Oeillet Bengale

Though it bears the French name for carnation, the “Bengale Oeillet” is actually a variety of China rose, Rosa Indica caryophyllea, bred by the floral painter and botanist Pierre Joseph Redouté (1759-1840). Seduced by the shape-shifting blossom, the perfumer’s inspiration was found while leafing through Redouté’s 1824 book of botanical prints Les Roses. It is the ambivalent name and appearance of the Bengale Oeillet rather than its scent that inspires the third AEDES DE VENUSTAS offering.

Oeillet Bengale is a fragrant Tiger by the Tail! This feral flower on fire is a Rose that wants to be a Carnation, set ablaze by an exotic spice combustion. Ruffled red petals turned enigmatically black by Frankincense. When explosive Pepper and Clove combine with Carnation’s flamboyantly retro charm and powdery facets borrowed from Rose and Ylang-Ylang, a modern powder keg showstopper is revealed!

A bright, peppery Bergamot dynamically sets off the first sparks and an incense stick sets the scent ablaze, binding the Citrusy top notes to the sweet resinous base, acting as the flower’s stem. Or is it the gunpowder-coated metal rod of a Bengal fire? A glamorous, Strawberry-flavored lipstick kiss of a slow burn is enveloped by a resinous Vanilla Ambered base and sweet Balsams that languidly smoulder. Oeillet Bengale’s urbane chic insinuates with a nuanced, rich woodiness that positively purrs with modern self-possession.

Discover this Mercurially Modern Charmer by ordering your sample today!

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