BYREDO
ROSE OF NO MAN’S LAND ABSOLU

2025

saffron
Blackcurrant
pink pepper

Black raspberry
peony
rose

black amber
papyrus
patchouli

‘Rose of No Man’s Land Absolu reimagines the iconic scent with a more opulent, smoky intensity, paying tribute to the rose that flourishes where others fear to venture. At the heart of the composition beats a trilogy of exquisite roses, seamlessly weaving themselves through the top and base notes to add an elegant depth. Top notes of saffron and blackcurrant introduce a fruity touch with a punch of pink pepper, with black raspberry and peony intertwining themselves with the roses. A base of papyrus, dark patchouli and warm amber allows the fragrance to linger with smoky intensity.’ – Byredo

This is a really nice fragrance; one of the better constructed fragrances in the whole Byredo range, or at least, that’s how it comes across on my skin. It’s also quite generic and if you’ve been around and have smelled many darker rose scents, you will find mostly familiarity here. This was also the case with the original Rose Of No Man’s Land EDP, which I’ve smelled, but for that reason, never paid much attention to.

The Absolu is deep, vibrant, dark red and pink hues permiate throughout from start to finish, with a rather sweet woodiness. It’s reminiscent of all the sweet faux-oud roses that have been popular.

There’s a fruity touch, but quite subtle. Instead, I find the saffron dominant. This goes in a Matiere Premiere Radical Rose-like direction, but I think the Byredo feels more sophisticated, perhaps a tad more traditionally feminine leaning.

It wears on the linear side and personally, I’ve grown to prefer these types of rose scents with more acidity in the opening, like a Jazeel Ghala or even a Xerjoff More Than Words. However, that’s a different style. For a lush, luxurious smelling deep rose, Rose Of No Man’s Land Absolu is definitely a contender you could consider.