PG24 Papyrus de Ciane was launched in 2010 by French indie brand Parfumerie Generale, now called Pierre Guillaume Paris.

Inspired by Sicily’s Fonte Ciane, a pool of clear, blue water that feeds the Ciane river, it is the only place in Europe where papyrus grows wild. Once upon a time, it was the centre of a paper-making industry, but in 1984 it was made a protected nature preserve and one of Sicily’s top tourist spots.

Greek mythology, or one version of it anyway, says that the Fonte Ciane was created when Ciane, a naiad, tried to stop Hades from abducting her BFF Persephone. Hades punished Ciane by turning her into a blue pool of water.

So, how does it smell? Bergamot and galbanum make the opening citrusy and green, and neroli appears and sweetens them a bit. As it blooms, it gets more aromatic from lavender.   Leathery labdanum and smoky incense appear, and clove warms it up and adds a hint of spice. At the base, Mousse de Saxe gives it a mossiness along with a gorgeous licorice/leather accord that is just heart-stoppingly beautiful. Vetiver a the greenness and musk g a woodiness and softens the whole composition.

This gorgeous complex scent is a pleasure to wear.

Notes: Bergamot, galbanum, neroli, broom, lavender, clove, incense, cistus labadanum, vetiver, Mousse de Saxe, white musk.