Sens et Bois was launched in 2006 by indie Paris-based fragrance house The Different Company.

The Different Company’s mandate is to inspire perfumers to create unique fragrances by allowing them to explore their own path with few restrictions using precious and rare ingredients that’s seldom seen in perfumery today. This sets The Different Company apart from other perfume companies and makes Sens & Bois stand out.

Sens & Bois, or Sense & Wood, opens up with a nose-tingling burst of bright bergamot warmed by spicy black pepper. A note of ginger is fresh, and its citrus facet echoes the bergamot. The black pepper lingers to the heart, linking with spicy, piney elemi. White violet, floral, sweet and powdery, is joined by neroli, citrusy, sweet and green. Verveine boosts the fruity, citrusy neroli providing a perfect contrast to the spiciness that’s come before. A note of frankincense steps up; it’s resinous and piney and leads to a woody base of balsamy cedarwood, creamy sandalwood and sweet, dark patchouli.

The drydown has no hard edges and no harshness, despite having some heavy hitters in the mix. Instead, it’s elegant and refined, and I can smell the quality of the ingredients and craftsmanship. It’s just a gorgeous fragrance that's a pleasure to wear.

Sens & Bois is a shadow game between dark and light - sometimes spicy and warm, sometimes bright and green. This is what makes it so alluring and sensuous, and unique.

Notes: black pepper, bergamot, ginger, white violet, neroli, vervain, frankincense cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood.