Year: 2013
Notes: pea pods, violet, mimosa, coconut lactone, vetiver, musk
Comment: Turtle Vetiver Back is a limited edition release
Turtle Vetiver Back is the third instalment in LesNez's Turtle Vetiver series. Where Turtle Vetiver Front anchored the vetiver more at the front end, Turtle Vetiver Back utilises the vetiver more as a base note.
The opening is unequivocally dark, smoky and rooty, with the pea pod lending a moist vegetal aroma. The violet isn't particularly sweet but adds an extra verdant dimension the composition. Like Turtle Vetiver Front, a serving of some coconut lactone is also evident. However, one wonders if it was really necessary to re-use this accord, as that's what made Turtle Vetiver Back's predecessor so special. Eliciting powdery nuances from the mimosa, the proceedings soon develop into something lighter and muskier.
Like parting dark clouds, the vetiver finally shimmers unobstructed at this stage. The florals faintly pop-up every so often, but the creamy woodiness of the vetiver is temporarily on full display. With just a hint of castoreum in the base, the muted drydown exhibits a grassy, floral and animalic vetiver aura.
With low sillage and modest lasting power, Turtle Vetiver Back is actually more of a hybrid of the first two Turtle Vetivers – the dark earthiness of Turtle Vetiver Exercise 1 in the first half, and the smooth grassy creaminess of Turtle Vetiver Front in the second. Also, with the vetiver relegated to the background, its lack of presence may disappoint some vetiver diehards.
Ultimately, it isn't as original, distinctive or satisfying as the first two, but it still comes recommended.
The opening is unequivocally dark, smoky and rooty, with the pea pod lending a moist vegetal aroma. The violet isn't particularly sweet but adds an extra verdant dimension the composition. Like Turtle Vetiver Front, a serving of some coconut lactone is also evident. However, one wonders if it was really necessary to re-use this accord, as that's what made Turtle Vetiver Back's predecessor so special. Eliciting powdery nuances from the mimosa, the proceedings soon develop into something lighter and muskier.
Like parting dark clouds, the vetiver finally shimmers unobstructed at this stage. The florals faintly pop-up every so often, but the creamy woodiness of the vetiver is temporarily on full display. With just a hint of castoreum in the base, the muted drydown exhibits a grassy, floral and animalic vetiver aura.
With low sillage and modest lasting power, Turtle Vetiver Back is actually more of a hybrid of the first two Turtle Vetivers – the dark earthiness of Turtle Vetiver Exercise 1 in the first half, and the smooth grassy creaminess of Turtle Vetiver Front in the second. Also, with the vetiver relegated to the background, its lack of presence may disappoint some vetiver diehards.
Ultimately, it isn't as original, distinctive or satisfying as the first two, but it still comes recommended.
