Tacit by Aēsop

*****

Year: 2015

Notes: yuzu, citrus, Genovese basil, clove, Haitian vetiver

Based on traditional Eaux de Cologne and the aromas of the Mediterranean, Tacit is the first fragrance release from this Australian botanical brand in almost ten years.

Composed by Céline Barel, its soft demeanour conforms to the given name. The customary use of bergamot is replaced by yuzu, yet the citrus accords aren't fresh, tart or effervescent. Instead, they are reticent and slightly sweet – complementing the basil's spicy-aromatic properties, which also yields spearmint-like facets. With just a touch of clove, salty herbaceous whispers elegantly segue into a translucent woody base of vetiver.

Providing minimal sillage, and remaining evident on the skin for less than three hours, Tacit smells very natural and is well-blended. Unfortunately, one is unable to ignore its mediocre performance, especially for an Eau de Parfum. Based on that alone, Czech & Speake's Vetiver Vert would make a more robust alternative, within the realm of citrus-aromatic vetivers.

Mystra by Aēsop

*****

Year: 2006

Notes: frankincense, mastic, labdanum

Comment: Parfum review

Aēsop once described Mystra as "of Byzantium-era olfactory inspiration, marrying incense and resin notes to elevate and inspire". While one is unable to dispute its aspirational Byzantium-era qualities, one finds it rather difficult to believe in the rest of the fragrance's ad copy without scoffing...

It's both soft and resinous, with a largely muted labdanum remaining detectable throughout. With subtle green and floral accords, there definitely isn't anything elevating or inspiring about it at all.

With very mild sillage and abysmal longevity, one would have expected far more depth and substance from this Australian niche offering.

Marrakech by Aēsop

*****

Year: 2005

Notes: cardamom, clove, sandalwood

Comment: Parfum review

Aēsop is an Australian company, specialising in body care products, with two fragrance releases: Mystra and Marrakech. While Mystra left one very much nonplussed, this is certainly an improvement.

Marrakech is a noticeably spicy creation, with dominant notes of clove and cardamom. There's also a dark and somewhat peppery quality, with the composition succeeding in conveying an olfactory image of the Moroccan city. However, just like Mystra, longevity and sillage are both rather disappointing. Granted, it's more tenacious than its sibling but it still falls considerably short of what one expected.

With that said, it's still a beguiling and high-quality release, which not only would have been awarded one extra star but would also have been considered full bottle-worthy.