MALBRUM
PSYCHOTROPE

2015

PERFUMER
Delphine Thierry

cashmeran
ambrinol
sandalmysore
timbersilk

Cypress
Pimento
Elemi

Incense
Gurjum Balsam
Saffron

Styrax
Sandalwood
Ambergris
Cedarwood

Malbrum is a not-often-discussed brand (a Norwegian brand, that somehow falls under the Artistic Fragrances umbrella from Masque Milano). The only release of theirs that I’m familiar with yet is this Psychotrope.

And an interesting fragrance it is. Looking at the notes, you could be misguided here. Psychotrope is above anything, a very sweet fragrance. Gourmand, but burnt.

It has a clear vanilla, caramel-ish sweetness, but it’s overpowered by a charred sensation, At times reminding me of burnt rice (cookies) as well, at times even a hint of gasoline comes through to my nose. Safe to say, not a safe fragrance for everyone.

In the back is a brighter, forest-scenery with the cypress, but overall it’s on the heavier and darker side, with a strong presence of smoke.

As it develops, I get less and less gourmand and more and more smoky, burning woodiness. Throughout there’s a tiny hint of fruitiness as well; some reviewer mentioned plum, and there is definitely a hint of something in that direction to my nose. Not for the faint of heart, but (therefore) intriguing.