WHAT I SMELL:  Chypre Chrysantheme opens with a citrus blend that ebbs and tides off of the skin with the lemon verbena becoming more prominent as the florals dance in the background.  The soft and lively florals are indistinguishable at this point as they continue to whirl over a lightly powdered oakmoss.  However, it’s not too long before a rose begins to bloom.  It’s slightly metallic and it demands attention.  What’s really interesting is that at this point the various components in the perfume bounce in a kinetic energy as if the fragrance had been bottled before it had a chance to settle.  And that just makes the perfume that more interesting and exciting as you just don’t know what to expect next.  As the perfume continues to develop, a base layer that is thickened with beeswax appears and it seems to be infused with just the slightest of of smoke and honey.  Here the perfume begins to settle and the kinetic energy makes way for a smooth wave of florals.  And when I say wave, it does feel as if they glide in over the beeswax in waves.  The chrysanthemum absolute at this point is front and center and it’s beyond gorgeous.  But in all, the florals are warm and thickened with just the right amount of muted sweetness.  After quite some time, the sweetness begins to settle into a deepened state and a spiced note attaches itself to the florals making the perfume a bit more mysterious.  And it’s here where the perfume rests; soft, but not quiet with just the right amount of mystery for the perfect state of grace.

I should note that every time I wear Chypre Chrysantheme it projects differently each time and new facets seem to come forward depending on the temperature, humidity and possibly even my mood.  And that makes the perfume even that more interesting and special.

Notes from the Sultan Pasha website:

Top:  Lime, Lemon, bergamot, Lemon Verbena, Rosa Alba Otto, jasmine Absolute,

Middle:  Chrysanthemum Absolute, hyacinth accord, Damascena Rose Absolute, Centifollia Rose Absolute, lily of the valley accord, Coffee absolute, Clary sage, honey absolute. 

Base:  Oakmoss, tonka absolute, Civet, white ambergris, beeswax, aged patchouli, musk, labdanum, Madagascan vanilla, Siamese benzoin, Seaweed Absolute, styrax, castoreum, olibanum, Sandalwood Mysore, bourbon Vetiver and much, much more 

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  The mystery of the chrysanthemum.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE CHYPRE CHRYSANTHEME: energizing, inviting, divine

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CHYPRE CHRYSANTHEME:  CaFleureBon

BOTTOM LINE:  Sultan Pasha has a gift from the gods.  The beauty that emanates from his perfumes is pure grace.  I’ve never really thought about chrysanthemum as a perfume note, but here it is and it’s beyond sublime.  Yes, I know I’m gushing, but I can’t help but not.

• Bone Rating:  5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Oriental
• Nose: Sultan Pasha
• Classification: Unisex
• Expense: Starting at approximately $65 for 1 ml perfume oil via the Sultan Pasha website.