Onda Voile d'Extrait
Vero Profumo (2013)

Smoldering, deep dark top notes. Nearly earthy - no, it is rather earthy, with citruses that seem as thought they were steeped, rinds and all, in some sort of dark, brewing liquid. The ginger, coriander, and basil are thrown in for good measure. They add a mulled spice accord and slight herbal taste, as well.

Honeyed flowers move in, after about ten or so minutes. Iris is present but, vague for me at times. Ylang ylang is much stronger in presence.

The base is a fine blend. All earthy, slightly smoky with its sandalwood and patchouli. Musk isn't too obvious at first. Vetiver bourbon holds its own - it might be the biggest player, in the base.

Honestly, this fragrance tends to sit closer to my skin. Not a lot of air-time. Every layer is beautifully done. It is definitely worth a try.. Develops into a straight-up amber bomb later on, with more animal muskiness escalating, creating a sensual experience.

3 and a half stars.

I am deeply in love with the vintage version of Onda extrait, but this concentration comes in a very close second. Here, the darkest and most "odd" seeming aspects of Vero Kern's magnum opus are brightened slightly and given lift, thanks to the ginger, coriander, and basil at the top. The composition, as a whole, still smells distinctly like Onda should, i.e., a deep, leathery, vetiver-laden swamp, but it is made somewhat more diffuse and bitterly airy by these new note additions (or emphasis). There is simply no other fragrance I've found that smells remotely like this. Unfortunately.