Hessian

Hessian is a niche, dark gothic perfume built around the smell of burlap, hessian and jute. The maker says it opens on a distinctive but elusive top note that fans of those materials will know, then settles quickly into a dry, cotton and straw-like heart. The resinous base woods and warmer notes arrive last. She calls it dry and dark as well as natural and bright, a paradox. Bergamot and green tea open it. The heart is where the unusual material sits, with geosmin, matcha, rice and violet leaf giving earth, tea and dry cotton. The base is cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, black pepper and agarwood. The cedarwood and frankincense are the two the title promises, and a buyer names the whole base as what turns the scent mesmerising. The one detailed review describes a huge punch when first sprayed that then quietens down and turns sophisticated and classy. She first thought it was not for her, then found the base intoxicating and seductive, and says Juliet Rose's deep scents last all day. That is a single account, and one other voter gave it a very low rating, so expect people to be divided. It suits cooler weather and evening wear better than a hot day, and it is for people who like niche, earthy, resinous scents rather than sweet ones. It sits near other dry, woody and incense-led indie perfumes. It is made by hand by Juliet Rose in the UK.