ROJA PARFUMS
APEX
2022
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
Mandarin
Bergamot
Lemon
Pineapple
Jasmine
labdanum
elemi
juniper
galbanum
Balsam Fir
Cypress
Patchouli
Oakmoss
Tobacco
Ambergris
Rum
Amber
Labdanum
Cashmeran
Sandalwood
frankincense
Benzoin
Musk
‘Celebrating the natural wonders of the world and all who roam it, APEX is fresh, fruity Chypré accord with spiritual and sensual undertones. A zesty Citrus blast opens the APEX experience with a breath of fresh air as the sunny sensation of Mandarin and juicy Pineapple lead the pack, encouraging a positive state of mind and inspiring us to achieve our goals. Grounding our energy to the earth, a natural Chypré base surrounds Patchouli and balsam fir with the green tones of Galbanum, Cypress and Oakmoss to create a truly outdoors environment, as the sacred materials of Sandalwood and Frankincense pay homage to the ancient ingredients the earth has given us. Connecting us to our primal energies, the animalic effects of Leather, Ambergris and Musk lay in the shadows, bringing their sensual impulse to this highly-addictive new fragrance. Harnessing the infinite power of nature, Apex connects us to Earth and its spiritual energies, unleashing instincts and abilities that lay dormant within each of us. Grounded in inspiration from the world’s Apex animals, this creation was designed to unearth your connection to nature’s most powerful creatures, pushing you to challenge your limits and open your eyes to new opportunities. Only when we embrace our connection to nature and our innermost instincts can we reach the Apex of our potential, becoming the best version of ourselves’ – Roja Parfums
Apex is a 2022 release from the house and it seems to appeal to a different crowd than most of their prior releases, with a pretty aggressive packaging and presentation change. It seems to signify a change in the direction the brand is taking in general (my bet is on the brand being prepared to be sold on to an investor or umbrella company). The chosen font is divisive, but I do love the bottle overall and it’s a blast to photograph; however what counts is the fragrance inside, so how does Apex fair? Well… not as great in my opinion.
Apex opens with a sharper green, herbal (almost mentholated) fresh out of the shower kick. I get citrus zest and a pine-like green woodiness. There’s a hint of fruitiness, but that fades instantly to the background, where you can find it if you really look for it up close to the skin. Don’t expect this to go in an Aventus direction because of the listed pineapple; It’s a green spicy aromatic-aftershave style scent that wears quite refreshingly. I would probably enjoy it more in warm weather (and probably more as a shower gel than a perfume).
The drydown is where Apex redeems itself for me, as it grows denser and it leaves a softened spicy tinge (like some vintage oakmoss fragrances) that lasts pretty well. It’s office safe and versatile (though I can’t imagine many women picking out this one).
I’ve seen a lot of people compare Apex to Sauvage Elixir and it definitely has some shared elements, though they’re not overly similar at all. Apex is more herbal and classy as it lacks mosts the sweetness; whereas I really disliked Sauvage Elixir, I don’t get anything negative here, but if you know my taste, it won’t surprise you that I don’t particularly like it either.
If this style fits your more, Apex is a solid, albeit it little surprising scent. As always you can count on Roja’s to be blended superbly, but I don’t feel like Apex lives up to anything else I’ve tried from the brand by a pretty large margin. If I discovered this scent in a different (and cheaper) brand’s line, I would’ve minced words more, however the Roja label and pricetag comes with an expectation that Apex isn’t meeting in my opinion. Not remotely. You can’t win them all.
