ESP
Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements

This is a strange one. The opening of ESP is vaguely woody and talcy, but I’m at a loss to describe it in detail. Is there incense here? A kiss of cinnamon? Resins certainly play a role, but not prominently. It almost feels like an early version of one of PAA’s more resin-heavy scents.

All told, it’s a rather smooth fragrance. Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements calls it “dark, musky, and warming”, and I can go along with that (for once their marketing isn’t too over-the-top).

PAA also notes that ESP is their rendition of a classic attar for cooler months. I’m not sure what a “classic” attar smells like, but I picture it being a much more “concentrated” experience. ESP is fairly transparent given its list of ingredients, and could be worn in all but the hottest weather.

Projection is decent in the opening, but it is effectively a skin scent thereafter. I get around 4 hours of noticeable wear time if applied under my shirt, which is about what one might expect from an aftershave, but not the kind of performance I usually get from PAA’s “aftershave/colognes”.

It’s a shame, because ESP smells pretty unique and I’d love to try a beefed up version for cold-weather wear. When my sample was used up, I considered pulling the trigger on a full bottle (it’s a limited release), but in my crowded wardrobe, there’s no room for it. I may order another sample if/when it comes around again.

I’ll give it a tentative thumbs up.