Basala

This one was a dissapointment for me. After a really great and one of a kind begining it changed in the direction I didn't like. It was going weaker and weaker. It lasted - that's true. But I don't like the way it smelled after 2 hours. So I sold it...

This week I managed to get a pristine, vintage first edition of this beautiful fragrance - when it was first released it was called "Basara" - and it really is bewitching, sexy and extremely beautiful. An elixir like this is so wonderfully blended that the effect is one of sublime harmony and balance. Basara / Basala evokes the ancient Japanese art of Kodo - the incense ceremony - an intricate olfactory pleasure which (for me) elicits thoughts of luxury and comfort. A sophisticated fragrance opening with subtle aromatic, spice and floral notes, becoming a woody and oakmossy amber, but so unlike anything else that words don't really suffice. Basara is in some ways a paradox and the overall effect is one of rich, dignified elegance, of exquisite luxury and comfort, and of "dignitas" in the Ancient Roman sense. It is the embodiment of refined masculine sophistication, confidence and dignity, like a Samurai warlord. To my mind the epitome of the art of perfumery is the creation of fragrances whose components combine and develop in harmony to create a "symphony" and in my humble opinion Basara is one of the finest examples of an olfactory symphony. This has not dated in any way since it never conformed to any prevailing trend in the first place, so it remains timeless, a rare gem of superlative beauty and is without doubt one of the Crown Jewels of my collection.

So I got a job lot of 8 miniatures that looked interesting and a small 5ml bottle of this was there… wow! Stunning scent . I’ve always been an amber fan and the way this has been interwoven with green notes and spices is amazing. Far and away one of the most complicated male scents I have ever discovered. I’ve hoovered up another 22 mls of Basara ( 1st incarnation ) and Basala ( 2nd name) as I can easily see a long and carefully curated future for me and this. I love the way we can all related to and recognise what we call “ green scents” this one for me is "red". Pulsating warm and spicy but with a really complex shifting background. There is a lot going on and the ingredients all seem to take their turn as the dry down moves on...It's a strong one so no more than three sprays and you'll be set fine. I wouldn't use this as a daily wearer it's far too rare and special..This is an "event" frag. doesn't matter if its formal or informal. Moving round a room and wearing this will have women tilting their heads up and sniffing the air as you pass wondering if it's you that is wearing this sublime sexy scent. The word is oft used in reviews on this website but this is a lost masterpiece. It commands seriously high prices in the market but frag fans should at least make the pilgrimage with a 5ml minature once. Want something special for that late Summer wine and dine? Look no further.

It might just be me, but every time I smell Basala I'm somewhat reminded of Lutens' later Un Bois Sepia--aka the "weird man cologne one" that really stands out in Lutens' self-titled offerings. Sadly I don't have a sample of Bois Sepia to test my memory, but to me, I smell an aromatic lavender bolstered by some herbs and fairly well-handled/subtle aromachemicals at the top, seguing to a drier, sweet woody base with a resinous bent to it. Definitely well-blended and no one particular note stands out besides "well-done man cologne," but a hair more interesting than others of its kind.

I am selling a splash bottle and a spray bottle. PM if interested. Thanks