OHTOP
I Hate Rose

2023

PERFUMER
Amelie Bourgeois

bergamot
red mandarin
bell pepper
pink pepper

blackcurrant
raspberry
rhubarb
rose
rose oxide
geranium

ambroxan
cashmeran
karmawood
white musk

I Hate Rose was my favorite from OHTOP upon first impression in store. It’s the only one I’ve properly worn at the time of writing and I do indeed enjoy it a lot.

This is a very tart, rather fresh and fruity rose. Coincidentally, I wore it the day after reviewing Commodity Juice, which felt quite similar. The OHTOP however, is less ‘friendly’ and even more mature perhaps, more on the green side, and with a less pronounced juicy core. At times it reminded me a little bit of the style found in a Frederic Malle Une Rose/Rose Tonnerre as well, but again, less pronounced on the floral side as well.

That being said, I find the concept a bit of a stretch and I Hate Rose wants to be different and quirky, without daring to lean into it. ‘Romeo doesn’t like the natural scent of roses, so he wanted to find a way to turn it into a perfume he adores.’ and the name I Hate Rose would suggest that this fragrance goes completely out of the way of common rose fragrances. It doesn’t. It’s not that strange or far removed a rose fragrance at all; it’s more fruity and tart than some, but if anything, that’s been a trend in the years surrounding this release.

I can’t see why people who aren’t into rose scents, would magically love this one. As a rose lover however, I Hate Rose is really nice.