Aftelier has launched a new solid perfume, Fir:
Our new Fir solid perfume, in a mirrored nickel-plated compact, is here just in time for Valentine's Day. Fir perfume, rich with strawberry jam-like notes, smells like forests of fir trees.
Fir is $95 for 10 ml. (via Aftelier newsletter)
I'm struggling to reconcile strawberry jam wtth forests of fir trees. ???
I can't decide what the ad-copy means: is there a strawberry note added, or there is just some undertone of strawberry coming from other notes, like the fir? If it is the first, I'm struggling to reconcile it too — but Aftelier doesn't generally do bubblegum-ish sort of things, so have a feeling it is darker than the description sounds.
Weird!
Will have to see if I can try it, J, I do love the look of that compact!
It is very nice indeed.
When I lived in San Francisco, I took a natural perfumery workshop led by Mandy Aftel, and she passed around various essential oils for us to smell. We are so used to smelling artificial “fir” that it is a bit of a surprise to find that real fir essential oil has a jam-like quality. I think that's what is meant in the ad copy. I used some fir essential oil in the solid perfume I created in the workshop. (It also contained lavender, blood orange, cassia, and sandalwood. Blood orange has a lovely, almost raspberry-like quality.)
It will be interesting to see what else is added to the mix because I can't see wearing fir as a single note.
Thanks so much for commenting, I am sure that is what is meant by the description. And how cool that you got to take the class — wish I lived closer, it sounds wonderful.
You're welcome! I had an enjoyable time taking the workshop and was really pleased with the scent I made.
Had I remained in the Bay Area, I would have taken the full-length workshop she does regularly at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. What I did was an abbreviated version held at the SF Arboretum (about four hours total over two days). I had posted my full report about it on Basenotes, but it seems to have been lost.
Oh, too bad you lost your post — if it turns up (e.g. if you ever find the link) do come back and post it.
Young fir tips do, indeed, have a sweetish, jam-like scent. When I wore this, It really reminded me of sweet, fragrant fir trees. Not pine, which is probably what some people are thinking of (much sappier and more crisp).
Thanks, it sounds lovely!