GOLDFIELD & BANKS
Ingenious Ginger
2023
PERFUMER
Hamid Merati-Kashani
amber
ginger flower
bergamot
cashmeran
magnolia
jasmine
lemon
mandarin
musk
patchouli
rose
sandalwood
vanilla
I was looking forward to wearing Ingenious Ginger. I tend to enjoy Goldfield & Banks fragrances, although I never found ‘the one’ and the same thing goes for ginger fragrances. Ingenious Ginger has potential to nail both of those goals.
I love the way the ginger is portrayed here. It’s quite unlike most ginger fragrances that I’ve tried. I’d argue this smells more like a ginger and orange hard candy. Maybe it’s because I saw amber in the notes, but when I close my eyes, all I picture is a orange or yellow colored hard candy that looks like a fossilized amber.
It’s quite sweet, but it does retain some of the bitterness from ginger. It’s however, not spicy ginger in the opening, not dry or reminiscent of what I would use in a kitchen. Nor is it overly citrussy and bright. Yet it’s just bright enough to be considered for Summer. In the drydown however, more of the drier spiciness comes through, making for a still somewhat fresh, but also harsher and long-lasting tail end.
The sweetness gives it that candy (or maybe a lemonade) vibe to me. I definitely get a hint of vanilla, but also the fruity sweetness of orange (more so than the listed lemon and mandarin).
It’s just the ginger twist that makes this interesting and quite unique to my nose. I don’t think it comes across as a juvenile fragrance at all, which is another plus.
I don’t have great references in mind for this one. For the opening, perhaps think of a tropical take on the sweet citrus from Gallivant Brooklyn. It’s more playful than Masque Milano Luci ed Ombre, which is one of my favorite ginger fragrances at the moment (maybe if you combine Luci Ed Ombre with Ray-Flection you are getting more in this direction). The later drydown is a bit harsher and spicier, more akin to something along the lines of Frederic Malle Uncut Gem (but nicer).
Definitely want to wear this again soon and I could see myself wanting to add this to my collection at some point.
