ROJA DOVE HAUTE PARFUMERIE
PIERRE DE VELAY No. 11

2009

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

citrus notes
Lemon

Rose de Mai
Violet
Jasmine

Patchouli
Cedar
Woody Notes
orris
Oakmoss
Vetiver
Rhubarb
Spicy Notes
Musk
Celery Seeds
Pepper
Vanilla

‘No.11, is not a shrinking violet. It is assured, confident, and so utterly contemporary that it cannot help but to turns heads. It is one thing, and yet it is another. But what it certainly isn’t, it is not shy.’ – Roja Parfums

No. 11 was the first one of the Pierre Velay discovery set that I gave a try and I was rather impressed. It’s described as an ‘off-kilter chypre’.
It has a strong citrus opening. A lot of pink pepper, followed by rose and a woodiness. The opening is really interesting; I get the ‘cola’ spices that are quite common (especially for Roja), but also a hint of a green pepper or paprika.

The rose that starts to overtake is a soapy, traditionally feminine leaning one, but there’s a nice woody base to it (it’s overall a very unisex scent). It’s one of the few times that I don’t mind the rhubarb note. It’s ozonic in texture, bright and perfectly suitable for Spring. It does become sugary on me in the drydown, almost going into that airy sweet vibe from Amouage Boundless.