EX NIHILO
Chandigarh Express

2024

PERFUMER
Gael Montero

BERGAMOT
MANDARIN
CARDAMOM

DAVANA
MAHONIAL
JASMINE
balsam fir
SUEDE

BENZOIN
TONKA BEAN
PATCHOULI
VETIVER

Definitely a more subtle, mature scent profile than I was expecting. I mostly get cardamom and suede from the opening. A soft leathery touch, but not too dominant or harsh. Even the cardamom is almost fuzzy and soft, rather than the harsh, punchiness that it often adds to openings.

Chandigarh Express is a woody-leather. The leather goes from suede to something akin to polished leather shoes to me, but the backbone is more woody. Think of the woody-leather combination in for example Matiere Premiere Falcon Leather. However, where most fragrances (like the Matiere Premiere) introduce sweetness, this Ex Nihilo remains very neutral and focused.

There’s a floral tinge, but it’s a bystander next to the woody leather and I’d say this overall leans unisex to masculine at first. However, the more it dries, the more I get a soft fruitiness that I can’t place. Definitely keeping it fully unisex in my opinion.

Quality feels solid, but it’s not the most exciting scent profile. For suede-leather lovers, this could be a nice option.