CLIVE CHRISTIAN
E CASHMERE MUSK
2024
pink pepper
sichuan pepper
ginger
blood orange
ambrette
bergamot
fleuriste fusion
magnolia
jasmine
cashmeran
guaiac wood
cedarwood
woody notes
vetiver
moss
ambroxan
musk
‘Immerse yourself in the embrace of a fragrance that delicately envelops the senses, akin to the tender caress of cashmere on bare skin. Enter a realm where musky notes intricately weave a warm, indelible hug, creating an experience that is both calming and comforting. E Cashmere Musk is not just a fragrance it’s a journey . Envision a tranquil haven, where each note weaves a narrative of delicate touches and enduring elegance. The symphony of Baies Rose, Sichuan Pepper, and Fresh Ginger in the top notes sets the stage for an odyssey of scent, an unforgettable olfactory adventure that transcends the boundaries of time. As you delve deeper, the heart of the fragrance reveals a Fleuriste Fusion, Egyptian Jasmin, and Cashmeran. Here, the scent becomes an intricate dance, much like the delicate petals of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of ethereal beauty. The base notes, including Guaiacwood, Ambroxan, and Musks, form a tapestry of lasting impressions. It lingers on the skin, leaving an undeniable presence that is both subtle and captivating. A fragrance that becomes a part of you.’ – Clive Christian
I sprayed on E Cashmere Musk, without paying attention to the notes. Given the name, I was expecting a (not all that exciting) suede, sweet, woody type of fragrances. I was very wrong. And pleasantly surprised, as I like this very much, although I can also see this completely missing the mark for traditional Clive Christian enthusiasts.
The opening is very citrussy. A sort of grating (in a good way) mix of sweet and acidic with a nice kick to it. Peppers, ginger, blood orange and bergamot are listed; I thought I smelled lime personally. The combination of sweet citrus and the woody backdrop reminded me of Guerlain Homme EDP a bit, despite not being minty or boozy, or maybe Olfactive Studio Still Life In Rio is a better reference.
The freshness does fade quickly. While there is absolutely citrus left, it becomes overtaken by sweetness and the same goes for the ensuing florals. Beautiful floral facets here and they smell like the most natural part of the composition, were it not that they are hanging in a sweetened lemonade or cocktail.
What persists the most from those opening and heart notes is the blood orange/ginger mix. This facet makes for a welcome uplifting tinge throughout the first hours. There may even be a tiny hint of Baccarat Rouge to be found in here, but luckily that only popped up in my mind for a moment. Upon reflection, they are completely different.
Almost tropical, but a bit too sweet to be refreshing. This does not remotely feel like any of the Clive Christian’s that I’ve smelled before. When they citrus completely fades in the drydown, it loses its interest for me. A not-unpleasant sweet, woody and musky mix that seems to last very well, but it’s a bit of a pet peeve from me to question the usefulness of those drydown hours after applying a citrussy, fruity fragrance. In most scenarios, when I would reach for a fragrance like E Cashmere Musk, this drydown is not what I’m looking for and I’d rather reapply sooner to bring back the brightness. A thumbs up overall though.