On the outskirts of Clarksdale, Mississippi, at the end of a secluded dirt road sat a small ramshackle church. It was not a place of worship but rather where many went to seek refuge during impoverished times. [...] It was a distinctly secular place where locals who knew where to find it could share moonshine, socialize, and dance their troubles away. They called their ramshackle juke joint Saint Julep and the oral histories compiled within paint a picture of that magical place where “the smiles was always free and salvation had the distinct smell of sweet mint.”
That's presumably the imaginary blurb from the imaginary back cover of the imaginary book that inspired Saint Julep, the latest fragrance from indie brand Imaginary Authors. The notes — sweet mint, tangerine, Southern magnolia, bourbon, grisalva (amber molecule), sugarcube and crushed ice — are an obvious nod to the mint julep, and it's hard to believe, but I've never tasted one. Since I assumed it was something heavy and dark and sweet, I likewise expected Saint Julep to be heavy and dark and sweet.
Wrong again. Never judge a book by its cover, right? Although actually, Saint Julep is a pretty good synesthesia match with the pale green color of the brand image above. It's fresh, it's crisp, it's summery. The opening is indeed crushed mint and sugar, brightened by juicy citrus (it smells like a blend of mandarin and lime and lemon, and it reminds me a wee bit of the brand's Mosaic). It could be the start of a mojito — a cocktail I actually know — and when the "booze" arrives, it's not quite so strong or so dark as bourbon, or maybe it's analogous to a mint julep with just a light splash of bourbon? Or maybe I imagine the mint julep all wrong to begin with? Anyway, it's mild, and you won't smell or feel like you've spilled your cocktail on your person. So, light and bright and sweet, and minty, but not toothpasty at all. There is a wisp of light floral in the heart, but I can't say that I notice magnolia in particular. The dry down has a bit of sheer ambery warmth, and it is darker than the early stages, but it stays pale enough to wear like a summer cologne. Expect to reapply before your day is out.
Verdict: I like. It's fun, and it's refreshing enough to wear in hot weather. A perfect Imaginary Authors summer day coffret: Mosaic to wake up and get your day started, The Soft Lawn or Falling Into The Sea to take you through the mid-day, and Saint Julep for just when you start wondering if it isn't cocktail hour yet?
Extra opportunity for people who read to the end (and who can follow simple instructions): I have a 14 ml travel size of Saint Julep to give away. I will send it anywhere in the world, but the usual giveaway rules apply — I will take eons to mail, even more than usual since I'm leaving on vacation soon, and I won't be responsible if it never shows up or it shows up damaged, etc and etc. If you want it, comment below, and start your comment with "I want it." I will pick a winner using my handy dandy random winner app on Friday, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, 3 July.
Imaginary Authors Saint Julep is available in 14 ($38) or 50 ($95) ml Eau de Parfum. For buying information, see the listing for Imaginary Authors under Perfume Houses.
I want it. But mainly I just want to show you I read to the end and can follow instructions!????
Ha, and a gold star sticker for you!
But also feel free to say “I don’t want it”…
I WANT IT….no seriously, based on your review I am very intrigued….I am interested in exploring mint and your review enticed me even more :)…nice also that they sell these in travel sizes!
Erin’s 5 mints:
https://nstperfume.com/2011/01/20/5-perfumes-for-a-mint-refresher/
I really need to try a new bottle of Guerlain Herba Fresca to see how Fresca they’ve made it lately. I loved the original.
OOHHH! thank you for the link!
I want it. I love what Imaginary Authors is creating.
They’re doing a great job at a decent price point.
I want it. I’ve had a mint julep many times. I used to go to a New Orleans-themed restaurant for brunch and drink them. But it’s been so long, I honestly can’t remember if they were light and refreshing or heavy with bourbon.
I’ve never tried any Imaginary Authors, though I’m interested in a few (including this one) and I find the whole premise a bit hokey. But 14 ml bottles are always appreciated!
The premise strikes me as humorous rather than overwrought, so I don’t mind it, and I like the matching label graphics. But I totally get being annoyed by backstory as I often am myself
I don’t want it but DID want to wish you happy upcoming vacation- hope you have a relaxing and rejuvenating time!
Why thank you! We are doing our yearly round of lake then ocean, and I am looking forward to it.
I want it! I love mojitos & mint julips!
I could use a mojito myself.
I want it! Please! I’ve been in the market for a mint. Thank you!
I want it. Even though I’ve already gotten a giveaway from you once this year. I’m greedy like that.
I want it. I also want a real mint julep, giant hat, and tickets to the Kentucky Derby next year. But I would be tickled just to win the fragrance. Thanks for the opportunity!
Oh, if you win that would definitely be a sign that you should go, Lucy!
Ah, we need a group trip to the Kentucky Derby!
I want it! It sounds so nice in this heat.
I want it. It will be nice to smell an alternative to Dirty’s or Herba Fresca’s mint… and have some potential julep references for my next time in New Orleans. Thanks for the giveaway
Dirty’s — you mean the Lush?
Yes, Lush Dirty
I want it, and I think you ought to try a mint julep while you’re on vacation! I have a feeling you might like it. They’re definitely not a “heavy” drink at all.
Good to know. I am not generally a bourbon drinker but maybe I’ll give it a go.
I want it!! I want it very much. Love mint and citrus and haven’t ever really found one that was “it.” I live in the U.S. In fact, if you need to take me out of the draw for Tauer L’Eau please do, as I’d rather have this one. Thanks, Robin!
You can enter both!
I want it. I was intrigued when I first read about it here, but your review has sealed the deal.
It is worth trying even if you don’t win.
I want it! I live in the US and I take forever to mail things too. This is, in fact, the main reason I never try to sell any of my hoard on the interwebs. I would immediately have zero stars.
I am terrible about dragging myself to the PO. And even about dragging myself to the basement for the mailing supplies.
I want it. I also want to try an actual mint julep now, too. Not usually a bourbon fan but your review makes both the perfume & the drink sound like must tries. Mint seems to be making a showing in a few places lately and I want to be in the know!
Maybe we need a coordinated cocktail Friday project
I want it))) both the perfume and the drink, but would settle for the former. Have a lovely vacation, Robin, and thank you very much!
Thank you! Not leaving til next week but looking forward to it.
I want it and I read it to the end (but then I usually always do). I know that I once tried a mint julep but it was quite a while ago and besides being minty (obviously) I can’t remember my impressions of it. Have a great vacation Robin!
Thanks!
I want it
I’ve never smelled anything from Imaginary Authors, but non-toothpaste mint is one of my favourite things!
And hard to find.
I want it – mainly because that shade of green is one of the best things I’ve seen today. Perfect for Bottle Porn Week.
I love that color too.
I want it.
I find the concept of Imaginary Authors really fun and creative, but have yet to try any of their perfumes.
Oh, do try them — the scents are also fun and creative.
I don’t want it, even though it promises so much citrus! Mint isn’t really my thing, it’s lovely on most people but I have found one that I really like yet.
Also, I’ve never tried a mint julep either. I’ve always gone for mimosas, but I guess I should try a mint julep now!
We both should.
I want it, if only because non-toothpaste mints are few and far between. Plus it would be just rude to ignore an ‘anywhere in the world’ giveaway. :^)
I am sorry I don’t do more of them! Postage is too steep. Plus, have to fill out forms, and obviously I am way lazy.
I want it! It sounds unusual at the very least, and maybe it will take me back to a vacation I took with my husband a few years ago to New Orleans!
Also, “light and refreshing” sounds pretty much on par with any mint julep I’ve had, oddly enough. I’m not a huge fan of mint-flavored food/beverage (usually just tastes like mouthwash to me) and bourbon is far from my booze of choice (too syrupy and heavy), but it somehow just works in a mint julep. It’s almost like drinking iced tea on a very hot day.
Oh good! I love mint tea, so maybe it will work for me.
I want it! This sounds really fresh and interesting and a little softer than Herba Fresca, which is a little bit of a minty punch in the nose.
Definitely not as minty as Herba Fresca.
I want it! It sounds so refreshing for summer.
I want it! I have never tried mint julep either, but I think I will remedy that when I meet some friends for brunch this weekend. My only mint perfumes are AA Herba Fresca and DSH Menthe Moderne. I usually wear them when I am very stressed or tired since they help me relax.
Oh, I probably need to try Menthe Moderne!
I want it! It sounds so good and refreshing and kissing cousins with one of my favorite Atelier Cologne – Cedrat Enivrant!
I want it. I have a few samples of Imaginary Authors that I found to be quite nice, I will have to pull them out again. Thanks for the giveaway!
I want it!
I can’t believe you’ve never had a mint julep, Robin! They’re so refreshing it’s hard resist out-and-out slurping. I prefer them to mojitos.
This does sound fun; I really should explore this line. I absolutely love the brand’s “gimmick.”
I want it! Plus Coordinated Cocktail Friday sounds like it needs to be a thing…perfume or otherwise!
Have a lovely trip Robin
I want it.
I live in the US and you can certainly use my email address. ????
I’ve never tried an Imaginary Authors fragrance before, but anything reminiscent of citrus, mint and bourbon has got to be a winner.
I want it! I like the smell of mint but have yet to find a fragrance that doesn’t come off toothpaste-y on me, and this sounds like it fits the bill.
Enjoy your vacation!
I want it. I absolutely love the story lines they create, but I’ve been shiftless about getting my hands on samples. I’ve also been shiftless in getting my hands on a mint julep, so there’s another thing I really ought to rectify…
Thanks for the draw!
I want it. The only mint type perfume I have tried, is Laura Mercier Tea Menthe. I liked it very much, but it seemed very icy mint. I really like the smell of dried mint leaves.
I want it. I love mint and I don’t even think I would mind smelling a little like toothpaste. I haven’t tasted a mint julep since I was a wee kiddo (and shouldn’t have been sipping the cocktails), but I do remember liking it. Perhaps I should try another soon.
I want it. But I never win the random pick, so I’ll order my own sample.
Somebody on one of my perfume-head groups keeps mentioning it and you know I am a mint girl (as well as a bourbon one), so I think it will suit me. Very nice of you to make the give-away anywhere in the world. Have a great vacay…
I want it. Sounds like a great summer scent. I had mint juleps at the Derby many years ago. I love bourbon, but I struggle with mint. But the mint turned out to be great.
I want it. And I want a mint julep – it’s been a long day. They are extremely refreshing, in fact, dangerously so! Moving to the southeastern USA has led me to develop a deep appreciation of bourbon and bourbon cocktails.
I want it. Even though mint always makes me think I have toothpaste in my hair.
I want it. I love mint juleps. And I’m impressed by how many folks read your review all the way through.
I want it. I also want all perfume brands to offer 14 mL travel sizes of everything. Thank you!
I want it! Sounds so refreshing and Ive never tried any IA scents. Have a great vacation!
I want it, but mostly because I am in the U.K. and I get the chance to participate in a giveaway. Thank you for your generosity Robin. ????????
I want it! My other love from IA is Memoirs of a Trespasser. MMM, smoky vanilla.
I want it! Truly, I have been searching for a new summer fragrance, and this sounds appealing. I really like this house, as well.
I want it. Please and thank you!
My sample of You, or Someone Like You has left me frustrated: sometimes it wears nicely, other times it takes off in a grapefruit/cat pee direction and never changes course. So a new minty fragrance is in order.
Have a lovely vacation, Robin!
I want it. Never tried a mint julep but mojitos are one of my favorite drinks. I’m a big fan of the mint trend that’s emerging in fragrances this summer.
I want it. Sounds very interesting and I love mint juleps.
I want it! I really enjoy the Imaginary Authors line and I ordered a sample of Saint Julep as soon as I read about it. It’s lovely but more fleeting than I like so I’m not tempted to purchase, but should a little bottle fall into my lap, I’d happily wear it and keep applying
I want it!. I’ve never even heard of this line, but it sounds intriguing and I would love to try it.
I want it. But if I don’t win it, I’ll likely buy a sample. Sounds like summer! Thank you.
I want it. I like the conceit of the Imaginary Authors brand. This sounds like an excellent one to try.
I want it! I have juleps once a year around Kentucky Derby time. I’ve never thought of them translated to a fragrance, but the copy on St Julep makes me smile!
I want it.
I want it – and a real mint julep too, I’ve never had one either! I really like this house and own several, looking forward to sniffing it. Have a great vacation!
I want it. And like Amy, I want to show you how excellent I am at following instructions, too. I have yet to find a mint perfume I like, though.
I want it. I have had a so-so mint julep one time and a delicious cantaloupe mint julep another time…
I want it, Imaginary Authors is a very creative house and I appreciate all their creations.
I want it. I love that line “salvation had the distinct smell of sweet mint.” That sounds about right to me. I always think of the patches of mint as the grace notes in my garden. I’d love to find a perfume that smells that good.
I want it. I’ve actually never tried a mint julep. Not sure why because I like bourbon and I love me a mojito.
I want it. I have a magnolia tree outside of my house that’s in full bloom. I also have a thicket of mint in my herb garden. If the wind blows just right, I get hints of both in the breeze. It’s a surprisingly intoxicating combination and I would love to smell IA’s take on it.
I want it. It sounds lovely and refreshing and puts me in mind of Gatsby and wide hats and summer evenings. Imaginary Authors is hard to come by in France, though I had the chance, visiting my sis in Cleveland last year, to sniff a few at Indigo Perfumery. I love the concept, especially because I’m always blown away by the intimate relationship between language and fragrance, so the nod to language feels just right to me.
I want it! That sounds really lovely!!
I want it… anything by Imaginary Authors is intriguing to me and the mint, citrus notes sound perfect for the Texas heat I’m experiencing. Thank you for the draw!
I want it! Mint sounds right on for summer.
I want it. 14ml is the perfect size. This house is one of my favorites!
I want it! This sounds like a wonderful, slightly offbeat summer scent. I love the creativity of Imaginary Authors!
I want it. Saint Julep sounds surprisingly delicious, and I always appreciate your even-handed reviewing style. Noses differ and all that, but an NST review is always a good starting point.
Thank you for another scent to add to my wishful sampling list, al also appreciate the link to Erin’s 5 mints. That’s a list I’m interested in as the weather warms up.
I want it!
I can’t stop thinking about this one.
How would you compare it to the new ELDO from Chandler?
Other than the common mint note, they are actually pretty different. The ELDO is quirkier and has more heft, and I would say is the more complicated of the two. It is also minty but the heavy dose of shiso is what stands out.
I want it.
Mint is one of my favorite scents that is difficult to translate to perfume.
I want it! Thank you!