The inspiration
Of all materials, incense is undoubtedly the one that most fascinates perfumers, thanks to its history and the religious symbols associated with it. Its woody, mineral and slightly spicy scent gives every composition a mystical dimension, a sacred aspect. In ancient times, it was more valuable than gold, and the incense routes from the Arab kingdoms to the gates of Indonesia contributed to the prosperity of entire cultures.
"In 2009, I composed a fresh, herbal incense in which the liveliness of aloe wood corresponded with the bitterness of cinchona bark. I called it ‘L'Eau Guerrière’ (Warrior Water), a reminder that ancient divination ceremonies based on incense were often used to predict the outcome of military manoeuvres... Ten years later, I am back on the incense trail, with an extraordinary material as my starting point, inspired by the aromas released when burning oud chips from Indonesia: kyara wood." Pierre Gauillaume
The perfume
The mineral and fiery fragrance is also animalistic and smoky. Combining it with incense resin seemed obvious. Benzoin resin, cistus, elemi, fenugreek, cypress, guaiac wood, iris, labdanum, patchouli, tonka bean, ginger and nagarmotha: 12 natural raw materials were the tools used to create this blend.
To set the resulting woody, amber and spicy ‘cocoon’ in motion and give it an olfactory trail, the power of a fuel made from citrus fruits, saffron and blackcurrant was needed. The mystical and almost magical nature of one responds to the technological nature of the other. Sorong is both lively and monolithic. Even though it seems to possess the power and brilliance of a laser, it paradoxically gives the wearer the feeling of being protected by an aura, an invisible force. Sorong is a talisman, its sillage an olfactory armour.
The name
The city of Sorong is a port city in Indonesia that was involved in the incense trade with Oman.
