SARAH BAKER
Leopard

2016

PERFUMER
Ashley Eden Kessler

frankincense
black pepper
cardamom
galbanum
blackcurrant
rose
violet
sandalwood
patchouli
vetiver
labdanum
castoreum
beeswax
musk

‘There’s no point lying about it: the premonition of an epic night on the tiles is inescapable. Heady excess and high drama in every note, this is the promise of scandal and privilege in every drop. Classic and classical, a noble beast signifying power and the right to luxury and hedonism. The only choice when good behaviour is not an option.’ – Sarah Baker

I would describe Leopard as a green amber. The opening has an interesting mix of warm, slightly animalic undertones, mixed with dewy green florals and cardamom.

Not instantly likeable to my nose, but very intriguing nonetheless. After a couple of minutes, it becomes less chaotic and quite beautiful. This is one that I’d have to come back to in another try, to see how I really feel about it, but I ended up liking it more and more during my first time wearing.

The rose is quite prominent, but in a spicy, aromatic, yet quite heavy and dirty way. At the same time, there’s a sweetness that seems to clash a bit with the aromatic tones, like a sweet cough syrup.

I don’t really think it’s overly animalic, nor that it smells like sweat, as I’ve seen in other reviews. It has a lingering, carnal essence for sure though, but for me, definitely not overbearing. I mostly get a green rose and blackcurrant fruitiness. The cardamom sticks around for a while, which is my least favorite element here, but otherwise a unique and nice release.