FRAGRANCE | Bois d'Encens EDP by Giorgio Armani: A brooding mix of spices, incense, and wood

halfwhiteboy - Armani Privé Bois d'Encens EDP 01

Bois d'Encens is one of the first releases under Giorgio Armani's Privé Haute Couture Fragrance Collection. This was back in 2004. This practice of coming up with a high-end, exclusive line marked by uniformly designed—mostly boring—bottles has since become de rigeuer among designer houses. Everyone from Chanel to Christian Dior has one. At least Armani put some thought into theirs. The squarish bottle with that irregularly shaped cap looks really sleek and sturdy. 

The scent, for me, justifies the name, as both wood and incense are very much present and noticeable. A sharp, peppery spiciness accompanies the incense in the opening, brightening up the scent to a certain degree. The combination also feels a little camphorous, especially up close. The spices dominate for the first few minutes before gradually relaxing, allowing the incense to shine and the woodiness to start showing. 

halfwhiteboy - Armani Privé Bois d'Encens EDP 02

The incense here isn't very "churchy" like Rogue Perfumery's Ishtar and carries a certain bitterness to it, probably due to the spices. With hardly any sweetness, the scent is as dry as it can be, more so as the fragrance's woody character grows stronger, with the burnt incense wafting around. The scent doesn't bring you memories of liturgical celebrations, nor does it transport you to some place ethereal or mystical. Rather, Bois d'Encens remains grounded, maintaining a brooding demeanor without going overly dark. I don't find it unique by any means but it is a fine scent nonetheless, one that would fit best in formal or business settings, and in evenings and cooler temperatures. 

What Armani Privé's Bois d'Encens probably lacks is mileage, so you'll need to respray at some point to get you through the day. While the scent is noticeable, its projection is generally modest. A little heat can also work in its favor, as it gives the scent a little push. It isn't a bad thing at all, though. Given its scent profile, I reckon it would likely be annoying if it projected like a beast, so I think it's okay for what it is.

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