Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes is a line of fragrances developed by Dr. Ellen Covey, initially to capture the unique scents of various orchids. Eventually, she expanded the line to include other categories as well. I found myself attracted to the perfumes in her “Scents of Place” collection, each created to evoke a certain part of the world that Dr. Covey has experienced. Three of the fragrances from that collection stood out for me. (Editor's Note: Siam Proun was named Best Fragrance You've Never Heard Of for 2011 by EIC Michelyn Camen)

Strolling through a loamy, sultry patch of forested ground is one of life’s true pleasures. Olympic Rainforest manages to capture the aromas of that forest superbly. I wore it when I took a walk on a foggy, cool day, and the fragrance wafting from my sweater was intoxicating and appropriate to the mood. There is greenery, mulch, mist, and earth, all combined into a wearable, exhilarating fragrance. I could see adding this into my winter fragrance wardrobe easily, and I will relish revisiting it. Olympic Rainforest has medium sillage and average longevity.

Siam Proun, which means “we are sufficient” in Provencal, is a delightful, translucent Oriental scent that blooms into warmth on skin. Perched on a base of soft amber, the fragrance is at once floral, spicy, and a bit herbal. I found it expertly crafted and easy to wear. Although the least evocative to me of the three scents in this review, it is the prettiest. The sillage is average, and the longevity is quite good – I could still smell it on my wrists after a day of work. Amber can be a difficult note for me, often veering into Play-Doh, but the amber Dr. Covey has used exudes warm comfort.

Kingston Ferry is a scent that I found extraordinarily comforting. I found pencil shavings, root beer, wild flowers, the sea – not all of these are actually in the fragrance, but I was reminded of all these things as I sniffed. As my day of wearing this scent progressed, I found myself feeling serene and at peace. A good comfort scent can be quite personal, and I’m not sure how other people would interpret this fragrance, or if they would have a similar reaction. It isn’t pretty, per se, like Siam Proun, or bracing, like Olympic Rainforest, but it is unique and has a definite personality. I am finding myself wanting to wear it more and more, and the scent haunts me. This is a low-sillage skin scent, with nice longevity.

All in all, the Olympic Orchids line of perfumes is worth exploring, and they have a good, affordable sample program. Please see our reviews of three other scents in the line, and our profile of Dr. Covey.

We have the pleasure of offering one lucky winner a 15 ml. bottle of perfume of their choice of one of these scents I have reviewed, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Ellen Covey and Olympic Orchids Perfumery.  To be eligible, let us know which one calls to you, and why.

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

-Tama Blough, Senior Editor