Year: 2010
Notes: elemi, Somali olibanum, labdanum, patchouli, cedar
Comment: Full Incense is part of the Bronze Collection
After spending far too long in the wilderness, one had given up any hope of Montale releasing something worth recommending (let alone considering as full bottle-worthy) ever again. But, while Montale's future reputation still hangs in the balance, the arrival of Full Incense has provided a tiny glimmer of hope.
Even though an incense fragrance is something that Montale should have released years ago, there really isn't anything in their range to compare it to (as shocking as it may sound). With its overall performance being both soft and mellow, it commences with a sweet, peppery and slightly resinous olibanum accord. The composition later reveals additional sweet and spicy attributes, as the gradual emergence of labdanum and spices (possibly cinnamon or cardamom) intensifies.
Harbouring a faint patchouli note, the cedar isn't strikingly apparent but, then again, one isn't that concerned by its lack of presence. As a result, it manages to maintain its exotically sweet aroma, with a balsamic-like base, while exuding a degree of warmth that's usually deficient in other incense offerings (as opposed to the typically dark, smoky and austere path often embarked upon).
After about five hours, it's nothing more than a gentle whisper. Personally, one wished its sillage wasn't so coy and that it lasted considerably longer. However, it does blend better with the skin than other scents of this ilk – naturally complementing the flesh with a subdued sensual aura.
With that said, it's quite an impressive comeback for Montale. One dearly hopes that the old dog still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, to surprise us with in the near future.
Even though an incense fragrance is something that Montale should have released years ago, there really isn't anything in their range to compare it to (as shocking as it may sound). With its overall performance being both soft and mellow, it commences with a sweet, peppery and slightly resinous olibanum accord. The composition later reveals additional sweet and spicy attributes, as the gradual emergence of labdanum and spices (possibly cinnamon or cardamom) intensifies.
Harbouring a faint patchouli note, the cedar isn't strikingly apparent but, then again, one isn't that concerned by its lack of presence. As a result, it manages to maintain its exotically sweet aroma, with a balsamic-like base, while exuding a degree of warmth that's usually deficient in other incense offerings (as opposed to the typically dark, smoky and austere path often embarked upon).
After about five hours, it's nothing more than a gentle whisper. Personally, one wished its sillage wasn't so coy and that it lasted considerably longer. However, it does blend better with the skin than other scents of this ilk – naturally complementing the flesh with a subdued sensual aura.
With that said, it's quite an impressive comeback for Montale. One dearly hopes that the old dog still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, to surprise us with in the near future.
