ROJA DOVE HAUTE PARFUMERIE
PIERRE DE VELAY No. 47

2017

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

Lemon
Clary Sage
Bergamot

Ylang-Ylang
Jasmine
Violet
Mayflower

Birch
Violet
Castoreum
Civet
Tolu Balsam
Musk
Saffron
Guaiac Wood
Orris
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Labdanum
Clove
Oakmoss
Tonka Bean
Patchouli
Cedarwood
Ambrarome

‘With Amber at its’ heart, this is a fragrance that is untamed and powerful, as the amber wraps around notes of leather, delivering a universal message of strength and confidence. – Roja Dove

Whereas No. 1, which I wore on the same day, felt like it belongs as one of the safest in the Roja Parfums ‘Aoud’ line, No. 47 feels like one of the more Middle Eastern inspired and skankier ones. To some extent; I don’t want to overstate how daring it is, because I don’t feel like that’s the case either. But in comparison to No. 1 or something like Enigma Aoud or even Taif Aoud, there is a skankier, more animalic and almost acrid tinge to No. 47.

This seems to get compared to Musk Aoud quite a bit, but from my memory, I’d say the Pierre de Velay is more floral. A wide ranging bouquet; not ultimately rose-oud as No. 1, but more so a bit of everything, with violet arguably playing the biggest role. The texture is powdery and chalky, or even pasty at times. The textures, violet and white florals make for a more retro French perfumery vibe in the opening, mixed with the traditionally more Eastern animalics.

Yet it doesn’t go in a more flowery, vintage direction as I was expecting after the opening. I find it to grow quite spicy and almost nutty. Ambrette comes to mind and vegetal or rooty leathery tinges push through strongly. It’s not a Roja for the faint of heart and it definitely lingers on in that more Eastern styling; it would fit in with the ‘cities’ part of the Roja Parfums Aoud collection (Oman, Qatar, UAE).

No. 47 is something that I could see myself wearing, although it would be on the lower end of my favorites.