Hiram Green Arcadia Review (Hiram Green) 2022 + Paradise Regained giveaway

Hiram Green Arcadia

Hiram Green Arcadia photo by Hiram Green©

And by clear springs, in sacred myrtle groves,

Heaven’s flocks agrazing, whence

Scornfully thou dost cast earth’s troubles hence.

Now other hills and plains,

And other streams and groves,

And fresher flowers thou seest in the sky;

Down peaceful summer lanes

Moved by more passionate loves,

By other Fauns pursued the Nymphs flit by;

Where shadows softly lie

And fragrance is distilled,

Daphne and Meliboeus nigh,

Androgeus sings, the sky

Burdening with tender sweets, while stirred and stilled

The winds are by the sound

Of unaccustomed accents wafted round. Arcadia, Joseph Sannazaro, 1504

 

The Course of Empire: The Arcadian or Pastoral State by Thomas Cole, 1836

 Although Joseph Sannazaro’s Arcadia is little known to readers today and its writer largely forgotten, few poems have had as much enduring influence on not only their contemporaries but on centuries of artists and writers including Shakespeare, Titian, and Vivaldi. Many of Sannazaro’s artistic successors portrayed Arcadia – historically, part of the Greek Peloponnese – as a lost bucolic paradise populated by shepherds and gentle beasts. But Sannazaro’s Arcadia becomes by poem’s end a metaphor for the magical eternal nowhere, whose existence depends entirely on human imagination. As such, this paradise can be lost or found only by the search of our own hearts.

Hiram Green of Hiram Green Perfumes

Hiram Green at the launch of Hiram Green Arcadia May 6, 2022 at 7scents in Budapest © 7scents

Appropriately, natural perfumer Hiram Green (winner of the 2019 Art & Olfaction award in the artisan category for HYDE ) roots his new fragrance, Arcadia, in that most utopian of fragrance families, the fougere, an evocation of fern, a plant that yields no intrinsic fragrance.  Hiram Green Arcadia is meant to conjure an “idyllic, unspoiled wilderness babbling brooks meander through mountains covered in dense forests” where “lush undergrowth … covers the forest floor … and fragrant flowers bask in the sunlight and their sweet scent intertwines with the fresh green smell of the foliage.”

Painting by Marko via Wikimedia Commons; enhanced by the brand

Hiram Green Arcadia is so heady in its initial stages that it seems more jungle than pastoral, a wild tangle of viny leaves and damp soil. Dabbing on Arcadia, the first sensation is one of denseness, of green overgrowth crowding out the sun. The first moments are thick with French lavender – herbal, dusky, like black licorice wrapped around pine trees. Bergamot comes in right beside it, not with its usual sunny splash of citrus but as a contrasting fruity bitterness. Patchouli and rose race each other to join the two top notes, each providing a distinctive quality: the patchouli is deeply woody, its odor both damp and parched, like an old, varnished trinket box kept forgotten in a cellar. It fills out the center of the fragrance with a sensation of forest floor. Green’s marketing copy describes the rose as “shading,” but I find it pronounced. It threads a silky lushness into the fragrance, which is later heightened by jasmine, and sets the stage for the creamy sweetness of tonka bean.

All the while, the backdrop to Hiram Green Arcadia colours in shades of green and umber as resins add heft. Spices, including what I take to be a particularly spiky pepper, add bright dabs and reawaken the bergamot. Unusually for a fougere, Hiram Green Arcadia brightens as its wears, the patchouli and lavender making way for the floral notes, spice and fruit that weave in and out like the faraway pitch of Pan’s flute.

An Evening in Arcadia 1843 Thomas Cole Wikiart

An hour later, I am walking in the oozy heat of Washington summertime, Arcadia on each arm. While one might think that such opaque greenery might clash with the torpor, surprisingly Arcadia blossoms in the heat. The bergamot becomes sharper, the lavender more herbal. It curls around my wrists like green smoke. And, if I close my eyes against the hazy June sun, there’s a thicket of ferns just down the street and a field of lavender waiting around the corner. Someone is singing a childhood song, and nearby, a fountain gossips with the trees: Arcadia.

Notes: Bergamot, lavender, jasmine, rose, spices, resins, tonka bean, aged patchouli, New Caledonian sandalwood.

Disclaimer: Sample of Hiram Green Arcadia kindly provided by Indigo Perfumery. My opinions, as always, are my own.

Lauryn Beer, Senior Editor

Hiram Green Arcadia review

Bottle of Hiram Green Arcadia courtesy of Ann from Indigo©

We have two bottles of Hiram Green Arcadia

Thanks to the generosity of Indigo Perfumery, we have a 50 ml bottle Hiram Green Arcadia for one registered reader in the U.S. only

And from our friends at 7Scents, a fabulous perfume boutique in Budapest we have a 50 ml bottle of Hiram Green Arcadia for one registered reader in the E.U. only

Thanks to. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what appeals to you about Hiram Green Arcadia based on Lauryn’s review and whether you’ve tried any Hiram Green fragrances and where you live. Draw closes 6/29/2022.

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Hiram Green has been the recipient of our CaFleureBon Best of Scent 2018 2016 and 2014

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68 comments

  • Laurentiu says:

    I am curious about Arcadia being a fougere fragrance that has also a different vibe, by being brightened from the flowers, fruits and spices.
    I have not tried anything by Hiram Green unfortunately.
    Thank you! Europe

  • Arcadia is an ode to nature,glimpses of shimmering green smoke over urban landscape like untamed forest! From Romania with love!

  • Have been reading about Arcadia and it seems to be the new hit. Many have said the same thing as Lauryn says that the beginning is intense and it evokes a good imagery of forest and damp soil. Seems like this is the next cult favorite, like Norne. I am in US. My favorite from Hiram Green is Voyage.

  • I would love to try this fougere! HG’s vetiver is the only one I have tried so far. This one sounds amazing to me. I know the house uses very high quality ingredients. Thanks for the draw! US.

  • Green smoke curling around my wrists, yes please! My favourite by Hiram is his Vetiver, but also found Arbolé Arbolé very interesting. I’d love to win Arcadia to Germany, thank you for the draw!

  • “…there’s a thicket of ferns just down the street and a field of lavender waiting around the corner. Someone is singing a childhood song, and nearby, a fountain gossips with the trees: Hiram Green Arcadia.” The wooded neighborhood with kids roaming together exploring all that nature gives. That lovely fresh green summer.
    I have tried several and own The lovely Hyde
    I live in the US

  • Lauryn delivered a great job in this review. I have not tried any Hiram Green Fragrance yet, but Arcadia surely is something I would love to try soon. The greeness, the lavander and bergamot in this fragrance is something special and I know I would felt in love with it from the start.
    USA here.

  • AleksCipri says:

    I adore fougeres. On me and on my spouse. He also loves them too. I have recently tried some of Hiram Green’s fragrance and I find them very potent and unique. Arcadia intrigues me a lot! I particularly like Lauryn’s description of the development of the scent. I love lavender, so I’m happy this one has a pronounced lavender note. And patchouly which makes the center of the fragrance smell like the forest floor…yes exactly my kind of a thing! This is a must-try for me. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • This is such a great article about the origin of Arcadia linking from a poem to the perfume. I wear fougeres and never thought that ferns have no smell.
    My favorite Hiram Green is Moon Bloom
    USA and thank you Indigo

  • I like fougeres and Hiram Green Arcadia seems to be a lovely perfume evoking forest floor and damp soil. And it seems perfect for going on a virtual hike through the forest, in these hot summer days. Lauryn too endorses it for summer use. I haven’t tried anything by this brand, yet, so I don’t have any favorites. Notes are all familiar ones but the quality of ingredients and how they are blended distinguishes one perfume from another, despite listed notes being the same. I am interested in this perfume based on Lauryn’s review. Thanks for the draw and review. I am from the USA.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Havent tired, i love the song Arcadia by LDR and I love the historical vibes described. I am from Croatia, Europe

  • Hiram Green Arcadia sounds like the perfect fougere, especially since it seems to act well with the hear. The fact that Hiram Green has been a multiple award winning house from this site really shows they take pride in producing a wonderful product and I would really love to dive into this house’s catalogue and see what they are about. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity everyone!
    United States

  • I liked the description of “a wild tangle viny leaves and damp soil”. As a gardener, Arcadia piques my interest. All of the notes sound divine. On my wishlist it goes. I’m a fan of Hiram Green fragrances. One of my favs is Arbolé Arbolé. Thanks for another awesome review and draw. Mich USA

  • The fabulous notes of the fragrance and how unique it is appeals to me. I never tried any Hiram Green fragrances. I live in Poland, EU.

  • A humid forest jungle that blossoms in the heat – what could be more perfect for summer! I own Vivacious which is so gorgeous and natural smelling and I’d love to try more. I’m in the US.

  • It sounds lush and green and slightly unusual. I would love to give it a spin and see if I too am taken to a green pastoral setting. In maryland.

  • Symbian Pandora says:

    I am no stranger to this house. I have been a fan of fougère colonges since I was a young teen. Everything I have sampled from this house has been very good. Purchased a bottle of Moon Bloom for a female friend and she loved it. I also owned a bottle of Voyage a few years back, alas no longer available.
    I would very much like to enter the draw. Thank you all for the opportunity.
    I am in the USA.

  • I’ve tried Slowdive and Moon Bloom by Hiram and loved them both! His use of naturals is one of the best. They take a little time for the nose to get accustomed to, but once it has, become extremely addictive. I’ve been awaiting more reviews on Arcadia and am thinking I would really like to try his take on lavender. The reference to Pan’s flute in the review was a nice touch! I am from USA.

  • It has tonka bean therefore I am very interested in a draw. I’ve never tried anything from this house.
    I live in US

  • I really liked Lauryn’s review as I felt the same sensations when I sprayed Arcadia…an initial, marvelleus and bright, burst of bergamot and lavander…to me after one hour the tonka bean takes over.
    From the review, I also liked how the inspiration of Arcadia was thoroughly described.
    I really love Hiram creation…I tested several of bis fragrance, like Arcadia, Hyde, Slowdive and Moonbloom.
    I would be really happy to win this draw!!!! Thx Cafleurebon and 7scents for the opportunity!
    Riccardo Italy EU

  • NituNicolae says:

    Hiram Green Arcadia is what i would describe autumn in a bottle to be. Green but on the more darkened yellow side. Gorgeous! Thank you for this opportunity! EU

  • Starlit12 says:

    I feel like perfumes infused with the green, fresh, dewy core of nature are some of the purest and most powerful ones nowadays. There is nothing like a fresh breath of fern and lavender with a pinch of flower, wood and citrus to carry that meaningful essence, and Arcadia seems to have captured it entirely.
    I have also tried Slowdive by Hiram Green and I love its voluptuous honey – white flower pairing.
    I live in the EU.

  • Mirella86 says:

    This sounds so good, you had me at “black licorice wrapped around pine trees”. Also a big fan of lavender in almost every combination possible, so it is on my “must try” list. I didn’t have the chance to try anything from Hiram Green yet. From Romania, EU

  • I would love to win this fragrance, I love when Lauryn says: “Hiram Green Arcadia is so heady in its initial stages that it seems more jungle than pastoral, a wild tangle of viny leaves and damp soil.” because since confinement I like perfumes that remind me of a virgin nature, my favorite from Hiram Green is Moon Bloom, I did not like Hyde at all it was for me a smell more than a perfume to wear . In the future, I really want to try Slowdive, Lustre and Vivacious. I live in France, EU.

  • Nice review Lauryn! Thanks to Hiram Greene for bringing out another great fragrance. I have Dilettante, Arbolé and Hyde : great work. Now he focus on the fougere style in the natural way as he does. Never realized that he fougere is an evocation of fern that is pretty much odorless and there is no fern oil, so each interpretation is different.He wants to translate an idyllic, unspoiled wilderness, the Arcadia, into a scent, so he uses other fragrant oils to evoke it. Of course french lavender and Italian bergamot are present, but patchouli and rose resonates to create a sensation of a silky lush florest floor . He finishes with the creamy sweet tonka bean. It is so great to hear that surprisingly Arcadia blossoms in this summer heat. Love to wear it! I live in Spain, EU

  • Describing the scent such as: “It curls around my wrists like green smoke.”

    Never tried any Hiram Green fragrances, I don’t believe they are available where I live. Portugal/EU

  • ElenaChiss says:

    This one sounds good! I like the notes in it and I am very curious about it and all the others Hiram Green fragrances as I have heard only good things.
    Thanks a bunch!

    Europe

  • Interesting perfume. I think it is not like that mass-appealing in the market. Thanks, Lauryn for the review. I am in the US.

  • It’s the description of the first spray that takes me to a very green place — “Hiram Green Arcadia is so heady in its initial stages that it seems more jungle than pastoral, a wild tangle of viny leaves and damp soil.” I find it very evocative.
    I haven’t tried any Hiram Green fragrances, but I’m very curious abut them. I live in Italy.

  • The appealing aspect was that Arcadia is a fougere. One described as heady in it’s initial stages and, yet changes throughout it’s evolution. I don’t recall having ever tried an HG fragrance.

  • A fougere that brightens as it wears? Wow. Hiram Green Arcadia sounds right up my alley.. or right in my neck of the woods. I am in the US and I haven’t tried any Hiram Green fragrances.

  • I love to smell like green ferns . The aged patchouli is the most appealing thing to me from this scent though. I’ve never smelled that. Very unique.

  • Green smoke? yes, please. If that is the same good as Vetiver it could be my second favorite.
    Poland

  • Hiram Green is a master perfumer. I have some decants of MoonBloom and SlowDive that never fail to get compliments. A jungly complex fougere sounds like an antidote to a hot summer day. Thank you for introducing me to Sannazaro. I’ve never heard this poem before but Sannazaro seems to have influenced some of the greats. I’m in MD, USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    The most appealing thing in Lauryn’s review is her description of how Arcadia performs well in hot, humid, urban weather. It sounds like a fragrance I would ordinarily hesitate to wear in summertime, but since she says it brightens as it dries down, I am game. What Lauryn describes sounds like something with incredible balance, so I look forward to trying it. I have not tried any Hiram Green fragrances, and I live in the US in North Carolina (another reason for a hot-weather-friendly scent).

  • Fougere’s are my favorite, and Lauryn’s review, and description of how the fragrance unfolds, dials up my interest in this one! I enjoyed Arbole by Hiram Green, looking forward to trying this one. NV, USA.

  • Thanks for this wonderful article Lauryn!

    I’ve only started my passion for fragrances in the last 2 years, but I have already reached a point where I am naturally drawn towards natural perfumery (pun intended) .

    Arcadia sounds amazing. I love the fresh, green ‘outdoorsy’ sense I am getting from your article and in my mind I am visualizing this to be the epitome of fantasy forest adventure. You’ve got me excited to try this!

    Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure to try any of Hiram Green’s perfumes, but I have been wanting to try Vetiver and Arcadia for a while so this draw give me an amazing opportunity to experience this house!

    Greetings from the EU.

  • I very love these forests, mountains, beautiful untouched nature, far from the harm of humanity type of fragrances. And this one sounds just like that. I very love natural perfumes. And the name itself “Arcadia” sounds so epic. I would very like to win this perfume. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • wandering_nose says:

    Oh my, what a lovely story, thank you Lauryn! Yes, each and every one of us is searching for their own Arcadia, some find it for a while, some seem to be lucky to be able to settle there… What matters is to keep on searching and not give up one’s dreams. Hiram Green’s Arcadia seems to have qualities of a medium – subtle, transportive, and able to see into one’s mind. I have been instantly sold on the extremely beautiful bottle (it goes soooo well with the color if the liquid, some proper old school vibes) and I love every single note and especially the aged patchouli taking the center stage, deeply woody, both damp and dry. Very curious of the bergamot and lavender in Arcadia too. I haven’t hat the opportunity to try any Hiram Green fragrances as of yet. Big thank you from Dublin, Republic of Ireland (not Northern Ireland), EU.

  • As someone who has spent a fair amount of time traipsing through swamps for work and play, I love Lauryn’s description of how Arcadia blooms in the ‘oozy heat’ of summer! I’ve never had the opportunity to try anything from this natural house but they sound right up my alley. I’m in the U.S.

  • The green lushness described here is so tempting, and Ann’s photograph just turns the bottle into a precious gem. I havent tried any Hiram Green scents before. USA

  • Fougeres harken to nature and Hiram Greens scents are the best natural perfume brand I’ve tried so I’m stoked to try his take on this classic genre! I own and love Moon Bloom. I love how Laurynn describes the blooming experience of Arcadia in the heat of summer. In US

  • liberation says:

    I enjoyed Lauryn’s review of Arcadia and while I haven’t tried any of Hiram Green fragrances after reading the review and pictures created in my mind I am more than ready to do so with this one. Teleporting yourself into the heart of deep luscious forest and untouched nature where you can’t be found to slowly roam your way to the sun, meadow and freedom of your mind speaks to me as I love green fragrance notes (and general smell of forest). I would love to have a chance to smell and own Arcadia as I expect that it will be love on first smell. Thank you for your review. Greetings from Austria.

  • Nikolina_84 says:

    The notes are really interesting combined together and what I loved most is Lauryn saying “if I close my eyes against the hazy June sun, there’s a thicket of ferns just down the street and a field of lavender waiting around the corner.” That sounds amazing!
    Haven’t tries anything from the house yet.
    Hugs from Croatia, EU!

  • Terri Gardner says:

    Fougere is the category of scent I feel I understand least and I can’t imagine a better person to introduce me than Hiram Green. The moment I opened my tiny sample of Slowdive I knew I would be an HG fan for life. I’m in the US.

  • megabass99 says:

    My favorite Hiram Green is Hyde and appreciate that they are taking more steps to recreate the fougoure category and take it one step further… From Chandler, Az

  • lavienrose13 says:

    I am totally in love with Vivacious from Hiram Green and would love to discover Arcadia. Thanks for the interesting article. from France.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    To me there’s a cozy , “I want to be a kid again” feeling coming from Green Arcadia , like I’m 14 again exploring the wilderness with my childhood friends.
    If I have to rate my favorite Hiram Green fragrances:
    1. Slowdive
    2. Hyde
    3. Arbolé Arbolé
    Slowdive i own
    Just followed @7scents_hu , the other profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    I’m interested in Hiram Green Arcadia based on Lauryn’s review because I loved learning about Joseph Sannazaro’s Arcadia’s poem and the remarkable influence it had on other’s thoughout history. A unique green, spicy, herbal, and earthy fragrance with the note of fern. I’ve been wanting the try the all natural fragrances from Hiram Green and this sounds like something I would love. I haven’t tried anything from Hiram Green. I’m from the USA.

  • Fougere, sensation of forest floor, green freshness… Sounds perfect for these hot days. I still haven’t tried anything from Hiram Green.
    EU

  • Southirina says:

    Hiram Green impressed me with Slowdive. It was so natural and raw and spectacular.
    I love how Arcadia “curls around my wrists like green smoke”. I can imagine the mystic essence of Arcadia wrapped up in a bottle and ready to be used whenever you are desperate for a gateway.
    Hugs from Romania

  • I really love a warm lavender fragrance … so this description really captured my interest in Lauryn’s review. It threads a silky lushness into the fragrance, which is later heightened by jasmine, and sets the stage for the creamy sweetness of tonka bean.

    My favorite Hiram Green fragrance is Moon Bloom, a masterpiece! But I also enjoy Slowdive very much.

    Thanks! I am here for the Europe draw <3.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    This fragrance seems very appealing to me, e.g. based on its list of notes. I love fougeres, and I like when Lauryn says “Unusually for a fougere, Hiram Green Arcadia brightens as its wears, the patchouli and lavender making way for the floral notes, spice and fruit that weave in and out”. I feel like I should sample all of Hiram Green’s fragrance releases- I haven’t tried any of them yet. This one seems to be interesting and high-quality. I live in the U.S.A.

  • petergigov says:

    I’ve spent a few years living in Spain, and one particular movie came to mind when I read Lauryn Beer review , I can easily see Hiram Green Arcadia being worn by Omar Sharif , in his role in Doctor Zhivago. I know the opening , and closing scenes were both filmed on location at the Aldeadávila Dam , right between Spain and Portugal.
    Arcadia is a timeless fragrance i’d like to win
    I have no experience with Hiram Green fragrances
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review, Lauryn!

    This sounds like such a lush and beautiful fragrance, reminiscent of the parks and forests that I hiked through in Washington State. I find the use of spice in this fragrance quite intersting.

    I have tried Slow Dive.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    I’ve never tried any offerings from Hiram Green. I really enjoyed this write up and would like to get my nose on this fragrance. I do like a complex fougere. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Many blessings from VA, USA!

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Hiram Green is a house I have no experience with.
    Arcadia I think is innovative fougere for people with high self esteem.
    Ermenegildo Zegna Trofeo Dark Green suit , tobacco leather oxford shoes and a white dress shirt are an extra sharp outfit suited for Arcadia .
    Thank you Lauryn , and Hiram Green
    USA

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Some would say Hiram Green Arcadia is too mature, not to me. I believe there’s no gender in perfumery , just wear what you like, and I like non linear fougere fragrances.
    I specifically like the contrast between all the bitter greenness, spices and subtle sweetness from the tonka
    I sampled Hyde , boozy , smokey and leathery cold weather fragrance
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • Fougères are probably my single favorite genre, and I’m always interested in trying new takes on a well-established formula. Like this one, that brightens as it wears instead of trending towards the dank and deep, dark green. Arcadia also sounds like a uniquely beautiful expression of patchouli. I’d love to try it. Thank you for the review, Lauryn.

    I haven’t tried any Hiram Green fragrances, so this sounds like a fine place to start. I’m in the midwest, USA.

  • Lauryn take on Arcadia made me think of Black Lakritz (Licorice) Bundt Cake with rose water. I imagined making, and later eating the Cake, drinking bergamot juice while on trip deep in woods of Greece .
    I saw on Hiram Green website the discovery set is €42 , i hope Indigo Perfumery do have it too , I’d like to sample all they got
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Arcadia by Hiram Green based on Lauryn’s review is a fragrance that will take you on a complex and winding journey. From the citrus notes to the green notes to the complex spices plus the lavender notes. So it would change and develop as it dried down which sounds beautiful to me. I have not tried any Hiram Green fragrances yet.
    Maryland, US.

  • With Hiram Green Arcadia I can say I’m in piece, and the one with the nature.
    Tonka bean, patch and special sandalwood, I presume will add depth , and liveliness to the classical fougere composition
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • Great description of how the notes are subtlety shaded and evolve over time. I’ve tried Green’s slow dive, lustre, and vivacious and found them all beautiful. Truly works of art in the world of natural perfume, and surprisingly long lasting.
    I live in the USA

  • From the review, I really like the image created from the inspiration poem and the forest floor sensation of the fragrance. A unique take on the fougere genre! I have not tried Hiran Green fragrances. I live in the USA.

  • Lush, green, gorgeous, that’s what I thought about Arcadia when reading Lauryn’s review. Hiram Green is (literally) the king od green perfumes!
    I’m in eu

  • Aquafortis says:

    I love the analogy to Arcadian visions in the description of Hyram Green’s new release. I have tried a few from the house before, Hyde, Vetiver, and appreciate the all-natural compositions. I live in the US.