MAISON CRIVELLI
HIBISCUS MAHAJAD

2021

PERFUMER
Quentin Bisch

Hibiscus
Damask Rose
Vanilla
Cassis
Leather
Spicy Mint
Ambrette
Cinnamon

Hibiscus Mahajad is surprisingly fruity and sweet, but at the same time a beautiful, natural smelling floral. I picture a bright red rose, surrounded by a lot of green, but also a overly rich fruit juice. The green tinge seems to come from the spearmint, giving a refreshing kick, but it’s mostly on the warmer side beneath that layer. As it dries the vanilla becomes more prominent. The more I’ve smelled this, the sweeter I perceived it (and ultimately I found it too sweet for my liking).

I’d say this has a nod to mature, traditional women’s releases. This floral blooms in a grandiose way that feels different from most modern releases, which in a paradoxal way feels refreshing. It’s not really powdery though; the rose almost feels drenched to me, especially in the first hour.

Quentin Bisch used a lot of Givaudan’s natural ORPUR ingredients for this release, and I have to say the quality seems outstanding to me. The damascus rose especially smells beautiful and uplifts the entire composition.

For something with a lot of green, it’s surprising how much I enjoy this. And while I abolutely do enjoy it and would wear it, Hibiscus Mahajad is one of the few in my collection that I could also see my (usually Chanel No. 5-wearing) grandmother wear, so it covers a broad spectrum. I’m curious to hear what other people think of this one.