Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp Review (Miguel Matos) 2023 + Party in The Garden giveaway

Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp

Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp via the brand

Nymph of the garden where all beauties be,
Beauties which do in excellency pass
His who till death looked in a watery glass,
Or hers whom nak’d the Trojan boy did see;
Sweet garden-nymph, which keeps the cherry-tree
Whose fruit doth far the Hesperian taste surpass,
Most sweet-fair, most fair-sweet, do not, alas,
From coming near those cherries banish me.
For though, full of desire, empty of wit,
Admitted late by your best-gracèd grace,
I caught at one of them, and hungry bit,
Pardon that fault; once more grant me the place;
And I do swear, even by the same delight,
I will but kiss, I never more will bite.
Astrophil and Stella, Sonnet 82, Sir Philip Sidney (1591)

Astrophil & Stella perfumes

Photo of Astrophil & Stella at Esxence 2024 by Amber Jobin©

 One of the Elizabethan England’s most renowned and accomplished tales of unrequited love, Sir Philip Sidney’s Astrophil and Stella is series of Petrarchan sonnets in which the melancholy lover Astrophil worships the star, Stella – a perhaps thinly-veiled roman a clef of Sidney’s undying ardor for his unattainable childhood sweetheart, Lady Rich. Italian perfume brand Astrophil &Stella offers fragrances, which, while not exactly olfactory interpretations of Sidney’s sonnets, share a similar romanticism. One of my favorites from this well-crafted line is Sweet Pulp, from Lisbon-based perfumer Miguel Matos, which is apparently inspired by the “lush gardens” of the palace of Knossos in ancient Greece.

 fresco, Knossos, Heraklion Museum

With images of neoclassical paintings of Arcadian gardens implanted in my head, I expect another summery fig fragrance. Matos has made his name on bold fragrances that are often big and quirky but also disciplined, so I should have figured he would never do a prosaic fig scent. From its name, you might think, as I did, that Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp is likely to be a fruity gourmand. But to label it as such would be inaccurate; while there is plenty of juicy tree fruit to go around – pear, peach, citruses, and fig – this is essentially a chypre, if offbeat. Bergamot spikes the opening, keeping the sweetness of pear in check, while in the base, patchouli and oak moss add some contrasting woodiness and bite. Instead of going full throttle on the gourmand aspects of his main ingredients, Matos teases out their floralcy, so that Sweet Pulp avoids smelling like a fruit cocktail and more like a Williamsburg-dwelling descendant of Jean Patou Colony.

Miguel Matos perfumer

Miguel Matos, photo courtesy of the brand

But what about the fig, I hear you ask. Don’t worry, it’s coming. But only after a bit of delectable misdirection. Sweet Pulp has little surprises, like a fragrant pop-up book.

As I spray it on my wrist, initially I get a fleeting whiff of blackcurrant which soon spreads out into pear and citrus. First, I recognize the bitter sparkle of bergamot. It sticks around longer than usual, due, I think, to the inclusion of petitgrain. The pear swiftly interrupts in the way only pears can; sweet and drippy but green-tinged, slightly underripe. Next up is a tart orange note, then peach. Then, the smell of sapling leaf announces fig. There’s a slight whiff of vanilla bean, then more fig. About ten minutes in, I am picking up different evolutions on each of my wrists despite spritzing them only seconds apart. On my left, Sweet Pulp is just-ripe pear with a slice of green sugar cane; on the right, it’s bitter citrus and pink tea rose in full bloom. These notes play hide-and-seek with each other for a while. Sniffed again, Sweet Pulp smells of green fig; a minute or so later, the bergamot and petitgrain are back but have brought peach with them.

The musical chair game continues. It’s sweet, then not sweet. Bitter and tangy, then sweet again. A citrusy thread weaves around the fig, then the fig around the citrus. The base gives the herbal bite of oak moss its due and the woody notes smooth everything out. And that wonderful pear runs like a rivulet throughout the composition, edging out the fig by drydown.

Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp may not be your usual fig fragrance, but its cheeky take on a summer fruity gourmand is offbeat fun and likable. It may not be the Palace of Knossus, but it might be the party in the garden.

Notes: Pear, peach, blood orange, bergamot, petitgrain, fig, rose, patchouli, oak moss, vanilla, sandalwood, sugar, ambergris.

Lauryn Beer, Senior Editor

I received a sample, my opinions my own

Sweet Pulp Astrophil & Stella

Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp via the brand

Thanks to generosity of Indigo Perfumery, we have a 50 ml parfum for one registered reader in the U.S. To be eligible, please leave a comment describing what strikes you about Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp based on Lauryn’s review. Draw closes 6/19/2024.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @elledebee @indigoperfumery @astrophilstellaperfume @miguelmatosperfumes

Editor-in-Chief Michelyn Camen’s report of Esxence 2024 featuring Astrophil & Stella can be read here.

Karl ‘s essay on In Extremis Enjoy his reviews of  Astrophil & Stella  Nabati and Madame M here

The complete range of Astrophil & Stella is carried at Indigo Perfumery https://indigoperfumery.com/collections/astrophil-stella

This is our Privacy Policy.

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so please “like” ÇaFleureBon and use our blog feed, or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


40 comments

  • cynthmarie says:

    What strikes me is the way Lauryn makes this fragrance dance and move. The idea of going back and forth from sweet to bitter is intriguing. And the name Sweet Pulp is the best! In US.

  • David Furman says:

    Sultry, sweet, and sticky. This sounds gorgeous and juicy also knowing it’s an extrait de parfum is as comforting as its note breakdown. Doesn’t sounds challenging at all but something you would want to reserve for special occasions. I love fragrances that have blood orange in the opening. It’s a reliable brightness and sandalwood is soothing as a base note in alot of great fragrances. Would love to experience firsthand, from Jacksonville, NC.

  • Oooh this sounds delightful!! I love fig, but even more I love this introduction by pear and citrus, playing back and forth. I have never tried anything of Miguel’s, but would have enjoyed both his writing and descriptions of his fragrance art. Would LOVE to try this. Thank you, Lauryn for this sumptuous article and Indigo Perfumery for this generous draw! I live in NH, USA.

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Who doesn’t love a sweet pulp? I love reading on new niche houses, and the inspirations behind their fragrances. Astrophil & Stella take a lot of their inspiration on poems of the romantic era seems like, and I’m not mad about it. Gourmands are my favorite fragrances and even though Lauryn says it’s not fully gourmand but also chypre-style, it’s still a beautiful fragrance regardless. With notes like fig, pear and peach I’m very intrigued as to what it smells like on the skin. Another great review and house to add on my radar. Cheers from the USA.

  • I’m intrigued by the playfulness of the scent from Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp. I like that it went with chypre route instead of the expected fruity gourmand. It sounds like a fun summer scent. From California.

  • phuongmtran says:

    I love the idea of a fragrant pop-up book! Fig is one of my favorite notes, and Sweet Pulp sounds like an amazing olfactory journey that I would love to go on. In the US.

  • I have heard such good things about astrophil & STELLA so I am really happy they are in the USA
    Miguel Matos is a good perfumer and Lauren’s review highlights that sweet pulp is a fig chypre.
    I would like to try it!

  • I am captivated by the evocative review of Astrophil & Stella Sweet Pulp by Miguel Matos. The way the fragrance captures the essence of lush, ancient gardens while weaving a complex and dynamic scent profile is truly mesmerizing. Lauryn Beer’s description vividly brings to life the playful dance of notes in Sweet Pulp, from the initial burst of pear and citrus to the evolving layers of fig, peach, and oak moss. This fragrance seems to embody the spirit of a vibrant garden party, with each note playing a distinct yet harmonious role. The nostalgic references to the romantic sonnets of Sir Philip Sidney add an extra layer of charm, making Sweet Pulp not just a scent but an experience. The intricate blend of fruits, florals, and woody undertones creates a captivating and ever-changing aroma that intrigues and delights. This offbeat yet likable fragrance seems perfect for those who appreciate the unexpected and the beautiful intricacies of nature.

    I Live in Nashville, TN,

  • quirky, and offbeat. I seem to be drawn to the unexpected. Fruity and woody, cheery and citrus. Lovely. Would love to sample this. April from Minnesota USA.

  • I love the description of this fragrance and especially the inspiration of the “lush gardens” in Greece. The fig note seems like a departure from the standard fig fragrances out there. I can’t wait to try this one!
    I am in the USA.

  • Maria Malaveci says:

    That beautiful fresco reminds me of my times spent in Greece and one of the best compliments I’ve received. I was told that I looked like one of the women in the painting. I am intrigued as these scents would remind me of Greece!

  • As a fan of Miguel Matos, this is going on my wishlist immediately. I like the description of pears as sweet, drippy and green-tinged. Thanks for another wonderful review and draw. MI USA

  • jessica.rauch says:

    This sounds just lovely! I love the combination of fruit balanced by the bergamot. The fig seems to be the real star of the show which I love since I’m getting into fig scents. I love the art inspiration. The scent seems to bring you to a different place! – NYC

  • I find it interesting how at the beginning of the review you go into it as a chypre style fragrance, but end it as a summer gourmand. I suppose fragrances with a fig note is more versatile than what I had originally thought

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Great review Lauryn. The caught my attention with this creation. However, the cycling of the notes throughout the journey of this are what has me longing to try this fragrance.
    USA

  • This just sounds perfect. A fruity/juicy chypre that plays hide and seek with the wearer? Seems like magic! Lauryn knows how to keep me interested, what a great read. So cool how she described how the scent shape shifts in that way.

    Hi from NYC!

  • You know I cannot resist a good fig fragrance!! Especially a green fig, a complex fig. And I love a oakmoss Chypre. This has all my notes, except pear. But this might be the one to win me over to pear yes I think so. Also I’ve been wanting an Astrophil and Stella fragrance for so long. So many on my List. So many glowing fans! Maybe I am next!
    Thank you for the chance to win, I am located in California.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    The description here of this scent is a bit like falling in love. The dance of notes in this fragrance, back and forth, are like lovers going from kiss to quarrel and back again. I loved this review as it makes me want to know every facet of this scent. I live in Oregon.

  • I love the quote “Sweet Pulp has little surprises, like a fragrant pop-up book.” And that it’s a “cheeky take on a summer fruity gourmand”. It sounds like a really great fragrance! I love the pear and peach top notes but it sounds so sweet and yummy with the sugar and vanilla in the base. Putting fig in the middle and sandalwood in the base sounds like it really rounds it out in a soft way. The review really has me so curious to smell this one!
    I live in the USA.

  • Kelly Atwood says:

    I love fragrances where the individual notes play hide and seek and I’ve still not tried anything from this house! Very intrigued…

  • Love your Sweet Pulp review, Lauryn!
    You captured Sweet Pulp to a T and it’s not an easy fragrance to describe.
    It’s fun to wear, always keeping you curious as to what’s coming next.

    Astrophil & Stella has been getting a lot of attention and love by our customers.

  • A fruit forward, fig-centric, juicy chypre sounds like a unique twist on a classic. Even though the name is Sweet Pulp, I appreciate the judicious use of the bitter and tangy notes weaving throughout the sweeter elements. Sounds like. great summer scent. MD, USA.

  • WillRhodes says:

    I love that you said Sweet Pulp being a fragrant pop up book, with little surprises along its reading upon the skin. A pulpy fruity delight that presents evolutions along the way. The ripe pear is the party in the garden that I want to attend!

  • I like Lauryns description of the evolution of the perfume being like a pop up book. The notes of peach, fig and blood orange sound speaking. The description of this a a new chypre makes it compelling. Love oakmoss! I live in the US

  • A fragrance pop up book! Well if that isn’t charming and delightful for a fragrance I, personally, don’t know what is. In maryland.

  • Fascinating review and I’ve been a fan of Miguel’s on Fragrantica for a while. I’d love to smell the way this fragrance incorporates some of my favorites (pear, peach, fig) in what sounds like a very surprising and unexpected way. Thanks for the opportunity – I’m in the USA.

  • Ethan Nichols says:

    I absolutely adore fruity chypres and this one sounds just lovely! Great review for what sounds like a great fragrance! US- New Jersey here!

  • As a fan of fig as a fragrance note, chypres, and scents that take you on a journey, I might just have to try Sweet Pulp! I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Love the thought of a musical chairs fragrance, always changing and exciting. I love black currant in fragrance, in fact I sampled maybe 20 fragrances this weekend the two I bought both had black currant. Those notes sound amazing….especially the peach. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • ScentofAbsinthe says:

    This fragrance has drawn so much attention in the comments and reviews, I would be very excited to sample this. As a dedicated reader of Cafleurbon and an amateur perfumer myself, I would love to have a chance to experience the verdant stroll through this luxurious garden of fruit smells, dripping with the nectars of the fig, one of the ubiquitous dessert fruits of the middle east. As a chef, this recalls the roughly chopped fig and date crusts I would make for the vegan cheesecakes at the Plant Craft Kitchen where I worked during the boom in vegan dining.

    I am from the USA, and have not had the pleasure to win a giveaway yet. So, I intend to keep entering these contests until I get lucky! 🙂

  • As a fan of fruity and floral chypre, Sweet Pulp sounds like a wonderful fragrance. I’m intrigued by ever-changing notes that Lauryn described. It’s always a blessing when a blend has multiple evolutions on skin. Best of luck to all. I live in NC,USA.

  • I think most of us all love sweet pulp.
    And from Lauryn’s description its sound amazing – sweety, salty, than woody with oakmoss !
    US, DE

  • madamepeace says:

    Because pear happens to be one of the most intriguing albeit overdone kind of notes, I am very curious how it weaves through this summery and fruit forward chypre. I imagine it’s a very uplifting fragrance that embodies hedonism in a lighthearted rather than mischievous way, especially with that elegant earthiness from the oakmoss. In US.

  • I love a summary fig fragrance, and Matos’s combination of juicy fruit and chypre form sounds like an excellent one, playing up the floral aspect of the materials. Interestingly, the fig doesn’t come in right away; it sounds more like a green core that all the other notes orbit around. Great review, Lauryn.

    Also, Indigo Perfumery stocks some excellent product lines and makes samples available. Give their shop a try.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • I really enjoyed this review all the way but the popular book perfume reference made me laugh and I love it for it’s clear imagery. Whimsical but clear.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    This sounds amazing. Peach seems to be the note for summer 2024.

    Combination of pear, peach, fig & citrus’s sounds awesome and very unique. Throw in patchouli, oak moss & vanilla you have yourself a very interesting fragrance. Would love to get my nose on this one.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Really enjoyed the review by Lauryn. Overall the notes sounds beautifully mixed without being overpoweringly sweet, or as was pointed out by Lauryn, “avoids smelling like a fruit cocktail”. Really interested in the floralcy of this fragrance and how it blend in.
    TX, USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    Sweet Pulp sounds like it holds a lot of wonderful surprises, unveiled as the fragrance opens up, indeed like a pop-up book. I love fragrances with a medley of fruits, especially peach and pear. I am curious to experience the oak moss in the melange of notes.
    I live in the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the lovely writeup Lauryn.

    Enjoyed the description of this fragrance and the way it shifts between sweet, bitter, tangy, herbal and woody.

    Would love to get a nose on this.

    Cheers from WI, USA