ESCENTRIC MOLECULES Escentric 03

Vetiveryl acetate could be described as a hybrid molecule, half natural, half synthetic. It is a fraction of vetiver oil, distilled from the roots of an Indian herb, which is then "crossed" with acetic acid to remove the bitter, leathery aspects of the root.

Escentric 03 focuses on vetiveryl acetate in a formula that pays homage to the three roots used in perfumery: vetiver, ginger and iris, which is extracted from the roots of the Florentine iris. "I wanted Escentric 03 to highlight the olfactory impressions of these roots," says Geza Schoen, "and to show how they harmonize with each other."

Ginger dominates the top note, which is vibrant, green and spicy with lime zest and green pepper. The heart is rich, velvety lily with Egyptian jasmine and tea notes. The drydown emphasizes the dark green woody vetiver along with sandalwood, cedar, soft balsam and musk.