FRAGRANCE DU BOIS
NEW YORK INTENSE (FLAG EDITION) 

2022

PERFUMER
Pierre-Constantin Gueros

Blackberry
Cinnamon
Orange
Bay Leaf
Rose
Coriander

Clove
Guaiac Wood
frankincense
Immortelle
Honey
Vanilla Orchid

Myrrh
Oud
Patchouli
Musk
Vetiver
Cedarwood

This is a special edition bottle containing NEW YORK INTENSE.

‘The top note is a spicy citrus one with a hint of floral accords composed of cinnamon, coriander, orange, blackberry, bay leaf and rose, then comes a balsamic woody and floral heart note with frankincense, guaiac wood, clove, vanilla, honey, immortelle and orchid. These complex accords require a very strong base note to enhance them, so the famous French master perfumer Pierre Gueros delivers this amazing result, using vetiver, cedar-wood, Oud Oil, myrrh, patchouli, musk, labdanum and oakmoss. These accords culminate in a beautiful luxurious spicy citrus perfume with an unquestionable longevity.’ – Fragrance Du Bois

New York Intense is a rather dark scent, but it’s at the same time uplifting. I’d describe this as a melancholic fragrance, mature, elegant, beautiful.

If I had to give an overarching description of the scent, I’d start with a dark, opaque blackberry tea. In the opening there’s a citrus tinge and a spicy kick of coriander and cinnamon. The base is heavy, resinous and woody, which you do feel pushing through straight from the opening. It’s also sweet; to be honest it’s a lot. New York Intense is a complex interplay between fruity, sweet, woody (& oudy), spicy, a slight hint of rose, a hint of citrus, a hint of green. One can only appreciate how well all the different elements come together.

Sidenote: New York Intense is often compared to Amouage Jubilation XXV, and it’s not hard to see why. I’ve worn them side by side multiple times and notice small differences. Jubilation feels more dense, sweeter and I seem to get a hint of the salty ambergris. New York Intense has more openness and levity; making it more versatile. I get a hint of ‘masculine
shampoo/soap’ in the Fragrance Du Bois as well; it feels cleaner and more wood-centric. I’ve always said Jubilation is one of my favorite Amouages and it could be in my top fragrances if I owned it. New York Intense does fill that spot, which is the biggest praise and simultaneous the only ‘critique’ I can give it.