber Incense.

  • I love the Rumi quotes, Rumi quotes are my favorite. I think my best-loved SSS fragrance is Tabac Aurea, but Incense Pure is also up there. I’m in the US.
    Also, I’m so excited to try this after hearing of people trying the different mods. Glad it’s finally perfected.

  • RusticDove says:

    Beautifully and poetically written – and all of the artwork used along with the review is just perfect. Laurie is a favorite indie perfumer of mine, and I can’t name just one favorite from the SSS line. I love Champagne de Bois, Nostalgie and Yin & Ylang all equally – they just suit different moods. 🙂

  • “Plum blooms into queen rose and joined by her king, jasmine” is just as poetic as the Rumi quotes in the review. I love almost all of Laurie’s creations, but Champagne du Bois and Tabac Aurea are my favorites. As a long-time amber lover, I am excited about the debut of this one. I’ll have to check out her new website, too.

  • I most enjoed the anticipation that this review sparked moving through all of the phases of Amber Incense’s development! Amber and Incense are my top favorite perfume categories, and Rose Volupte is one of my favorite rose fragrances. If I was forced to pick a favorite SSS perfume, it would be Champagne du Bois.

  • Your description evokes an intoxicating fairytale of a fragrance that will guide us into a magical world. As we follow the trail of the mystical journey you have depicted, we are left trying to savor and hold onto each of the essences we meet.

  • I enjoyed the entire review but most especially the artwork, and my favorite SSS fragrance is Champagne de Bois.

  • Einsof makes this new perfume sound like a Sandalwood dream! I have never tried any of Laurie’s perfume but soon that will change. I’ve been eyeing her Forest Walk fragrance. Congrats on the new launch Laurie!! I’m in the US.

  • silvrolive says:

    Sounds deep and heady, just like an enchanting fable! I would love to try Amber Incense and experience the journey. I did enjoyed Cocoa Sandalwood and am in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • What a great review, thank you for introducing me to Laurie. Her work sounds like a journey of beauty and transformation. Reading about her other natural creation the Cocoa Sandalwood would be a favorite of mine- most surely! I am in the US. Thanks for the draw

  • Laurie is the nicest, most generous person. I love a lot of her scents, but my latest favorite is Cocoa Sandalwood. I think reviewing any of Laurie’s beautiful perfumes makes for a wonderful read!!

  • I love love LOVE the Rumi quote about the rose petal and the wind. How beautiful! Laurie is one of my favorite perfumers, and my favorite SSS perfume is Joie Ensoleille. I am in the US, thank you!

  • I liked the entire review – i love reading these reviews, they are so descriptive. I do so love natural perfumes. I would love to try Amber Incense. I’ve only tried one SSS perfume – the spiced citrus – and i love it. I’m in the US, thanks for the draw!

  • The description of the smoke and incense as well as the evolution of the scent makes for a desire to have this. I have not personally worn a fragrance from the SSS line. U.S.A.

  • Laurie’s perfume sounds absolutely delicious! I love how Einsof ties her perfume into Rumi’s poetry and Michelyn’s images by contemporary Persian artists. There is some amazing work out there. Thank you for tapping into that current.

  • This review got me excited about trying Amber Incense ,and I loved the artwork paired with it. Is it even possible for me to pick my favorite SSS perfume?! I have five full (or well, they were full when I got ’em) bottles of different scents by Laurie. Rose Volupte may be my favorite at the moment. I am in the US; thanks for the draw!

  • I forgot to add my favorite SSS scent….it’s a tie between Winter Woods and Fireside Intense!

  • Thank you for thew review and draw! My favorite part was the Rumi quotes, especially “I will soothe you and heal you. I will bring you roses; I too, have been covered in thorns.”

    Also the whole description of the scent journey, of wanting to “wallow” in part of it, of it being structured like the shifting impermanence of smoke…So lovely!

    SSS scent besides Amber Incense I most want to try: Winter Woods and Cocoa Sandalwood

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I enjoyed Einsof’s use of Rumi quotes in his review (especially “… you must burn to be fragrant …”). I have not yet had the pleasure of wearing a Sonoma Scent Studio fragrance.

  • Beautiful description of what sounds like such a complex scent journey, with many twists and turns! Beautiful images and Rumi quotes, and the heat of the perfume evoking a rivulet of melted beeswax — loved that. The thought of smelling a work just before it takes its commercial form is very exciting! Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • I love how Einsof’s review perfectly describes the journey on which this scent takes its wearer. Tabac Aurea is my favorite SSS thus far. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.