Carner Barcelona Megalium (Rodrigo Flores-Roux) Review + Oriental Dream Draw

Zenobia, Warrior queen of Palmyra, 1888 painting by Herbert Gustave Schmalz

I expect more from my oriental fragrances than any others, with extra points for not relying on vanilla. There must be an exotic, decadent luxury that sends me flying heart and soul into another world. Carner Barcelona Megalium does that for me. Rodrigo Flores-Roux has created a blend of spices, resins, fruit and flowers that make me believe I am Queen Zenobia looking out over her rich, desert city.

Roman perfume flask made from banded agate, ca. 100 BCE, ©Metropolitan Museum of Art

Carner Barcelona Megalium is based on an actual perfume named Megalium (or Megaleion in Greek) which was already a classic scent by the time Athens reached its Golden Age. It was famed for its excellence, expense, longevity, diversity of ingredients, and extreme difficulty to produce. We have accounts of the perfume from various ancient authors and we are lucky that they left us with recipes for Megalium. All differ slightly but agree on the bones of the fragrance. It must contain both true cinnamon AND cassia, myrrh and other resins. Rodrigo Flores-Roux seems to have been inspired by the most complex of the ancient recipes which contains reed plants and more aromatic spices. Fresh, sweet mandarin brightly greets you from the first spray of Carner Barcelona Megalium.  It doesn’t stay alone for long as it’s joined by the sweet royal cinnamon essence from Laos and warm cinnamon tree leaves from Sri Lanka. It’s a beautiful opening that has a journey of its own as the sweet notes warm up, even more so with the emergence of the spicy calamus essence from India.

18th c. Map of Spice Islands, a.k.a. The Moluccas, original home of nutmeg

The cinnamon-dominated blend lasts quite a while and I was happy riding its wave when I was called to attention by the introduction of new spices, nutmeg essence from the Moluccas and Indian white pepper. It’s a joyful surprise! Then the fragrance mellows on my skin; it becomes quieter. The waxy Bulgarian rose which sets the stage for the real oriental dream.

Joseph Bernard, Le Danse, 1911 © Musee D’Orsay

The base of Carner Barcelona Megalium, just like its ancient ancestor, is a long-lasting balsamic dream. Flores-Roux has choreographed the extracts of olibanum (frankincense), myrrh, opoponax, and styrax resin into a gorgeous, hypnotic, intricate dance. The balsamic, almost citric notes of the olibanum get caught up with the honey-like note of the opoponax. They in turn give way to the slightly bitter myrrh, which is tamed by the greenish styrax. They continually switch partners and swirl together for hours around your body.  You will feel like Queen Zenobia or Alexander the Great, reclining on cushions, sleepily enjoying the dance. Notes: cassia, cinnamon tree leaves, mandarin extract, calamus, nutmeg, Indonesan pimento berry essence, Indian white pepper absolute, Bulgarian rose extract, olibanum, Ethiopian myrrh, opoponax, styrax resin.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Carner Barcelona Megalium is one of three new fragrances released by the house in their new Oriental Collection. Ambar del Sur is their tribute to al-Andalus of the past. It opens with a beautiful bergamot that leads to an sweet amber heart. As with Megalium the real beauty is in the base when cistus, myrrh, vanilla and tonka hold reign. It will transport you to the courtyards of the sun-drenched Alhambra. Notes: bergamot, water jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, amber accord, myrrh, cistus, tonka bean, Madagascar vanilla absolute.

Botafumeiro in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela © Pepe Manteca

The third in the oriental trio is Botafumeiro. I recognized the name as the famous thurible used to incense the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. This is the most floral of the three with freesia and lily of the valley at its heart. Spice and musk surround the floral notes to create a smooth, warm fragrance worthy of its heavenly reference. Notes: bergamot, pink peppercorn, nutmeg, freesia, muguet, cistus, patchouli, styrax resin, mystikal, musks.

Disclaimer: Carner Barcelona Oriental Collection generously provided me with samples for review. My opinions are my own.

–Marianne Butler,  Sr. Contributor

Read CaFleureBon Creative Directors in Perfumey with Sara Carner here

Follow us on Instagram: @spritzi_mcgillacutty, @cafleurebon, @carnerbarcelona

Carner Barcelona Megalium

Thanks to the generosity of Europerfumes we have a 50ml tester bottle of Carner Barcelona Megalium for one registered reader (so be sure to register if you have not done so in the USA or a sample set of all three. To be eligible please let us know what you liked about Marianne’s review, if you have a favorite fragrance from Carner Barcelona and where you live. Draw closes 9/25/2018

Available at Twistedlily.com, Carner Barcelona and select stockists

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Çafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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41 comments

  • fazalcheema says:

    Carner Barcelona Megalium is made by Rodrigo whose past work suggests Carner Barcelona Megalium will be a competent composition as well. it has been inspired by the glorious past of Greece and Rodrigo has taken inspiration from the smells of the past hence the focus on cinnamon. My favorite from Carner is D600 because I enjoy well-done iris compositions. My choice is bottle of Carner Barcelona Megalium. I am in US.

  • Belladonna says:

    My favorite Carner is Rose & Dragon. Marianne’s review is captivating with her description of how this scent changes in the joyful drydown delightfully. Would love a bottle! In the US. Thank you for the lovely draw!

  • middleagedandmixed says:

    From the review, I like the idea of being transported to the courtyards of sun-drenched Alhambra with the fragrance. I have not yet tried anything from Carner Barcelona.
    Cheers from Seattle!

  • Rae Lynn says:

    I love the idea of a perfume made from ancient formulas. All three sound amazing! I would love a sample set of them. I live in the US.

  • Tom Schroeder says:

    I have a 10ml decant of this, and love it. The cinnamon and incense really gives it a fall and winter feeling. I also have decants of Botafumeiro, El Born, and Palo Santo. Of the four, I like Megalium the best, and like the description of it by Marianne of the incense and resin ingredients forming a “…gorgeous, hypnotic, intricate dance.” I live in California, USA.

  • Steve A. says:

    I have only smelled D600 from the house and it’s a good one. Reading that there is cinnamon in Megalium has me interested. I too would be happy to ride the cinnamon wave. US

  • helenlam says:

    I had no idea it was based on an ancient fragrance recipe! I’ve never tried anything in the family. I’m based in the uS

  • NiceVULady says:

    Marianne’s review has hit my sweet spot. Everyone of the oriental trio makes me want them. I don’t have any fragrances by Carner Barcelona, but I would dearly love to try these. Oh my they sound gorgeous. Thank you for the draw. I’m in the US

  • Amy Leonhardt says:

    Marianne has captured my imagination by describing the spices in this ancient recipe. I’m drawn to all things historical and ancient; loved the art here, too. I want to smell like an ancient warrior princess. My favorite Carner so far is El Born. I’m
    In CA, USA

  • INYA says:

    I haven’t tried anything from this brand. This is one of three? I’ll definitely be looking up the other two. Thanks for another wonderful draw. USA

  • Architart says:

    “Rodrigo Flores-Roux has created a blend of spices, resins, fruit and flowers that make me believe I am Queen Zenobia looking out over her rich, desert city.”: I had to come back and re-read the review again because the opening lines had me daydreaming too much to absorb the review. I am in the US and would love to sample this. I haven’t tried anything from Career before.

  • Mara says:

    So intrigued that megalium is based on an ancient perfume. Everything about this appeals to me from the spices, cinnamon to the resins and myrrh that are hypnotic and dance. My favorit Rodrigo Flores Roux is ouiellet Bengale and varvatos vintage

  • Scented Hound says:

    I agree that this challenge by Rodrigo Flores-Roux to recreate Megalium from ancient recipes is fascinating. And I find it amazing that they have survived at all!
    Marianne states: “The base of Carner Barcelona Megalium, just like its ancient ancestor, is a long-lasting balsamic dream.” I love to dream in a balsamic cloud, so I would be so grateful for a 50ml bottle of Carner Barcelona Megalium.
    Love the photo of the Roman agate perfume flask. It looks so modern!
    Thank you Europerfumes for this opportunity. Waving from California!

  • Harbinger says:

    I love how Marianne has given us a history lesson behind this fragrance and its name. I have never tried anything from Carner Barcelona so I can’t say that I have a favorite. USA. Thanks for the draw.

  • newyork318 says:

    Perfumes inspired by old formulas are, quite simply, a lot of fun. All three in this line sound perfect to explore this fall. I have only previously tried D600 from this house. US.

  • Cynthia says:

    With the description of the notes, I wonder if this will smell at all like Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir? Although cinnamon isn’t listed as a note in that one , I certainly get it on my skin. I love orientals, and Rodrigo’s name seems to be popping up a lot lately as the perfumer of the moment. Thanks for the review and draw. USA

  • Onyinye says:

    I liked her description when she says it will make you feel like Queen Zenobia or Alexander the Great, reclining on cushions, sleepily enjoying the dance. And she described the three fragrances in great details.
    Megalium Is my favorite.
    I live in California

  • Alen says:

    Nice review. I love Cuirs and El Born so far, and i would love to get that tester bottle of Megalium. Thanks for the chance, California US

  • Maya says:

    Wonderful, Rodrigo Flores-Roux again. He is getting up there with Hiram Green as my favorite perfumer. Megalium – to waft in the “reformulated” fragrance of ancient Athens. Maybe it can awaken memories of past lives. Why not? Perfume should be fun. Anyway, I am curious this oriental by Rodrigo Flores-Roux. The one Carner Barcelona perfume I tried was one of those frustrating ones that somehow just missed for me. USA

  • Wayne says:

    I enjoyed the journey I was taken on…from the origins of the ancient fragrance, to the way it unfolds on the skin. Marianne’s verbiage is delightful, and as always, the accompanying imagery is just spot-on. I have never heard of this house and all three in the series sound gorgeous. Thanks from NYC, NY!

  • cigano says:

    I love the idea of bringing back a piece of Ancient Greek history by recreating the most famous perfume of the time. I haven’t tried any of these fragrances but I wouldn’t mind the opportunity to smell like Alexander the Great.
    Fort Lauderdale, Fl

  • audesko1 says:

    I have not smelled much from this most famous perfumer. He was also mentioned in a pervious article. I would love to try a sample set of the lovely journey the article took us. Thank you for the chance to win. I am in California.

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    First time hear From this house Id love to try this one Great review as usual love this part “It was famed for its excellence, expense, longevity, diversity of ingredients, and extreme difficulty to produce”
    Miami Florida

  • marcopietro says:

    I have always loved the search about ancient recipes in perfumery and I am a fan of historical novels, so this new Carner release is an irresistible temptation for me.
    Perfumery with quality ingredients and the charm of History all in one fragrant emotion. Perfect!
    I live in EU.
    Thanks!

  • doowtnehpets says:

    I liked the part about it being a balsamic dream. Sounds like it’s very resinous, which I love. Never tried anything from the line. I live in Albuquerque NM USA.

  • Meabhis says:

    A beautiful review – it really bought the scent to life. Such a wonderfully luxurious sounding one. I can picture myself wearing this after coming back from a chilly walk and lying on a bed of cozy blankets and pillows.
    I haven’t tried any perfumes from Carner Barcelona, unfortunately. I am in the US

  • RinB says:

    I’m a big fan of Carner Barcelona and all three of these news scents sound wonderful! The notes of Megalium sound particularly enticing (I’ve always been a cinnamon lover and anjoy resinous scents as well), but the inspiration behind Botafumeiro is particularly appealing since I’ve walked the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella twice and always thought a Camino-inspired perfume should exist! I can’t wait to smell it! That being said, my choice would be the bottle of Megalium since I can’t resist that Cinnamon.
    My favorite Carner scents are El Born, Tardes and D600. I live in the US. Thank you!

  • Hasib says:

    Enjoyed the review and I like ideas based from history. Fragrance sounds good and like to try this out. Thanks
    U. S.

  • doveskylark says:

    It was fascination to read about the ancient fragrance that inspired Megalium. The cinnamon and nutmeg merging into the resins sounds very evocative.
    I haven’t tried anything from Carner, but I have heard raves about Cuirs.
    I would choose the sample set.
    I live in the USA.

  • Catlady4 says:

    I loved that description of the base of Megalomaniac, evoking the Alhambra.

    I live in the USA and haven’t yet tried Corner Barcelona fragrances.

  • Diana D says:

    I’ve never smelled any fragrances from Carner Barcelona. I like the description of this perfume and how complex the notes are. I love that there is nutmeg in it.
    I live in the USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I am curious the percentage of oriental fragrances without vanilla. Never thought of giving them extra bonus points to create something beautiful without the vanilla. The notes in all three of this trio sound amazing. I’m most interested in Megalium because it’s based on an old fragrance and the nutmeg. Sounds perfect for the winter. My favorite of this line is Tardes. Great review Marianne! USA.

  • FearsMice says:

    Megalium’s focus on cinnamon does sound perfect for the chilly months ahead. D600 is my favorite Carner to date. I’m in the U.S.; thanks for the draw.

  • Old Herbaceous says:

    I liked how the review noted that this is a true oriental but does not rely on vanilla; I also liked the links to actual places, as I have been able to visit parts of Spain in recent years and fell in love with it. I do like several Carner Barcelona fragrances, such as Palo Santo. I am in the US, thank you for doing this!

  • Dosva says:

    Lately I see many new perfumes created by Rodrigo.
    Thanks for interesting news.
    This new perfume sounds very interesting: cinnamon, white pepper and resins.
    I like Carner Barcelona D600.
    US

  • spritzi says:

    Thank you everyone for the kind comments on the review. Good luck in the draw! Happy Autumn, Marianne

  • jeremyn87 says:

    I love the idea of predominant spices and resins. I also had no idea that this fragrance idea was so ancient. Sounds like something id enjoy
    I havent tried any from this house
    I live in IL (USA). Thanks for the draw

  • StaceyW says:

    I like the fact that Marianne expects a bit more from her oriental fragrances and doesn’t want them to rely too heavily on vanilla. I feel the same way so appreciate that viewpoint. My favorite Carner Barcelona fragrance is El Born and I am in the U.S. Thank you!

  • AllanDawson says:

    Marianne’s review of Carner’s Megalium immediately transported me to a reverie of ancient life, documented but still unknown and mysterious, hence its allure…I could not help but be intrigued by the agate perfume flacon image, and I imagined Megalium’s contents accidentally spilling from it onto the mosaic floor of a hilltop roman villa, near a lush courtyard, adding to the already heady aroma in the air of pylons emitting plumes of wispy, resinous smoke toward the heavens, as robed guests mingle and refresh their hands and faces in alabaster bowls of rosewater before an evening feast, laughter mingling with light windpipe music and the rustle of leaves…thank you!

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    All 3 from the new Oriental Collection sound great , plus Rodrigo Flores-Roux is one of my favorite noses , so i’m intrigued.
    Semi-sweet spicy and balsamic fragrance …
    “The base of Carner Barcelona Megalium, just like its ancient ancestor, is a long-lasting balsamic dream.” I do have high expectations because of this , and i hope Megalium will deliver.
    The only fragrance that i own from Carner Barcelona is 100ml of Palo Santo.
    Tnx for the generosity
    Virginia

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Rodrigo Flores-Roux is one of the best perfumers out there , so i do have high expectations for Megalium.
    To be honest overall idea of recreating some ancient concoction is a bit odd…i do remember the fantastic read by Roja Dove and history of perfumery.
    “long-lasting balsamic dream” WOW – Marianne Butler was obviously impressed
    Notes are nice,perfumer i love , house of Carner Barcelona too , some high praises-i will most definitely sample Megalium.
    D600 is the best one from Carner Barcelona-to me at least.My girlfriend loves too on me.I do like Palo Santo too , but performance is not good on my skin…at all.Oh’ – D600 is full bottle and Palo Santo is 10ml decant.
    USA