Black Dog

OLFACTIVE NOTES: 

TOP: Durian Tincture, Black Licorice, Vietnamese Spices

HEART: Tuberose Absolute, Galangal, Ebanol

BASE:  Labdanum, Vietnamese Oud, Civet
 

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? 

BLACK DOG is a scent I created to represent the experiences of being "stigmatized" and I selected the challenging and polarizing materials to showcase this metaphor.

The scent journey begins with Durian, known as the king of fruits. It's divisive, with some people loving it and others despising it. I chose to make it the heart of my fragrance. Crafting a tincture of durian yielded a unique aroma, reminiscent of bready, vegetal fruits with hints of gasoline and sulfuric undertones, akin to garlic or onions. To balance its pungency and enhance its sweetness, I incorporated Galangal, a spice similar to ginger, often used in Southeast Asian cuisine to harmonize flavors and removing the "meat" stench in proteins. I added a spice blend inspired by my family's bo kho recipe to further complements the Galangal.

The marriage of durian and spices inspired the use of Vietnamese Tuberose. This floral note, characterized by its indolic and musky scent with sweet, tar-like complexity, is both loved and reviled. Personally, it evokes memories of old Vietnamese aunties, though some liken its aroma to mothballs. I aimed to create a "durian blossom," drawing from indolic white florals but replacing the usual indole with durian's unique essence, resulting in a beautifully balanced fragrance. This really brings out the creamy sweet aspects I experience when eating durian.

I wanted to reinforce the "Black Dog" theme with the inclusion of Black Licorice, Ebanol (black sandalwood), Dark Labdanum, Vietnamese Oud, and Civet. These elements, while polarizing, contribute to the depth and complexity of the scent, encapsulating my interpretation of the phrase "I have a black dog"

Concentration: 43% Perfume + 10% Tinctures

Naturals: Durian, Vietnamese Oud, Galangal, Labdanum, Tuberose, Civet Tincture, Saigon Cinnamon, Clove, Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Green Tea Leaves, Oakmoss, Pine, Mangosteen, Rice, Lemongrass, Cedarwood Virginia, Pemouwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Anise, Star Anise, Cypriol