Essence No. 1 Rose

The pyramid is incomplete here. The right notes - according to Francis Kurkdjian - are: damascus rose, bulgarian rose, turkish rose, May rose (aka Grasse rose), vanilla, musk, benzoin, cedar. Edit: I now got a chance to sample this one. It first starts with a dry/fresh rose, then will keep going with a soft vanillic rose, to end up putting the focus on a peppery cedar (and patchouli?), with some rose-y amber in the background. The top appears very unisex to me (like Habit Rouge EDP is), but the base leans towards masculine. A beautiful concoction by FK, that unfortunately is shy on performance (like most fragrances of this line). Still, it will for sure please many, and at reasonable pricing, could be totally full bottle worthy for me.

Essence No. 1 Rose by Elie Saab is a unique fragrance that balances a rich, dark rose with a light, powdery touch. While there are only roses in the note profile, there is a bit of spiciness and a hint of woodiness that add depth without being overwhelming. In the opening there is a smooth creaminess that becomes powdery as it settles on the skin. The blend of different roses make this fragrance more complex than the note profile would suggest. It has a natural floral sweetness that never feels cloying or heavy. It's a pleasant experience from the initial spray to the gradual fade. Versatile enough for nighttime in warmer weather or any occasion in cooler seasons, Essence No. 1 Rose carries a sensual, almost gender-neutral appeal. Though leaning feminine, its dry rose quality makes it intriguing for men seeking a rose fragrance. The rose is a little dryer and the sweetness much more natural than with more feminine leaning rose fragrances. The projection is strong for the first 2-3 hours, easily reaching well beyong arms reach. After that it settles into a more subtle, intimate aura that lingers for 6-8 hours. The seamless transition from bold to subtle enhances the overall allure of the fragrance. A subtle resemblance to MFK Oud Satin Mood caught my attention, both being creations of Francis Kurkdjian. While not identical, the rose in Essence No. 1 Rose feels like it could have laid the groundwork for Oud Satin Mood, showcasing Kurkdjian's distinctive touch. The presentation is beautiful and classy, with a heavy, high-quality glass bottle featuring a magnetic lid. The simple matte black box complements the fragrance, underscoring its place in the brand's exclusive range. The only downside is the atomizer, which, while good, is comparable to average designer offerings. Despite its discontinuation, Essence No. 1 Rose remains available at some discounters, usually priced between $100-150 CAD. Considering its quality and elegant presentation, it's a worthwhile investment for fragrance enthusiasts.

I’ve been testing this for a week and I can say that this is the most boozy and jammy rose fragrance I have ever smelled. The opening isn’t fresh, it’s like candy rose liquor and within a few seconds the green stem peaks through and there is definitely vanilla and amber in the base. It is exquisite. It’s very unique but that’s what I expected from MFK. I am so in with the entire Essence line, it’s a hidden gem... just about to order Gardenia next!!

Turkish delights in a bottle

For me, very much the Rose that launches a thousand Roses! Nothing superficial about this one. It's deep, sweet, velvet. Though it doesn't do a chameleon number and develops comfortably along linear lines, it's all I've come to expect from Francis. That man is a demi-god! It's is a bit like Lush Rose Jam, which I adore and actually smacks of real not synthetic rose. 10/10 for an honest bunch of roses.