Neil Morris Rose Afire ~New Fragrance Review + Smoldering Rose Draw

Photo by Bored panda©

When, with moss and honey

She tips her bending brier,

And half unfolds her glowing heart,

She sets the world on fire.”  – Christina Rossetti – “The Rose”

Neil Morris of Neil Morris Fragrances

Neil Morris Rose Afire, redefines my notion of the ideal rose, unsettling expectations and setting my world of scent on fire! Neil Morris, one of America’s first, most respected and beloved artisan perfumers, has been designing fragrances for over thirty years (and blending essential oils as far back as the 1960s). In 2003 he launched his first retail line in New York City. Neil Morris and his beautiful, carefully crafted fragrances have long been favorites here at CaFleureBon (including his collaboration with Michelyn on Vision in White and his homage to  Sr. Editor Ida Meister Le Parfum d’Ida). Who but Neil Morris could create the most unique and swoon worthy rose I’ve experienced in years! (Note: Many of Neil’s long time fans will remember the delectable berries, vanilla and fruity liquor of his 2007 Afire fragrance. The new Rose Afire is a completely different perfume, related to the first in name only).

Kirilian©

Neil Morris Rose Afire opens with a wisp and a haze of smoky, tarred cade suffused with the brisk, clear wetness of wild roses. My first impressions seem contradictory, as the fire consumes moisture and the dry, burning juniper cade is dampened with heavy dew. In Rose Afire the opposites play off of each other, attract and compliment, creating, from the beginning, an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The blazing wet roses wear on my skin like cool fire.  For two hours and more a Kirlian aura of scent surrounds me, radiating halos of deep blue and glowing purple, smoldering with an almost spiritual intensity.  But despite the magical flames and the Middle Eastern nod to spice and smoke, Rose Afire is not an incense or a ritual rose. 

Rose from Gail’s garden©

As the smoke begins to clear, the initial surreal flare of cade and wet wild roses broadens and blossoms into the full-bodied, fruity scents of the big fragrant hybrid teas and damasks that grace our formal and cottage gardens all summer long.  At the heart, Neil Morris Rose Afire simmers rich with rose, caramel, cinnamon and the warmth of vanillac oak. A hint of pumpkin plumps the flower as the blossom emerges from the fire – a full-blown, rosy phoenix rising from ashes. 

Smoke Rose stock photo apped by Michelyn

This larger than life, mythical rose remains unchanged for eight more hours.  The next morning, as Rose Afire flickers and fades, the blowsy roses seem to retreat and hide within the tight simplicity of green rose buds laced with patchouli, apple, sparkling aldehydes and of course, the perpetual flame of the fire-y rose. And now at last “… the fire and the rose are one.” – T. S. Eliot from the poem “Little Gidding”

Notes: Cade, wild rose accord, Damask rose, apple, cinnamon, oak, caramel, Aldehydes, patchouli, pumpkin and Norlimbanol® (a woody aroma molecule from Firmenich).

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Neil Morris for the generous samples of Rose Afire and several of the other beautiful fragrances in his line.  My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

To order Rose Afire (or any of Neil Morris perfumes not listed on the website) simply order ANY Vault perfume/Eau de Parfum/sample at http://neilmorrisfragrances.com/vault.html and in the comment section at checkout, mention that you would like to order Rose Afire.

 

Neil Morris Rose Afire courtesy of Neil

Thanks to Neil Morris Fragrances, we have one 30 ml bottle of Neil Rose Morris Rose Afire for one registered reader worldwide. Please be sure to register. To be eligible let us know what appeals to you about Gail’s review, where you live and your favorite Neil Morris perfume (or one that you would like to try) Draw closes 6/15/2018.

 

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

 

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28 comments

  • Jake smith says:

    Rose afire sounds interesting I love apples and cinnamon in fragrance but rose can be kinda hit and miss with me. A smokey sweet rose definitely sounds like something I may enjoy and they this one is described just sounds elegant and beautiful. I haven’t tried anything from this perfumer to my knowledge but would love to try his creations. As always great article keep up the good work! I am in the USA.

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I’m charmed by Gail’s elaborate description of how this fragrance combines fire and moist into with harmonious results, phrases like “blazing wet roses” and “cool fire” intrigued me enormously.
    I’d also love to try HULA, it sounds like a fantastic summer scent.
    I live in EU (France).
    Thank you!

  • There’s a dark red rose in my Mom’s garden that scorches in the sun. If the sky blesses us with clouds, the blooms last much longer. They exude a fabulous deep rose scent like no other. I would love to try Rose Afire. In the USA, thanks for the opportunity to sniff ♡☆♡

  • Dearest Gail and Michelyn, thank you both from the bottom of my heart for writing and posting such a wonderful review of my new perfume – Rose Afire! Gail, your descriptive writing on such an ethereal topic as scent astounds me! And the imagery you chose, Michelyn, is simply perfect. I am very appreciative!

  • Having enjoyed a sampling of Neil’s perfumes, I love his Burnt Amber and know that his touch with roses is gifted. Gail, you did a wonderful job contrasting wet roses and fire, difficult both to perceive and to write about. Glorious images too, Michelyn. I live in Florida and greatly regret that I cannot grow roses here. But someday I will live where I can …..

  • I find this unusual combination of notes quite peculiar: a rose blended with juniper is not something you often get to see. Gail’s poetic review makes the resistance futile: Rose Afire is a must-sniff.

    I’d love to try at least a few of Neil Morris’s creations, the ones that seem to be very “up my alley” are Ayour and Rose of Kali.

    Thank you for the draw. I live in Russia

  • NiceVULady says:

    I’m so happy that you showcased Neil Morris’ Rose Afire. Every one of his fragrances that I own are magical. I’ve never smelled anything that I didn’t like. This seems like another glorious effort on his part. I would soooo love to own this already and Gail’s review is responsible for my yearning. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • perfumelover67 says:

    Beautiful review Gail! The concept of cool and fire takes me to a very cold, snowy night sitting by the fireplace surrounded by lots of fresh cut red rose bouquets still covered by dew. The smoke and warmth of the chimney dancing around and the comfort of a hot cup of apple cider. All those intoxicating aromas creating a mysterious, delicious and embracing feeling where you would like to stay forever. 

    I have never tried any perfume from Neil Morris, but I would love to try his creations, especially Afire. I am in the USA. Thanks for the draw. 

  • This rose sounds exciting. I am most interested in Gail’s “clear wetness of wild roses” line. I live in the US and would love to try Rose Afire.

  • I’ve never tried anything from Neil Morris yet, but after Gail’s great review and beautiful words, i would definitely love to test this juice. Cinnamon and wild rose accord mix must be gorgeous. Thanks for this amazing draw, i live in the EU.

  • laureneboucher says:

    I am very interested in this “larger than life, mythical rose” fragrance. Such an intriguing description. I have tried anything from Neil Morris before but the 2007 Afire does sound appealing to me. I live in New Hampshire. Thank you for the draw!

  • I have never tried any of Neil Morris fragrance, but many of those sounds really interesting. Rose Afire sounds wonderfully, however I do not like Aldehydes. But the rest of the notes are sounds very nicely. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Southernboy says:

    When looking a rose fragrance, I might not be that interested. But when looking the notes of this fragrance it draws with the apple, cinnamon, oak accord with different mixes of roses. Looking forward to getting on this. Thank you for the chance to win .Live in the US.

  • Lori Laws says:

    Rose Afire sounds incredible and it’s longevity is a plus! The apple and cinnamon notes paired with the rose intrigue me. I haven’t tried anything from Neil Morris, but I am familiar with his work thanks to Cafleurebon. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • Dark Season sounds nice as well, but as a rose lover, Rose Afire sounds like something I could go head over heels for. I’ve never even heard of the brand, so glad I read this. I’ve been on the hunt for a new rose fragrance to love, and been disappointed by many, to be honest. I would love a chance to win! Thank you to everyone who has made this giveaway a possibility! I’m in the USA (TN).

  • Great review Gail! Smoke and rose together sounds incredible! I haven’t had the pleasure of sampling any of Mr.Morris’s fragrances, but would love to try Rose Afire!! I’m located in the U.S.A.

  • I enjoyed this review and the fragrance sounds wonderful. I love aldehydes and the addition of Apple and cinnamon to a rose fragrance sounds interesting. Although I haven’t had opportunity to try any of Neil Morris’ scents, coming from Arizona Earth Tones Number 2 Desert Wind interests he very much. I am in the US. Thank you all for the chance!

  • Monica Beaton says:

    Gail had me at Christina Rossetti – “The Rose”. Turning a rose fragrance on it’s head and making it modern and new – Neil Morris never fails to impress. Gail’s review captures the essence of smoky sweetness that is sure to intrigue.

  • doveskylark says:

    How interesting that there are cinnamon and pumpkin notes in Rose Afire. I am very interested in trying this fragrance. I love Neil Morris’ Gardenia for Men–he captures so much of the flower-the stem, the leaves, the flower itself, and the fragrance unfolds over the course of the day. I am a big fan!
    I live in the USA.

  • hotlanta linda says:

    Gail has the art of description down pat!! I need to try Mr. Morris`s scents, and this would be a grand start! We live in the USA. Thank you!! 🙂

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I love rose fragrances. I have about 20 rose bushes in my yard all thanks to my rose loving daughter. Most appealing is how long the fragrance lasts. A larger than life mythical rose sounds magical. I’d love to try. Not familiar wit this line at all, am going directly to the website after I push submit. I’d love to try his Vision in White since it’s dedicated to Ida. Lucky lady! I live in the US.

  • I am swooning at the description of this perfume! I love rose fragrances. But the added notes of things like apple caramel, cinnamon AND patchouli? OMG, this sounds incredible! I’ve never tried anything from this fragrance house. I am gong to try to snag a sample of this one. It sounds amazing!
    I live in the US.

  • Would like to try this Fragrance. Sounds like a great rose and interesting
    First time hearing of this House. Thanks
    U.S

  • jeremyn87 says:

    im in the US.
    Would love to try this. I’m a huge fan of rose, and smoky notes. I can go either way on gourmand notes, but theyre sometimes heavenly when paired with other notes i like.
    I havent tried any from this house.

  • I hope I am not too late for this draw!
    I like the sound of Rose afire – anything rosy yes please!
    I am in Melbourne Australia 🙂

  • Monica Beaton says:

    Gail had me at Christina Rossetti – “The Rose”. Turning a rose fragrance on it’s head and making it modern and new – Neil Morris never fails to impress. Gail’s review captures the essence of smoky sweetness that is sure to intrigue. My favourite Neil Norris fragrance is Intimate Vanilla. I live in Australia