Raven

Raven by Ellis Brooklyn is a deeply complex, darkly seductive fragrance that leans heavily into patchouli, musk, and woody notes, with a sweet, almost gourmand core defined by mandarin orange and rhubarb. The scent evolves from a sharp, slightly medicinal top to a richly textured composition where patchouli dominates with a soft, earthy sweetness, balanced by faint floral hints of peony and pink lotus. It projects strongly and lasts for hours, making it ideal for evening wear during colder months. The mood is mature and mysterious, evoking vintage elegance and dark academia—comparable to an aged, decadent perfume that feels more like a character than an aroma. Some find it evokes old books, dusty rooms, or worn leather, while others connect it to deep floral and spice accords resembling Tom Ford’s Noir de Noir or Gucci by Gucci. A few even describe it as strongly “old lady” or “hostile” based on its potency and earthy identity, though its scent composition is far from simple. The performance is excellent across multiple users—longevity and sillage consistently strong. Despite its accessibility in clean fragrance circles, it demands a certain taste or tolerance for heavy musk and earthy patchouli. The most divisive aspect is the rhubarb note, which some find ethereal and fresh while others perceive as overly sweet, sour, or even inauthentic—comparable to rotting wood or fermented fruit. Layering with lighter, fresher scents like Rrose or Fable can tame its intensity. The atomizer may fail after minimal use, though this is not universal. The name 'Raven' remains elusive—some feel it captures the duality of dark and light, while others connect it to Poe or vintage poetic imagery. It is unmistakably a niche, high-impact perfume with a bold personality, not for everyday wear or those sensitive to musky, earthy, or sweet patchouli scents. Yet, for fans of gothic, vintage-influenced perfumes, it offers a uniquely intense, soulful experience. Its strength lies in its ability to transform perception—be it comfort, seduction, or evocation of ancient places.