WHAT I SMELL:  Neroli Nasimba opens with a warmed cardamom and petitgrain that feels as if it was dried in the grassland sun.  In short time, a light sweetened neroli begins to make itself known.  It’s very subtle as if it was brushed on top of the dried grass.  The perfume buzzes with a light vibration of sun and wood.  And after a bit, a light puttied labdanum and vetiver help to create a semi-soured covering over the wood.  Very slowly, a sweetened note of orange blossom returns to lighten the perfume.  It sits radiantly above the woody base although it remains somewhat elusive.  And just when you think the perfume’s development has ended, the orange blossom blooms above a light leathered wood.  Here the perfume remains with an ethereal mix of sun and earth.  Neroli Nasimba is really lovely.

From the Maison Crivelli website:

4:30 am: tangerine awakening, orange savannah. Step by step: pink dust, acacia shadow, tawny wood. A distant roar. Slender stripes, spotted leather. Feline neroli.

The experience: a discovery of orange blossom during a walking safari

The surprising contrast: orange blossom essential oil (neroli) and a leather accord

Top notes are Pink Pepper, Cardamom and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Neroli, Orange Blossom and Petitgrain; base notes are Saffiano Leather, Labdanum and Vetiver.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  African straw mask.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE NEROLI NASIMBA:  calming, natural, semi-arid

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NEROLI NASIMBA: CaFleureBon

BOTTOM LINE:  Maison Crivelli has captured the essence of the savannah.  It’s a peaceful perfume that feels modern, yet at the same time feels like it was created at of the vast edges of the earth where time stands still.  Neroli Nasimba is a perfume that will create a sense of calm whenever you wear it which is perfect for slowing down our complicated lives.

• Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent:  Floral Leather
• Nose:  Paul Guerlain
• Classification:  Unisex
• Expense:  Starting at $120 for 30 ml eau de parfum

Sample courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.