SCENTS OF WOOD
PLUM IN COGNAC / PRUNIER EN COGNAC
2020
PERFUMER
Pascal Gaurin
Rum
Plum
Peru Balsam
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Labdanum
Immortelle
Osmanthus
Vetiver
‘Torn between sweet and spicy, mellow and wild, dark and light? Allow our Plum in Cognac fragrance to tease you endlessly with a blend that is at once sensual, nourishing, and provocative. – Scents Of Wood
I’d been waiting patiently to try Scents of Wood ever since their US launch and now they’ve launched in Europe (sometimes under the name Parfums L’Ame du Bois), it was finally time. And what better way to start than with absolute fan-favorite Plum In Cognac (or Prunier En Cognac in French). Is it worth the hype?
Well… yes. Straight away this is one of my favorite fragrances, albeit it one that isn’t reinventing the wheel. From the initial spray the first thought that comes to mind was definitely Parfums de Marly Herod. However, Plum In Cognac is creamier and more intoxicating. It has an almost lactonic and slightly more woody/nutty quality to it, that makes for a super smooth wear.
As far as the namesake plum; I definitely get that impression, but not as a fruity plum. Instead I get an oily, fig-like texture throughout.
The cognac, while present, is not that strong in the opening hour to my nose and I definitely get more of a ‘wooden barrel that contained the liquid’ impression. What didn’t strike me, until a friend mentioned it, is how the booziness turns the drydown more towards Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille.
So when it comes down to it, Plum In Cognac reminds me a bit more than expected of a few popular fragrances; ones that I hold in high regard. That can be read as a criticism, but the truth is that Plum In Cognac might reign supreme. I personally prefer Herod slightly, but that comes with some nostalgia; technically, Plum In Cognac may be the superior fragrance.
It has cues from already great fragrances, compiled into one smooth concoction, wrapped in an awesome presentation. If you love any of the fragrances mentioned above, Plum In Cognac should be on your to-try list without a doubt and I think if you own those already, it could still be a fragrance worth adding to the collection.
