SARAH BAKER
GOLD SPOT
2022
PERFUMER
Chris Maurice
Butterscotch
Dark Chocolate
Bergamot
Cypriol
Orange Blossom
Oud
Myrrh
Petitgrain
Laotian Oud
Amber
Vanilla
Musk
This is part of the Oud Trilogy by Chris Maurice for Sarah Baker (Symmetry, Loudo and Gold Spot). Chris Maurice has worked with the house to create a trilogy of three fragrances using a composition of orange blossom, cypriol, and 100% natural Laotian oud and Suyufi agarwood tinctured by the perfumer.
‘Why be a star when you can be a legend? The spotlight imbues you with a 24 Karat glow when you’re on set. There’s nothing more delicious than the smell of success. Gold Spot is always ready for its close-up. Gold Spot looks to the gilded heyday of Hollywood as its primary inspiration. The gold spot is what technicians of cinematic lighting call that perfect spotlight that makes every Hollywood star literally glow. True stars flourished in its liquid sensuality.’ – Sarah Baker
After trying Symmetry and Loudo, which I both really enjoy, it’s time to finish my exploration of the Chris Maurice Oud Trilogy with the latest of the three; Gold Spot.
To my nose, Symmetry and Loudo share a similar style, slightly barnyardy oud, but go in completely different directions (Symmetry a fresher citrussy cologne and Loudo a gourmand). I was expecting Gold Spot to follow a similar path.
Instead, I find a slightly different type of oud scent to my nose here (however, my assumption is that the same oud was used in all three). Gold Spot has a subtler, but at the same time deeper, darker oud and darker chocolate scent. It’s close to the gourmand Loudo, but it’s not as vibrant, more contemplative.
This is ‘less oudy’, less animalic or barnyardy and more focused on a rich dark chocolate. However, you can definitely picture a fecal hint in that, but it’s less on the surface than in Loudo. Perhaps there’s less of a quantity of the same oud here, with more cypriol for sure to make for a darker, woodier scent profile overall.
There’s a syrupy, boozy tinge to my nose, but also a welcome citryssy one. This fragrance has been (rightfully) compared to Xerjoff Symphonium (same perfumer), but from my memory, the orange adds a stronger, lighter citrussy vibe in the Xerjoff. Gold Spot has more of a tart citrus tinge, but is very focused on chocolate on my skin.
Despite noting that I found the oud more present in Loudo, I’m not saying that Gold Spot is an easier wear. While less in your face, it leaves a constant reminder of its oudy nature, when you zoom in on it’s rich dark core.