FRAGRANCE DU BOIS
NEW YORK INTENSE
2020
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
‘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.
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 and sweeter. 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 Amouage releases. New York Intense can fill that spot, which is the biggest praise and simultaneous the biggest ‘critique’ that I can give it.
