ELECTIMUSS
AUSTER

2019

PERFUMER
John Stephen

Lemon
Star Anise

Clove
Geranium

Ambergris
Patchouli
Cedar

‘Late summer Mediterranean lemon groves and sweet geraniums lightly laced with star anise and clove, transform into stormy skies with a fresh earthy base of patchouli, ambergris and cedar and a slightly leathery undertone. This spicy and fruity floral is a complex blend of light and dark, opening with bright aromatic spices and citrus, a hint of floral and unfolds into a slightly sultry base. Auster, the god of the south winds, is the embodiment of the hot Sirocco winds bringing powerful winds and storms from Africa into southern Europe. An exquisite fragrance of light and dark taking your senses on a flight of fancy.’

When I sampled Auster originally in 2020, I wasn’t in love with it. Later I learned of the comparisons with Boadicea Blue Sapphire, so I revisited Auster.

It is reminiscent of Blue Sapphire, but far from identical as far as I can tell. Auster has a spicy, citrussy opening with an ambergris tinge. However the geranium and patchouli create a greener and earthier experience to my nose.

There’s an interesting balance of freshness and heaviness with Auster that makes it feel opulent and expensive.