HIRAM GREEN
ARBOLE

2016

PERFUMER
Hiram Green

Tonka Bean
Patchouli
Vanilla
Sandalwood
Cedarwood

‘Arbolé takes its name and spirit from Federico Lorca’s poem, which opens with the line “tree, tree, dry and green”. Think of a lazy summer afternoon somewhere in the hinterland of Ibiza: salty dry wind blowing through the trees and a trace of incense lingering in the air. This is a romantic fragrance with a vintage touch. Arbolé opens with a burst of earthy patchouli that slowly merges with rich cedar wood and velvety sandalwood. Vanilla and tonka bean anchor the fragrance and provide a sweet and powdery base.’ – Hiram Green

Arbolé or Arbolé Arbolé as it was named on the old-style bottles is probably one of the least eccentric Hiram Green releases; at least from his older works.

Hiram’s description starts with a quote from a poem stating: ‘tree, tree, dry and green’, but honestly, this does not come across as green as that, or the epic looking juice colour would have one think. Instead, Arbolé is powdery and slightly sweetened. There’s the green tinge, but it’s more so woody.

The powderiness bounces between sweet and a cleaner, talcum powdery vibe. It’s closer to a vanilla, coumarin, tonka or even sweet resinous like opoponax than it is to a green scent in my opinion. I get a nutty hint in there as well and it ultimately creates this picture of a dry, woody forest patch with sweetness in the air.

It’s a safe recommendation and a good way to get into Hiram Green, although my favorite at the time of writing remains Voyage 2019.