A symphony of fine-grained burnished woods spin into a smoothly opulent perfume.

There is a new light on the immemorial scent of precious woods with PALISSANDRE D'OR, which arrives in a smoldering palette of burnt sienna, lacquered red and molten gold.

The idea grew from a rosewood tree, also known as Dalbergia sissoo, which has historically been the primary rosewood species of northern India. Another type of rosewood, “palisander,” redolent of intricate carvings and serene Asian groves, provided the path to inspiration. “I can’t make overly figurative fragrances," perfumer Alberto Morillas explains. “To me, a perfume is a melody.”

His 2015 interpretation is a milky light, glowing-through-wood so polished it turns into silk. Abstract yet intensely evocative, PALISSANDRE D’OR expresses the quintessence of Alberto Morillas’ style, defined by the master in three words: “Fluidity, transparency and power.”

In this dazzling olfactory marquetry, crystal-clear ambrette, a natural musk with rose, pear and iris facets, brightens rich inlays of cool spices pink pepper, coriander and nutmeg. As an intense heat of cinnamon rises, the scent opens up its heart to deliver its secret: a rare sandalwood extract from Sri Lanka. Subtly smoky, rose-tinged and creamy, it is made more luscious still by the milky warmth of copahu balm and a silken patchouli extract. The scent of ambrox, an intriguing fusion of warm, clean bark and sun-kissed skin, embeds its delicate motifs wherever it is sprayed.

In addition, a bold trio of cedar essences add structure and texture to the lustrous blend. Clean, bracing Virginian cedar gives it vigor and tempo. The Lapsang Souchong tea facet of Chinese cedar brings subtlety and Alaskan cedar brings a Russian leather smokiness. “It is a ‘monochrome' by its color and its density with a strong signature and very special, bold ingredients,” says Morillas. “But it's still very wearable and full of facets that can resonate differently on different skin.”

AEDES DE VENUSTAS PALISSANDRE D’OR has now been carefully transferred to a precious new vessel: A fluted glass bottle marked by peacock blue accents, a matte black insignia-stamped cap, and a sleek yet weighty design that marks the next chapter in the AEDES DE VENUSTAS story. 

Serene and mystical, PALISSANDRE D’OR is a journey into the quintessence of wood.