Launched in 2007 by Tauer Perfumes, self-taught nose Andy Tauer has created one of my most favourite incense fragrances with 05 Incense Extrême.

On the Tauer's website, No 05 Incense Extrême is described as: Minimalist, intense and clear.  A perfume built around a natural CO2 extract of Boswellia serrata, aka incense; it captures the roughness of the climate of the semi desert where Boswellia trees thrives. It is translucent like the first whiff of incense smoke from Boswellia resin on red gleaming coal. Yet, it is crisp like a night in the desert. On this website I describe it as essential.

It opens with a soft and green from petitgrain. Petitgrain has a gorgeous rosy/woody facet that stands out here before being joined by spicy, woody coriander. This opening is among the most beautiful I have ever experienced largely because it is considered part of the experience and not just the perfunctory citrus opening. But let’s get to the heart of the matter – rich, deep incense. To me, it’s not smoky but clear in a way that I have never experienced before. The warm incense plays off cool orris root with the coriander wafting in and out of the background in perfect harmony. As it blooms, the orris root gives it a powderiness.  At the base, cedarwood keeps it austere and dry while ambergris bolsters and sweetens the incense.

The drydown is light, dry and clean. I must confess, I don’t get the ‘Extrême’ in the title. No 05 Incense Extrême doesn’t overdose on incense, so don’t be misled. Instead it is as quoted earlier: minimalist, intense, and clear.  

Notes: coriander, petitgrain, incense, orris wood, cedarwood and ambergris in the base.