Deep, dark and mysterious, yet with an addictively fresh edge, Cologne Intense from Jo Malone™ fragrances is inspired by centuries-old rituals and traditions of layering scents, incenses and oils. With the beauty of classic ingredients and the hallmark simplicity of the Jo Malone™ brand, Cologne Intense reinterprets time-honoured ingredients in five distinctively modern fragrances: Oud & Bergamot, Rose Water & Vanilla, Amber & Patchouli, Iris & White Musk and Dark Amber & Ginger Lily.
Working with the Jo Malone Creative Studio, Master Perfumer Christine Nagel created the first four of these intoxicating scents, influenced by the Middle East. “Yes, it’s a bold approach, but I wanted to take such risks to create fragrances with impact, heart and soul. I chose to take potentially opposing ingredients of very high quality to create unexpected yet harmonious fragrances...because when fragrance elicits an emotion, the story begins...”
They are joined by the equally intriguing Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, inspired by the ancient Japanese ceremony of Kohdo - the appreciation of incense and manipulation of moods through the nature of scents. Rich, radiant and redolent of ritual, this fragrance was created by the Jo Malone Creative Studio in collaboration with Andrea Lupo.
THE FRAGRANCES :
OUD & BERGAMOT
A fresh interpretation of the hypnotic scent of oud, derived from the heartwood of the aquilaria tree, embedded with an ink-black, aromatic resin. Smoky and sensuous, it also has a surprising chameleon quality, depending on how it’s partnered. This is a truly modern Oud, reframed and refined with the addition of clean, crisp bergamot and an orange granite accord based on extracts of lemon and orange.
ROSE WATER & VANILLA
A 21st century translation of the traditional Arabian Rose Mokhalat imbued with a contemporary Jo Malone™ note. Sparkling, delicate rose water and soft, comforting vanilla are given an unexpected edge with the bitter orange bite of neroli, overlain with the sweet, floral woodiness of petitgrain.
AMBER & PATCHOULI
A marriage of two very different, opulent scents that melt into a harmonious whole. A special distillation process creates a patchouli note with a supple, suede-like finish. Here, it forms a rich union with amber to create a seductive spicy, woody fragrance.
IRIS & WHITE MUSK
Born out of a desire to create a fragrance around the iris root – one of the most expensive ingredients in perfumery - this is a fascinating fragrance of beautifully controlled contrasts. The precious iris root imparts a powdery airiness, which forms the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, animalic smell of musk. A floral flourish from the Casablanca lily deftly draws together the duality of textures.
DARK AMBER & GINDER LILY
Originally used as a perfume in ancient times, black cardamom is aromatic and smoky in nature with an air of clean sensuality. As a base for incense, kyara wood is prized for its richness and rarity, with a resinous, relaxing aura appropriate for meditation. A dark and exotic blend that embodies the essence of twilight.