Psychotrope

Psychotrope from the Norwegian house Malbrum Parfums, composed by Delphine Thierry in 2015, is a dry, resinous amber with a spiced woody structure. Amber is the defining impression for everyone who describes it, most also find it woody, about half call it spicy, and a minority notice resin.

The top combines pimento, which smells of allspice with clove-like warmth, elemi, a resin with a fresh, lemony and peppery lift, and cypress, which adds a green, coniferous dryness. The heart turns smoky and glowing: incense brings a dry, ceremonial haze, saffron a leathery, honeyed warmth, and gurjan balsam a soft, woody resin. In the base, styrax and ambergris give a balsamic, salty-sweet depth, framed by sandalwood and cedar.

Wearable by anyone, it suits people who prefer incense and amber fragrances that are dry and contemplative rather than sweet. The resins and spices point to autumn and winter, evenings and quieter moments. Those who enjoy niche incense compositions with a mineral, woody backbone are its likely audience.

Psychotrope — unisex fragrance by Malbrum Parfums (released 2015). Top notes: Cypress, Pimento, elemi. Heart notes: Incense, Gurjan balsam, Saffron. Base notes: Sandalwood, Styrax, Cedar, Ambergris. — Parfica open fragrance database