by Aedes de Venustas
Palissandre d'Or is a dry, spicy woody fragrance with an elegant and refined character, centering on rosewood and patchouli. The opening features a subtle blend of pink pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander, creating a warm, slightly peppery dryness that evolves into a rich, balsamic heart with sandalwood, copahu balm, and ambroxan. The fragrance develops a softly glowing, polished wood smell—reminiscent of finely waxed antique furniture—wrapped in a faintly sweet, ambered warmth. It is not loud or bold, instead clinging closely to the skin, with a quiet, intimate sillage that is best noticed at close range. The scent maintains a refined balance, standing as a sophisticated, unisex composition not easily categorized as masculine or feminine, despite its strong presence in winter and evening wear. However, performance is notably underwhelming: longevity is moderate at best, with most users reporting around 5–6 hours, and projection is consistently soft, with some describing it as undetectable beyond arm’s length.