ROJA DOVE HAUTE PARFUMERIE
PIERRE DE VELAY No. 6
2009
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
Bay Leaf
Lemon
Clary Sage
Bergamot
Davana
Rose de Mai
Jasmine
Ylang-Ylang
Labdanum
Juniper
Cardamom
orris
Benzoin
elemi
Clove
Cedarwood
Tonka Bean
frankincense
Styrax
Castoreum
Musk
Nutmeg
Vetiver
Leather
‘A fragrance that does not follow any rules. Free-spirited, and non-conformist, it knows no boundaries, and much like the heart – loves to lead you astray.’ – Roja Dove
Now this is what I’m looking for at a Pierre de Velay price point. Pierre de Velay no. 6 has become one of my favorites from the brand among those that I’ve smelled so far, actually, my very favorite.
What I get here straight from the opening is a daring, but luxurious vibe and seemingly high grade ingredients, in a way we don’t get often anno 2024. At least, not in the average niche; Pierre De Velay No. 6 reminds me more of artisinals like an Areej Le Dore, Ensar Oud or in particular, some of the Strangers /Prin / Prissana.
It’s mature, dense, ambery and woody with some spices. I’d say that the animalic sweetness and amber resins stand out most for me. Of course, aided by brighter notes of citrus and beautiful florals in the heart. It’s not quite the distinct cola spices that I get in Enigma Pour Homme, but instead it grows a bit greener, more floral. That masculine greener edge, with even some leather hints, pulls it more towards Diaghilev, Reckless or even Danger in the mid of the wear, but this only lasts for a bit.
It ends up sweeter and warmer again, with vintage smelling rose and jasmine, perhaps closer to the best of the Roja Aouds or more closely resembling Parfums de la Nuit 1. From other brands in my collection, the drydown reminds me most of my favorite purchase of 2024: Prissana Mandarava. This is true for many hours of the wear and it’s my favorite part.
It feels like there’s a good dose of real castoreum in here or it’s mimicked really well and it elevates the composition. It adds a ‘yesteryears’ quality to the composition that brings on nostalgia and it exudes a kind of royalty. No.6 is up there with the best that Roja Dove has brought to the table in my opinion.
