Shantung
Etro (2016)

The opening pairs the fruity - blackcurrant, mandarin, lychee and touches of tangelo - with the floral, as very soon a peony with touches of muguet is added in. A fairly bright and pleasant opening that is soft and agreeable.

The drydown adds a frankincense that is very smooth and gentle. It lacks any ceremonial side, which is a hallmark of Messe de Minuit of the same House. A touch of rose is there, which is, frank(incense)ly speaking, so perfunctory that it is practically subsumed in the incense.

The base is based on cashmere wood, with touches of cedar evident here and there. The rest is a rather bland set of white musks.

I get moderate sillage, good projection and eight hours of longevity on my skin.

An inoffensive smooth incense creation for autumn, which is quite nicely done and good for the office, but most notes are a bit generic too. 2.75/5.

A juicy start with orange, cassis, and litchi. Fruity but not overbearing. Peony dominates in the middle. Has a dainty rose. Ordinary cedar, cashmere wood, and musk base. Just nice. Nothing rapturous here.