Vetiver Java
Perris Monte Carlo (2021)

A really assertive distinguished take on the note of vetiver. Perris Montecarlo Vetiver Java boldly enters that clan of the dark raw (woodsy/earthy, resinous but tendentially dry) vetivers a la Etro Vetiver to be intended more peoperly kind of a stiff, moody and intimidating affair (a la Bois d'Italie Eau d'Ombrie or Jovoy Private Label, which are anyway not properly dominant vetivers) than a traditionally airy, dreamy and exotic "fresh branch". This one is no way an unisex fragrance in my humble discernment, being it definitely masculine and boldly virile. Vetiver is surely the key main note in here but it is not a note taking on its own all the stage (being the medicinal bergamot, bitter geranium and spicy/earthy amber quite notable elements since the first stage of development). I see just partially the comparition with the urban Lalique Encre Noir (which with Vetiver Java shares a sort of saturnine kind of silent moodiness) since actually this raw italian vetiver smells under my nose far more earthy and bossy than properly wet, "silent", fluidy, urban and minimalistic. Geranium (grey, leafy, grassy and earthy), angular hesperides, peppery ambergris and dark patchouli play an important role in the general Vetiver Java's severe impact. Hints of dry tobacco in the blend? There is something undiscerned kind of nutty somewhere which finally rounds up a tad the raw sylvan resinous mixture. The image of a Horse and Hound style old gentleman-farmer outside its british country cottage jumps more than vaguely on mind. Moody and saturnine in conclusion this is a vetiver for countryside-lovers, lonely spirits and lovelorn men which I recommend to test on skin before purchasing eventually a full bottle.