STORA SKUGGAN
HEXENSALBE

2023

PERFUMER
Anna Barkne

artemisia
salty liquorice
tuberose
rosemary
angelica
belladonna
black hemlock
lichen
patchouli

‘Also known as witches’ flying ointment, Hexensalbe was a hallucinogenic salve used in witchcraft in the middle ages. It was a mixture of extremely poisonous ingredients but the exact formula is not known, and several occultist scholars have died trying to recreate it. According to legend, it produced an ecstatic trance complete with powerful illusions and the sensation of flight- erotic, delirious, and, in the eyes of puritanical society, dangerous. Hexensalbe is a recreation of this potent elixir in olfactory form, a spooky and sensual exploration of nature and femininity. Dark, atmospheric herbs and aromatics combine with deeply carnal florals and dank, earthy basenotes to create a uniquely sinister aphrodisiac, a bewitching concoction with the power to take over body and soul. Do you dare to take the ride?’ – Stora Skuggan

Now here is a fragrance that I absolutely didn’t expect to like, although I really like the concept and bottle. The notes and description could have gone in a direction that I wouldn’t appreciate easily, but I must say, Hexensalbe is pretty interesting.

It has a strong earthiness, but it’s not as dank or sinister as the brand’s description led me to expect. I find a lot of sweetness and a very smooth, balmy texture that makes for a surprisingly easy going wear.

Aromatic tinges mix with the sweetness of liquorice and the texture of tuberose, more so than the scent. Liquorice-esque scents are not the most accessible in the world, but they always intrigue me and this is up there with the ones that I would consider wearing regularly.

It does get pretty dark as the aromatics fade, but I think it’s just too smooth to be sinister. Also, the fresh edge lasts an impressive while, even though it gets spicier. A cool release.