An opulent, spicy eau de parfum that captures the freshness of incense before it is burned. The gates of a temple open. Enchanting wisps of ancient Japanese incense fill the air. With all its richness, it captivates everyone, transporting the mind to higher realms while still grounding it. This is the effect of Encens Japonais.
The first impression is a bit like looking through a keyhole: you think you know what you see, but only after closer inspection does the whole scene reveal itself. First, a lively spice unfolds, a subtle hint of invigorating pink and black pepper with a touch of orange oil. But almost immediately afterwards, other ingredients come to the fore: Japanese incense, surrounded by a soft leather note. These are joined by iris and rose with their balancing properties. Sensual musk, the honey-sweet bitterness of immortelle and the lush sweetness of precious woods draw you into the interior of the imaginary temple.
Although incense is immediately associated with depth and smoke, Encens Japonais interprets a rarely perceived aspect that incense exudes before being lit. When you open a newly opened box of incense sticks – something you can often experience at Aedes Perfumery – a fresh, peppery scent rises, but disappears when you light the sticks. The very best quality incense sticks come from Japan. Robert Gerstner, co-founder of Aedes de Venustas, associates incense with a childhood memory. When he was 12 years old, he was allowed to hold the incense sticks in a Catholic church in Bavaria before they were lit.
Gerstner and his partner Karl Bradl asked master perfumer and incense specialist Bertrand Duchaufour to translate this memory and the association with the temple into an eau de parfum. The result shows that communication works perfectly over short distances. The two of them and their perfumer friends speak the same language. ‘We flew Bertrand in, he took notes and said, ‘Thank you both, I know exactly what you want and what I have to do,’’ says Gerstner. ’We talk to each other, and the conversation becomes a complete perfume. That's the heart of our work.’
Encens Japonais expands and centres the senses.
