No.685 Dark Amber & Ginger Lily

Eden's No.685 opens with the same spice-forward burst that defines Jo Malone's Dark Amber & Ginger Lily: black cardamom and fresh ginger, sharpened by pink pepper, giving an immediately warming introduction. The heart brings water lily, orchid, jasmine and rose into the mix, softening the spice with an elegant floral core that keeps the composition from tipping into pure gourmand territory. As it settles, sandalwood, kyara incense, patchouli and a leather facet build a smoky, grown-up base that lingers well into the evening. It is a fitting choice for anyone drawn to Jo Malone's darker, more architectural florals but who finds the boutique price hard to justify for a fragrance they will wear through a whole winter season. Where it differs from the original is in restraint - Jo Malone's blending is famously subtle and Eden's version pushes the spice and incense notes forward a little more assertively, with a shorter overall arc and less of that slow, layered reveal. Performance sits at a solid 6 to 9 hours, respectable for the format, and the vegan, refillable format is a genuine point in its favour for anyone trying to reduce packaging waste without giving up the mood this scent creates.