Orris Noir – spicy and floral and woody

Photo: perfumeniche

I have a very good friend who is a journalist, and one of her many skills is research, so when she finds anything of interest regarding perfume, an article say or an interview, she sends it along to me. I can’t tell you how often I have benefited from her efforts, like when she discovered that Ormonde Jayne offered free shipping worldwide. I wasted no time ordering Orris Noir.
 
I’ve been a devotee of the line for years and own many of their fragrances and for good reason. Pilkington is known for her commitment to using unusual, high-quality materials in her fragrances – many of which are seldom used in perfumery. You can smell the quality in them. And her collaboration with nose Geza Schöen has produced some of my favourite fragrances: Ormonde Woman, Ormonde Man, and Black Gold. He’s also the nose behind Orris Noir.

Orris Noir is built around the Black iris, a flower Pilkington grows in her garden. One of the rarest flowers in the world, the Black iris’ dark purple velvety flowers grow on tall, elegant, regal stalks. This majestic plant is the national flower of Jorden and is the royal representation of the kings of Jordan. Here’s how it smells.

It opens with a nose-tingling note of sharp, peppery pink peppercorns followed by davana, smelling of sweet, dried fruits. Bergamot adds citrus freshness, while coriander seed brings spicy warmth to the opening so that it smells exotic and mysterious. Strong in the first moments, it transforms as a note of soft iris comes up with dry powdery wood and incense. Jasmine, rich, heady and seductive, rounds out the iris. Pimento berries add a warm sensuality to the heart as bay leaf, green and herbal tempers the jasmine. At the base, incense sends up curls of smoke signals, creating a veil that shrouds Orris Noir. Balsamic myrrh intensifies the resinous effect, while patchouli cedar and guaiac wood form a rich, woody base.

The long dry-down of Orris Noir is absolutely gorgeous - warm and smoky, floral and woody with hints of green. This EDP has presence and leaves a lasting impression.

Simply put: Orris Noir is a fragrance fit for royalty.

Check out Orris Noir in our Shop.