109 PARFUMS
IRIS SOFARANA

2018

PERFUMER
Patrick David

iris sofarana

neroli
iris

rose water

‘Iris sofarana, or mourning iris, is an iris flower that is native to Lebanon. Also native to Lebanon is Patrick David, head perfumer of 109 Parfums, who in this scent tries to capture the essence of the flower through synthetic ways (considering the survival of the flower is seriously threatened by excessive picking).’ – Borzoi (Fragrantica)

109 Parfums is a (a no longer existing?) Swedish brand that I know little about. I was sent a sample of Iris Sofarana by a friend and I have to say, it’s a shame this is discontinued.

It’s an easy going iris that balances the more traditionally feminine leaning floral side and the carrot side of iris well. Not much by way of a rooty, spicy or woody facet here. Instead, there’s a lot of sweetness.

To me, the sweetness in this is fruity at first; raspberry-like, maybe even a hint of cherry. In the way the juicy core of some fruit candy’s or popsicles are; perhaps a lemonade. Even a hint of bubblegum as found in Teo Cabanel Deja Vu, which is probably the closest alternative in my collection.

Yet, it’s not overly sweet and the overall composition is quite fresh and minimal. I don’t know what the pricing on this was when it was available, but the scent is lovely.