Folkwinds by Jono Bornstein

[Folkwinds]

Merry Christmas everyone!

I am going to announce the larger details tomorrow, but any order placed between now and New Years is going to be entered into a huge raffle.

One of the prizes will be a sneak peek 10ml of Smugglers notch.

A big game of chance!

Ho ho ho!

 

[Folkwinds]

Hey Folks,
I’m happy to announce a boxing day special like none other. Firstly, after much anticipation, SMUGGLER’S NOTCH will be available for pre-order today at 6PM EST on Folkwinds.com

Price is $435/50ml.

25 bottles are available, and will ship by the end of February.

Second, ’tis the season of gift giving, so It’s time to play a game of CHANCE.

Any order placed between today and New Years Eve will be entered into a live raffle on New Years Day. I have 7 Prizes to give away, with one Grand Prize. Each order I ship out this week will be given a CHANCE card from the game of monopoly, and at the end of the week, I’ll assign prizes for 10 of the cards. Without further ado, here are the prizes:

—One 10ml travel spray of Blueberry Colt (an EdP imagination of Cloud Illusions on top of American Pharaoh)
—One 50ml Bottle of Blueberry Colt (an EdP imagination of Cloud Illusions on top of American Pharaoh)
—One 10ml travel spray of Red Orchards (an EdP imagination of American Pharaoh on top of Santi Ana)
—One 50ml Bottle of Red Orchards (an EdP imagination of American Pharaoh on top of Santi Ana)
—One 10ml travel spray of Clyde Waters (an EdP imagination of Santi Ana on top of Cloud Illusions)
—One 50ml travel spray of Clyde Waters (an EdP imagination of Santi Ana on top of Cloud Illusions)
—GRAND PRIZE, one 10ml travel spray of an early sneak peek at SMUGGLER’s NOTCH, and 20% off of the final bottle.

Any purchase in-between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve is automatically entered into this drawing.

Finally, I am reducing my shipping rates across the board: to FREE in the Continental United States, and $30 USD globally.
Please note, Blueberry Colt, Red Orchards, and Clyde Waters are not available for purchase, and will only be available in this giveaway.

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

 

[Cheetah1919]

Somehow missed all this, geez
Guess I haven’t been paying enough attention here lately, but looking forward to your creations Jono!

 

[Folkwinds]

I'll be going live in an hour on instagram for the giveaway, see you all then!

 

[Martin__]

Samples set ordered and on its way to me. We'll sniff we'll see, can't wait actually

 

[isunnychaudhary]

#sotd

Cloud Illusions By Folkswinds Perfume

Save the best for the last, nah, they all are amazing and high quality.

If you love blueberry, this is it!

If you love orris, this is it!

Best of both the world in one fragrance, starts off with heavy blueberry, creamy orris and mint which meets a bubble gum accord in the heart to provide a wide spectrum of nuances to tickle your nose in a good way.

In the dry down, sandalwood and orris are going strong and to make that work in tandem musk and ambergris are present to lift the range of this fragrance that it becomes so aromatic and powerful that you can't ignore it.

The longevity is exceptional as it lasts easy 8 hours plus on skin with good sillage for couple of hours but those gorgeous whiffs never end('s).

Overall, am happy with all the fragrances from this house and if you want to smell different from the crowd, there are 3 offerings so far you can try.

 

[Martin__]

Very preliminary thoughts on samples.

American Pharaoh - a very authentic cherry pipe tobacco, I think the most authentic in that genre I’ve ever smelled. Supported by a delicate musk and I’ve also detected some cocoa in the background. Slightly gourmand, but definitely with some farm climates. Doesn’t change much on my skin, but that’s not a bad thing at all.

Cloud Illusions - the name says it all. I’d probably could guess that clouds smell like this very blue, wee aldehydic with some fruity blueberrish background. Some alternative for spring and summer and definitely an alternative to smell unique during warm days.

Santi Ana - hay, definitely a lot of dry hay, supported by a hint of colling mint. There is totally no sweetness in there, but the amount of flowers add a lot of greenness to the composition.

So far

1. A tie between American Pharoah and Santi Ana
3. Cloud Illusions

All are great for sure. Also got hand written thank-you card, which is actually very nice and personal - thank you @Jono@Folkwinds

Definitely looking forward to this brand and recommend anyone trying.

 

[Martin__]

Not sure why, but I'm getting a wee acrid, slightly acidic vibes from Santi Ana and that instantly reminds me of (New) Sibet from Slumberhouse, Surely different, as Sibet on my skin is a sour leather with loads of iris, but as far as sourness goes I find some similarities here.

 

[Folkwinds]

Not sure why, but I'm getting a wee acrid, slightly acidic vibes from Santi Ana and that instantly reminds me of (New) Sibet from Slumberhouse, Surely different, as Sibet on my skin is a sour leather with loads of iris, but as far as sourness goes I find some similarities here.

Probably some of the acidic tones from the cider absolute.

 

[Mick B]

At first, I did not like Cloud Illusions, I found the opening sharp and artificial smelling (though the dry down was great). I'm trying it again today (after 1-2 months) and the opening feels a lot softer and rounder. I like this, I like this a lot even!

Well done Jono!

 

[shakuyaku]

Since I have now tested all three fragrances just under 2 months extensively, I would now like to express my opinion.



Cloud Illusions

Fragrance: 5
Durability: 8
Sillage: 8

I really like the opening with the fresh and fruity blueberry. For me at this moment a 10/10 from the smell. Then the first 1-3 hours the scent smells blue/green as if you were walking in the mountains. From the smell an 8/10. And then the disaster begins. After a good 3 hours to the end it just smells like bubble gum / toothpaste with mint flavor / smell. And also Simple somehow only synthetic. The durability was a good 8 hours for me. The sillage is acceptable, speak not too much and not too little.



American Pharaoh

Scent: 3
Durability: 5
Sillage: 7

Based on the initial reviews here on basenotes and the adventurous description from the manufacturer, I wanted to buy a bottle of this fragrance without having tested it beforehand. Man am I glad I only bought a sample after all. I was hoping for an animalic, whiskey tobacco fragrance. But I got a fragrance that is rather balsamic / sweet. From time to time, the scent becomes a bit fruity. From start to finish, the scent just smells like a pure disappointment to me.



Santi Ana

Fragrance: 3
Durability: 7
Sillage: 7

I like the idea behind the fragrance. But the idea was just poorly implemented in my opinion. In the beginning, I really like the hay note. You can also smell out the different spices and the cider with time. The first 60-90 minutes I like the scent. But then the disaster begins again. The mint and amber are totally out of place and/or are simply overdosed. And that destroys this fragrance in my opinion.



My conclusion to all 3 fragrances:

Exorbitant prices do not make exorbitant fragrances. Personally, I wouldn't recommend a single scent to anyone. From the fragrance character they are in the end nothing special. Above all, I can not understand the prices at all. When I think back to the fact that the first masterpieces/first collection of Russian Adam, Oud Zen cost $350/50ml, Ottoman Empire 1 cost $250/50ml and Siberian Musk cost $250/50ml, I can't understand why these fragrances cost $335/50ml. Just can't imagine raw materials like Hubba-Bubba-bubblegum co-fermented absolute justifying these prices. The only fragrance where I see development potential is Cloud Illusions. Of this I would buy a sample again, if a new version should come on the market.

Many love greetings from Germany

 

[Folkwinds]

All orders of Smuggler’s Notch have shipped. I want to thank all of you for participating in this preorder, and supporting a new era of Folkwinds. I have a few bottles in reserve, incase any shipments are held up. Once every package arrives safely, I will put up the final few bottles up for sale on my website.

Additionally, I have made limited samples available through @Fragnanimous. These samples will be available to purchase within a week’s time.

Smuggler’s Notch is a completely novel concept; one which took many trials and permutations to get just right. The fragrance opens with a blast of deer musk, castoreum and spices, and dries down into an apple-forward stew of oud, tobacco, maple, resins and woodsmoke. At nearly 50% concentration, this wears more like an attar than a proper spray perfume. Close to the skin, yet everlasting.

Smuggler’s Notch was inspired by an old moonshining route, a mountain pass which allowed smuggler’s to bring alcohol from Canada into Vermont during the prohibition. As you wear this fragrance, take a moment to picture yourself hiking through the mountains at night.

 

[Rick94]

Honestly, I’m lost for words on Smugglers Notch. This release seriously put Folkwinds on my number 1 house spot.
I get red apples, sweet maple, booze, oud and I can swear I smell musk in the opening (although I dont think there is any).
It dries down into a nice tobacco, bitter/sweet woody profile that i still smell on my arm after 24 hours.
For a 50% concentration this projects way more than I was expecting and lasts on your skin forever.

 

[Theholyfilament]

Honestly, I’m lost for words on Smugglers Notch. This release seriously put Folkwinds on my number 1 house spot.
I get red apples, sweet maple, booze, oud and I can swear I smell musk in the opening (although I dont think there is any).
It dries down into a nice tobacco, bitter/sweet woody profile that i still smell on my arm after 24 hours.
For a 50% concentration this projects way more than I was expecting and lasts on your skin forever.

I agree, it’s fantastic.

I’m still getting to know it but after one wear I’m blown away by the development, complexity and longevity. I sprayed it on yesterday around 5 pm and I can still pick up some woody mapley sweetness after nearly 24 hours, a workout and a shower.

 

[Folkwinds]

Honestly, I’m lost for words on Smugglers Notch. This release seriously put Folkwinds on my number 1 house spot.
I get red apples, sweet maple, booze, oud and I can swear I smell musk in the opening (although I dont think there is any).
It dries down into a nice tobacco, bitter/sweet woody profile that i still smell on my arm after 24 hours.
For a 50% concentration this projects way more than I was expecting and lasts on your skin forever.

There’s tons of Siberian musk in there! Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.

 

[Rick94]

There’s tons of Siberian musk in there! Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.

That makes a lot of sense now lol. Website description doesn’t mention musk. I thought I was going crazy telling myself I’m picking up musk.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to future releases.

 

[xMr]

All orders of Smuggler’s Notch have shipped. I want to thank all of you for participating in this preorder, and supporting a new era of Folkwinds. I have a few bottles in reserve, incase any shipments are held up. Once every package arrives safely, I will put up the final few bottles up for sale on my website.

Additionally, I have made limited samples available through @Fragnanimous. These samples will be available to purchase within a week’s time.

Smuggler’s Notch is a completely novel concept; one which took many trials and permutations to get just right. The fragrance opens with a blast of deer musk, castoreum and spices, and dries down into an apple-forward stew of oud, tobacco, maple, resins and woodsmoke. At nearly 50% concentration, this wears more like an attar than a proper spray perfume. Close to the skin, yet everlasting.

Smuggler’s Notch was inspired by an old moonshining route, a mountain pass which allowed smuggler’s to bring alcohol from Canada into Vermont during the prohibition. As you wear this fragrance, take a moment to picture yourself hiking through the mountains at night.

Just ordered a sample of Smugglers notch yesterday and I'm excited to try it out. Really liked Cloud Illusions so I figured it was worth trying this limited one. I will say I am a bit worried it might be too much for me cause I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to heavy animalics like castoreum but the rest of the notelist sounds amazing!

 

[Folkwinds]

Just ordered a sample of Smugglers notch yesterday and I'm excited to try it out. Really liked Cloud Illusions so I figured it was worth trying this limited one. I will say I am a bit worried it might be too much for me cause I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to heavy animalics like castoreum but the rest of the notelist sounds amazing!

Glad you're enjoying Cloud Illusions. Yes Smuggler's Notch is a bit of an animalic-bomb, but I hope the blending can teach you to learn to love animalics!

 

[Martin__]

For testing purposes I did some interesting comparison.
I compared directly American Pharoah with Sean Maher's Treachery Barrel Aged.
At first - way different. But the closer to the drydown I was quite surprised myself. They are somewhat similar. Especially tobacco wise and general resinousness and sweetness in general.
To note - I'm talking about limited edition - Barrel Aged Treachery.

 

[AOUD]

Got 5ml of Cloud Illusions. I'm not disappointed but ultimately not very impressed. Part of it is my own tastes, which I can admit.

Cloud Illusions is too reminiscent of Le Labo Santal 33 IMO. There's the same kind of clean, airy musk and the whole scent smells a bit asceptic. I wish there was a bit more dirt/earth or sharpness/spice in the mix. It smells very clean and tidy, which doesn't justify the price for me. Around this range, I'd rather go for Musk Khabib (which I also wouldn't necessarily buy as FB).


I'm wearing Smuggler's Notch right now and am getting a cinnamon broom vibe. This one is a bit disappointing. The hay and tobacco are too strong, and it ultimately smells like a dense mix of essential oils instead of a perfume. I'm reminded every so slightly of Amouage's Tribute but vastly prefer the latter. I think what I'm realizing is that the top notes need some work in the Folkwinds line.

 

[Sinkinggrade]

Got 5ml of Cloud Illusions. I'm not disappointed but ultimately not very impressed. Part of it is my own tastes, which I can admit.

Cloud Illusions is too reminiscent of Le Labo Santal 33 IMO. There's the same kind of clean, airy musk and the whole scent smells a bit asceptic. I wish there was a bit more dirt/earth or sharpness/spice in the mix. It smells very clean and tidy, which doesn't justify the price for me. Around this range, I'd rather go for Musk Khabib (which I also wouldn't necessarily buy as FB).


I'm wearing Smuggler's Notch right now and am getting a cinnamon broom vibe. This one is a bit disappointing. The hay and tobacco are too strong, and it ultimately smells like a dense mix of essential oils instead of a perfume. I'm reminded every so slightly of Amouage's Tribute but vastly prefer the latter. I think what I'm realizing is that the top notes need some work in the Folkwinds line.

I would have never compared Cloud Illusion to Musk Khabib. What do you mean? Agree about the latter: a travel sprayer is enough; disagree about the former: the best (and quite touching) Folkwinds work.

In my opinion, it's American Pharaoh the one that has still room for some more rock n' roll.

 

[slater93]

agree with sinkinggrade, i find something special about cloud illusions and unique, i tried a sample of the le labo at their store so not in depth enough to comment but i find it unique to everything else i’ve smelled. cloud illusions smells green and blue to me and very natural despite having no discernible notes i’m familiar with, reminiscent of tamed nature and something vaguely mossy and sweet.

i’m happy with a decant though and likely wouldn’t FB anything i’ve tried (but i own a tiny amount of FBs in the first place) but most are strong likes, not loves, but ultimately i agree that american pharaoh is the weakest of the three i’ve tried (everything but SN), just isn’t as unique as the other two. santi ani is really special too, great execution in the concept IMO, really does remind me of new england.

 

[xMr]

So after trying smugglers notch the other day I have to say I partially agree with AOUD. I found that at times it lost direction or got muddy like many perfumes that have only naturals tend to be. I found the opening to be a bit too harsh but not impossible to love. Heavy on the musk and tobacco, the middle(few hours in) ended up being very enjoyable with the apple cider feel, but the drydown was a tad too much like maple syrup. It was definitely worth checking out and if you are into the above I would recommend it but just go into it knowing it will stay on forever and is much more like an EO blend.

I think this house has lots of potential to put out other good projects. I would say cloud illusions is definitely the star of the show so far. The other day I was thinking about how the brand could go forward and what Jono should do next. Personally I like the idea of these super limited run high end ideas but I think it would really be a smart idea to do another line in perhaps a lower price bracket. I guess we will have to see what comes next.

 

[AOUD]

I would have never compared Cloud Illusion to Musk Khabib. What do you mean? Agree about the latter: a travel sprayer is enough; disagree about the former: the best (and quite touching) Folkwinds work.

In my opinion, it's American Pharaoh the one that has still room for some more rock n' roll.

I don't think Cloud Illusions and Musk Khabib smell the same but I put them in the same realm, given that they share musk and ambergris as notes and use orris/vanilla/cedar/tolu balsam/ylang ylang which all gives a kind of creamy/powdery/clean vibe. But what I prefer about Musk Khabib is that the Ylang Ylang has a narcotic—and even bubblegum—tinge, and the cardamom and other notes give a bit of spice. The complexity of a flower like Ylang Ylang is something that the bubblegum in Cloud Illusions doesn't provide.

The reason why I brought up Santal 33 is because it has coconut and a lactonic aura, which I think the orris/cedar/bubblegum gives in Cloud Illusions. Santal 33 smells synthetic and of course the Folkwinds doesn't. BUT, the bigger point I was inadvertently making is that in New York and among certain hip/young[insert term here] scenes Santal 33 is everywhere. I'm noticing a trend among this younger crowd that is into "naturals" and concept-based fragrances. Even though Santal 33 smells synthetic, I think it lacks the complexity of French-styled perfume or the opulence of Arabic-styled fragrances, hence my use of quotation marks in "naturals," because what I really think this is meaning is a more stripped-down, raw relationship to materials and blending that places value on sourcing/minimalism/etc. Even Santal 33's name winks at this idea.

 

[Sultan al Hindi]

agree with sinkinggrade, i find something special about cloud illusions and unique, i tried a sample of the le labo at their store so not in depth enough to comment but i find it unique to everything else i’ve smelled. cloud illusions smells green and blue to me and very natural despite having no discernible notes i’m familiar with, reminiscent of tamed nature and something vaguely mossy and sweet.

i’m happy with a decant though and likely wouldn’t FB anything i’ve tried (but i own a tiny amount of FBs in the first place) but most are strong likes, not loves, but ultimately i agree that american pharaoh is the weakest of the three i’ve tried (everything but SN), just isn’t as unique as the other two. santi ani is really special too, great execution in the concept IMO, really does remind me of new england.

Have you tried Proxima or Antheia by Centauri perfumes by any chance? Personally, I was quite disappointed with cloud illusions, has a nice opening but that's about it. Doesn't develop as well as I expected it to, not to mention colleagues mentioning I smell like panda pop lol. Longevity on my skin has been pretty poor too (hardly detectable after 3 hours on my skin)

 

[slater93]

Have you tried Proxima or Antheia by Centauri perfumes by any chance? Personally, I was quite disappointed with cloud illusions, has a nice opening but that's about it. Doesn't develop as well as I expected it to, not to mention colleagues mentioning I smell like panda pop lol. Longevity on my skin has been pretty poor too (hardly detectable after 3 hours on my skin)

interesting, i respect that but do like it myself, i think maybe because so many perfumers try to do kind of overly unique things but it has an understated feel that i enjoy while remaining special in its own way- that kind of vague grassy feel i get i haven’t smelled elsewhere. i’m glad to have a decant- at the price though i can’t personally justify wearing it with frequency unfortunately.

i haven’t tried either of those, the scent notes made me think they could be screechy or overly synthetic smelling- what did you think of them? i’ve tried om and dendera and was fairly impressed with both

 

[Sultan al Hindi]

interesting, i respect that but do like it myself, i think maybe because so many perfumers try to do kind of overly unique things but it has an understated feel that i enjoy while remaining special in its own way- that kind of vague grassy feel i get i haven’t smelled elsewhere. i’m glad to have a decant- at the price though i can’t personally justify wearing it with frequency unfortunately.

i haven’t tried either of those, the scent notes made me think they could be screechy or overly synthetic smelling- what did you think of them? i’ve tried om and dendera and was fairly impressed with both

You can certainly pick up the synthetic aspects of these two, but they're far from screechy. I mentioned them because I found them to be in a similar ballpark to Cloud Illusions (fruity, atmospheric on a background of musk), but found the former to be more complete and pleasant perfumes than the latter, especially Antheia.

 

[bl00drunzcold]

I've been wearing a sample of Smuggler's Notch for the past 45 minutes, and to me, it's all about hay and maple. Maybe that'll change in a bit but so far I'm very glad I didn't go all in on a bottle.

 

[Theholyfilament]

I’ve been really really loving Smugglers Notch and I’m kind of surprised with the lukewarm reception. It’s my favorite of the Folkwinds releases yet and may be my favorite release of the year thus far.
The main player to me is still the huge deer musk but there’s a lot of subtle complexity to it that’s been revealed with more wearings, particularly with the apple and tobacco interplay which I think works so well because of the berry-ish Nha Trang kinda connecting and obfuscating them.

A nested benefit of indie materials transparency is that I was able to track down the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Cigar Jono used in SN and I’m excited to smoke it and see how it compares to its usage in the scent lol.

 

[bl00drunzcold]

I’ve been really really loving Smugglers Notch and I’m kind of surprised with the lukewarm reception. It’s my favorite of the Folkwinds releases yet and may be my favorite release of the year thus far.
The main player to me is still the huge deer musk but there’s a lot of subtle complexity to it that’s been revealed with more wearings, particularly with the apple and tobacco interplay which I think works so well because of the berry-ish Nha Trang kinda connecting and obfuscating them.

A nested benefit of indie materials transparency is that I was able to track down the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Cigar Jono used in SN and I’m excited to smoke it and see how it compares to its usage in the scent lol.

You have a far better nose than I. It didn’t develop much past maple and hay with some tobacco to me.

 

[Martin__]

It's first day of spring! Cloud Illusions - a perfect scent of the day to start that season

 

[Proust_Madeleine]

Just finally tried Smuggler’s Notch and damn, Jono. Hats off. This is one impressive perfume. I seriously think you jumped many levels with this one. You were already good but wow. Immediately blown away. Not even my type of thing(Apple notes???) but whew. Speechless.

Man, I want a bottle of this. Killer. Win some lose some looks like I’m already too late.

 

[Folkwinds]

Just finally tried Smuggler’s Notch and damn, Jono. Hats off. This is one impressive perfume. I seriously think you jumped many levels with this one. You were already good but wow. Immediately blown away. Not even my type of thing(Apple notes???) but whew. Speechless.

Man, I want a bottle of this. Killer. Win some lose some looks like I’m already too late.

That means a ton coming from you Geoff! Thank you! Seems as if everyone who’s wanted to sample it has, so I’ll talk to Lee about making larger decants available at Fragnanimous.

 

[Folkwinds]

That means a ton coming from you Geoff! Thank you! Seems as if everyone who’s wanted to sample it has, so I’ll talk to Lee about making larger decants available at Fragnanimous.

Whoops, looks like there are only 3 2ml samples left, so unfortunately decants won’t be possible. My sincere apologies. Please stay tuned for my next co-extraction focused release, Jasper no Kodō 😉

 

[Bavard]

That being said, any questions?

Is this your first time using a Vermont theme?

 

[Folkwinds]

Is this your first time using a Vermont theme?

Yes it was. My father lives in Vermont and I spend lots of time up north there with my family.

 

[Blizzard]

I tried all four, and Smuggler’s Notch was definitely my favorite. It formed a great scent bubble around me that got better as the day progressed.

 

[Folkwinds]

Thrilled to share that American Pharoah has earned an honorable mention from the Institute for Art and Olfaction.

 

[Scent Detective]

Congratulations Jono! Just the beginning of great things to come I’m sure!

 

[Martin__]

Thrilled to share that American Pharoah has earned an honorable mention from the Institute for Art and Olfaction.

View attachment 328877

Congrats @Folkwinds! As @Scent Detective said before, I believe, the best is yet to come.