Ormonde Jayne “Four Corners of the Earth” (YouTube) Perfume Review: Montabaco,Tsarina, Nawab of Oud and Qi + Exotic Adventures Fragrance Draw

ormonde jayne Boutique-BondStreet

Ormonde Jayne Boutique, 12 Royal Arcade, Old Bond Street

Alex Law, (aka Masterofstyles on YouTube) the  CaFleureBon's U.K correspondent spends a day with Linda Pilkington, Creative Director  of  one of Britian's most renowned perfumeries, Ormonde Jayne,  at  the Ormonde Jayne boutique on Old Bond Street.

The Four Corners of the Earth ormonde jayne cafleurebon

In this video, Linda speaks of her collection Four Corners of the Earth, travel inspired perfumes …each an adventure in exotic luxury with longtime collaborator Geza Schoen.  Alex reviews  all four fragrances: Montabaco,Tsarina,Nawab of Oud and Qi  are inspired by the rich cultures of Brazil, India, Russia, China respectively.

four corners of the earth ormonde jaync cafleurebon

Thanks to Ormonde Jayne, we have a special treat for one of our readers. Linda Pilkington has put together a coffret of 10ml pens all four fragrances. These are not available for sale and one lucky CaFleureBon reader Worldwide will be eligible to win it.  Please leave a comment about what you enjoyed most about Alex's youtube video review and interview as well as which fragrance(s) from the collection appeals to your adventurous side.  Draw closes November 11, 2013.

Editor's Note: Currently the Four Corners of the Earth collection is not available online, but can be purchased at The Ormonde Jayne Boutiques at Sloane Square and Old Bond Street, as well as Harrods. Stay tuned as 2014 will bring more fragrant journeys as we travel the globe with Linda and Ormonde Jayne. If you missed Linda Pilkerton in CaFleureBon Creative Director's in Perfumery click here.

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 spilled perfume.

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78 comments

  • FearsMice says:

    So interesting that Linda got the idea for this series from reading an article about the BRICs (emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China)! And I like that she doesn’t rely on stereotypical images or ingredients to express her scent vision of these countries. Bonus points to Alex for the Pandora’s box reference, too. I’m most intrigued by Tsarina and Nawab of Oud. Thanks for the wonderful draw.

  • julesinrose says:

    I must admit that I hang on Alex’s every word, as I so enjoy his videos! Love the smart in depth analysis. Love the pop culture references! Grand Theft Auto? Hah! I, too, found it fascinating that Linda was inspired by emerging economies and not culture. Alex’s take on this as English luxury is interesting.

    What a draw! The Montabaco would probably appeal to me the most.

  • RVB says:

    Alex reviews are very refreshing as he succinctly sums up his reaction to each perfume without using the well worn methods.To describe a scent is one of the biggest challenges of a perfume evaluator and Alex is direct and to the point.I feel as if I’m experiencing the perfumes with him.I’ve known about this collection for a while and have read some very positive reviews.I own many of the Ormonde Jayne perfumes and would die to try these.They all sound amazing but I’m particularly curious about Nawab of Oudh as I love Rose in all it’s forms,and Tsarina as I have experience with Russian culture.Thanks for the AMAZING draw!

  • Ceil says:

    I enjoyed hearing about the how the concept for these scents came about and also Alex’s review comments. I liked the idea that they are a modern interpretation of the spirit of these places. I am most interested in Tsarina and Qi. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • shannon says:

    Great review by Alex! I found it interesting as well, that Linda was inspired by an article on economics.

    All four fragrances sound wonderful, but I think that Tsarina appeals the most to me, with Montabaco a very close second! Thank you for the draw.

  • susie frankel says:

    Informative video but I was struck by the size of the chair Alex was sitting in…it reminded me of the scent description of Montabaca….leather, wood, permeating the person in the chair…Huge, like Brazil. The review hit my wish factor…love to try any one of the four.

  • Kate S. says:

    I love the concepts behind this series and Ms. Pilkington’s mention of the importance of emotion in fragrance creations. I’d love to try all but Qi is appealing due to the Osmanthus.

  • Senen Antonio says:

    Alex is consistently eloquent in his reviews and is able to convey the feeling of a fragrance without resorting to cliches — bravo! Tsarina sounds really interesting!

  • AD says:

    I like the Street Fighter reference. That was funny. I’m intrigued to try the Tsarina and Nawab of Oud. Btw, the Old Bond Street store looks really nice.

  • breathesgelatin says:

    My favorite moment of the video was Alex’s line “all the cultural subtlety of the menu screen of Street Fighter 2.” LOL!

    Tsarina is the most appealing to me. Thank you for the draw!

  • Sandi L says:

    Alex, wonderful review. I loved the chair he was setting in. Loved how Linda took current news and in her creativeness conceived an idea for this Four Corner Series. Tow of these appeal to me (adventurous side) Qi and Montabaco. Thanks for the opportunity..

  • Amy K says:

    Can I just say that Linda Pilkington has AMAZING skin? I came away from the video wondering what kind of moisturizer she uses.

    It’s a tough choice, but I think Tsarina appeals to me the most.

  • Melissa says:

    I love these reviews. Alex conveys a clear sense of each fragrance without lengthy note descriptions. The reviews are at once straight forward and eloquent. I don’t know which one I’d like best, but I’m guessing either Tsarina or Nawab of Oud.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    I loved seeing the Ormonde Jayne boutique in the video! The two Ormonde Jayne fragrances I’ve tried, Ta’if and Woman, are both exquisite. Montabaco and Tsarina both sound wonderful. Thanks for the draw!

  • CCC says:

    I like Alex’s style of reviewing a fragrance. Straight, clear and objective.
    It is interesting these fragrances were created with an open mind , avoiding the preset expectations we have about how a certain place should smell. Tsarina would be my first choice but I would love to try all of them.

  • Devon H says:

    Alex’s review was incredibly insightful (aside from his odd habit of his eyes looking to the side constantly, while the camera is trained on him). He seems to effortlessly convey exactly what you need or want to know about a scent without being dramatic or flowery, which I appreciate. I loved his summation of the fragrances being very accurate portrayals of the countries that were their inspiration without dredging up the past or being ridiculously culturally stereotypical (got a chuckle from the Street Fighter reference ;-)). Thanks for the draw!

  • Jackie b says:

    The photos of the Ormonde Jayne shop look beautiful. I enjoyed Alex’s comment that these travel based scents manage to avoid being cliched while capturing the concept of the various countries.
    My adventurous side yearns to go to Russia, but I think I will enjoy Qi the most.

  • Ferris says:

    I love Alex’s on point descriptions of each scent. So succinct and captures the essence of one perfectly. I think Montabaco would be my favorite.

  • Sabine says:

    That was a great review. Loved the way he described the subtlety of the cultural references in the perfumes. I certainly want to try them all, but Nawab of Oud is the most intriguing.

  • Chapeau Clack says:

    Love Alex’s reviews and always anticipate new additions to his channel. He’s got a no-nonsense style that’s very different from my own perfume writing.
    I was quite surprised to find out that Ms. Pilkington drew the inspiration for her Four Corners collection from the emerging economies, that got to be the first in perfumery!
    I’d love to try Tsarina and Nawab of Oud, thanks.

  • Joseph S. says:

    This was a great review. I loved how the scents were described, and the way she was inspired to do them, fragrance truly is a work of art.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    this video reminded me that even perfumers have embraced globalization and using terms now that have been traditionally limited to people in finance industry 🙂 afterall, it was someone at Goldman Sachs who coined BRIC term. My interest is in Nawab of Oud because Ormonde Jayne does quality fragrances and I wonder how she has differentiated her oud fragrance from thousand others in the market

  • Martha says:

    It was interesting to learn that that perfumer was inspired by an article about financial emerging markets. She thought about the markets as more that just their economic wealth and created olfactory pictures of the 4 countries. I’d be interested in Qi because I am least familiar with osmanthus out of the usual flowers used in perfumery.

  • Elia says:

    I liked the synopsis of the scent profiles by Alex. I think I might like Nawab of Oud, with that recommendation of the finest rose.
    ty for the draw

  • Masha says:

    Very nice intereview. I agree with Alex, I’ll go for Tsarina! I also liked how he described using oud in perfumes (in the West) as, “opening Pandora’s box”!

  • RusticDove says:

    Oh how I’d love to visit that beautiful shop! These fragrances sound wonderful and the mini interview and Alex’s review were so interesting. All of the scents are intriguing, but I suppose I’m most drawn to the Oriental, Tsarina.

  • lucasai says:

    What I like in this video review was that Alex Law actually got Linda Pilkington talk about these four perfumes on her own. There’s always something different in the description when it’s done by the person who created them or was responsible for a creative part behind them.

    I’m mostly curious about Tsarina and Montabaco.

    Thanks for the draw.
    Greetings from Poland

  • Connie says:

    I love Alex’s inventive way of describing the fragrances, as well, and was also happy to learn about the inspiration behind them. I’m most drawn to Tsarina.

  • d3m0licion says:

    How cool to see Ormonde Jayne store, also the way Linda describes her fragrances and the inspiration for each of them, Montabaco sounds fantastic and Alex reviews are also really good, love the big chair also! And again I think I would love Montabaco and Nawab Oud, both sound fantastic.

  • Mary K says:

    Alex gives a really good idea of what each of the perfumes is like. I think I’d most like to explore Tsarina.

  • StaceyW says:

    I was aware that Ormonde Jayne were one of the first perfumers to use Oud but didn’t know about black hemlock. That’s a note I haven’t been introduced to yet. I am most intrigued by Tsarina, which is also Alex’s favorite! Thanks for the generous draw.

  • Marcopietro says:

    Very nice rewiew! It’s precise and not fancy, devoid of unnecessary rhetorical inspirations The OJ store is beautiful and it’s in a wonderful location, it will be a must in a future trip in London. Mrs. Pilkington’s reference to emerging economies ie really interesting to me. However all the fragrances sound great.

  • StaceyC says:

    I loved this review. I always love hearing about the inspiration for perfumes from the source. I am amost intrigued by Tsarina, but really all 4 sound amazing. Its making me want to plan another trip to London!

  • Nancy says:

    I had to write a guide to investing in the BRIC countries once that was incredibly dull work, so Linda has made me happy by putting a little magic back in them. I am most interested in Tsarina and Montabaco. What a wonderful draw!

  • Lynne says:

    So Ormonde Jayne was the first to use hemlock and eventually Oud? I loved Alex’s descriptions of the four fragrances. According to his summary I would love Tsarina toe most too.

  • Judy Woodfill says:

    These 4 new perfumes by OJ sound very interesting and the review by Alex was truly enlightening. I look forward to trying them all.

  • Ginny M says:

    I remember that Ormonde Jayne to be one of the first to introduced oud to the Western Market. Tsarina — loved the comparison to a Faberge egg! I’m sure I tried all four at Harrod’s last December, but ended up not “biting” on any one because I couldn’t choose. “Modern purveyor of English luxury.” I can’t think of a better moniker for Linda Pilkington! This quartet would be a marvelous accompaniment to my Discovery Set, which I revisit often. I live in the U.S. and thanks for the generous draw!

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    Lovely review. Although all the perfumes sound wonderful; Qi appeals to me very much. Sounds full of light and movement. I am in the US and thanks for the draw.

  • Mujo says:

    I liked hearing and seeing Linda Pilkerton. She is so classy. The fragrance that pushes all my buttons is Tsarina, but they are all very interesting….

  • Iphigenia says:

    I loved Alex’s review especially his remarks on all four perfumes that represent the modern side of these four countries and their aspirations without recreating their past since they don’t use stereotypical ingredients. Instead they use luxurious and out of the ordinary combinations (the first ones that opened Pandora’s box as Alex says and used oud extensively in their creations).
    Linda’s inspiration from the article about the bric’s economies was indeed ingenious !
    My preference would be Tsarina since I love warm oriental notes in a parfum and Nawab of Oud since it has notes of vanilla
    Last Qi sounds interesting enough for its plain and discreet nature.

  • Ncmyers says:

    I loved the Lara Croft reference and, as always, Alex’s radio-journalist cadence. The perfumes all sound amazing! I’m surprised to say I think Qi sounds the best as I love darker scents. I think it’s the floral tea that makes me happy!

  • Alex Law says:

    Amazing prize this time around so good luck to everyone that entered. Tsarina is definitely my favourite as a vanilla fan and it certainly sounds as though i’m not the only one here. Many thanks!

  • erica says:

    I just love the way Alex describes scents and seeing the Ormonde Jayne shop was wonderful as well.I think I would love to try Alex’s favorite, Tsarina ~ but truthfully I would be honored to try any of these creations and to actually win all of them would be amazing!!Thank you so very much for the chance to win something as special as this.Best Wishes everyone

  • SpenJaver says:

    I can’t imagine how Brazil and Russia scent going to be. I’m very interested.

    India = Oud. This is the must and I’m looking forward to it!

    Thank you!

  • Tama says:

    I am just impressed by Alex’s ability to speak so eloquently on camera! I would be all, “errrr, ummmm, this one is, errrr, ummmm, pretty.” This whole collection sounds amazing, actually. I can’t pick a fave but Tsarina and Montabaco are pulling me. Opposite ends of the perfume spectrum, I know.

  • AubreyZ says:

    Like others– I was surprised to hear that the amazing Mrs. P started the line based on inspiration from an article. Also surprised to hear Qi described as an osmanthus tea drydown. Haven’t tried that one but own and love Tsarina already. Would loooooooove to win this set!

  • Lindaloo says:

    Loved Alex’s descriptions of the 4 scents and his perspective on how these were not stereotypical interpretations of the countries, but modern takes from a purveyor of English luxury. Each scent sounds wonderful, but I would choose Qi at the moment as I would love to experience the osmanthus drydown.
    Thanks for the draw opportunity.

  • Lorraine L says:

    Very interesting to learn where perfumers’ inspiration comes from. Even more interesting that in this case, it was an article that has nothing to do with smell. I’ve been curious about these since they were launched, especially Alex’s favourite Tsarina. I don’t have much luck with Osmanthus but yet, I’m curious about Qi too. Thanks for this amazing draw!

  • escritora says:

    I really like the idea of fragrances-ambassadors, representatives of so different places and different cultures as well.
    I am oud kind of person, so I think Nawab of Oud appeals to me the most. But Montabaco’s notes sound pretty good too.
    Thank you for this draw.

  • claude says:

    I loved the interview – a really great insight into the scents. I think my adventurous side, which is small, likes the sound of Tsarina.

  • Greg Esa says:

    I enjoyed hearing about the concepts and how these scents came to be. I think I’d enjoy Tsarina the most! Thanks.

  • Kathleen says:

    I got a kick out of learning that Linda was inspired to create these fragrances while reading an article about emerging markets. Now all we need to round off the ensemble is Eau de Parfum “L’Economie Globale.” 😉 They all sound luscious; Nawab of Oud is the most tempting.

  • Carlos J Powell says:

    I like how Alex said the fragrances were inspired by exotic locations, but don’t come off too shocking and unwearable in the end. I think my adventurous side would like Montabaco.

  • Brooke says:

    I wish this set was available for sale. It would be a great way to explore the line. Her inspiration for the collection is fascinating.. Tsarina sounds lovely.

  • Laurels says:

    I enjoyed getting to see the perfumery, and hear Linda Pilkington’s take on the perfumes, before hearing Alex’s reviews. It helped to give an impression of the whole experience. Tsarina and Nawab of Oud appeal most to my adventurous side, as I would love to visit Russia and India.

  • Jake says:

    Great material! It was really inspiring to hear how the essence of country and its culture can be transformed into the fragrance! I would love to try Montabaco- as I am now digging tobacco note in perfumes!

  • tomate farcie says:

    “the modern purveyor of English luxuries” – that’s quite a compliment! I’m a big fan of this house. As usual, they all sound lovely. Today Tsarina is calling my name

  • Michelle U says:

    I liked the explanation about the names of every perfume! I think I would love Tsarina.! Thank you

  • Holly F. says:

    Qi sounds amazing, and appeals to my adventurous side. I really enjoyed hearing the descriptions and their cultural inspirations. Thanks so much for the draw!

  • mim says:

    I love all the Ormonde Jayne fragrances I’ve tried– Woman is magical.
    Montabaco appeals to me the most, woody ambery leather…Tsarina also.

    In the video, I like Mrs Plinkington’s descriptions about capturing the DNA of places. Alex’s descriptions of each make each scent sound vividly distinct. Domesticated ambassadorial scents. Thanks for the reviews and draw!

  • Vick G says:

    I think Tsarina would be my fav. It just sounds amazing! Thanks for the draw.

    I liked hearing about how the names of the perfumes were thought of.

  • Barbara says:

    I enjoyed hearing how each perfume came about. Most intrigued by Qi and Tsarina.
    Have to watch Alex’s other videos now!

  • alexander says:

    Very interesting to learn about Linda’s aproach about this collection.Instead of straight forward choosing elements, finding the right ingerdients to describe a picture of the country in cultured manner.After all lux is not about opulence it’s the refinement and exceptional craftmentship

  • MaKo says:

    I like the brief characterization of new collection (verbal and gestures).
    I think Qi would suit me best.
    Thanks.

  • Terene F says:

    I thought it was hilarious how he compared others’ approach to the four corners ideas to having the subtlety of Street Fighter Two. It was definitely a laugh out loud moment. I am most interested in Montabaco. The whole line sounds great though!

  • Omer M. says:

    First things first Alex needs to slow down just a bit when speaking. I have to catch up with what I missed. Although his descriptions of the perfumes are always commendable. What I understood from the video these creations are not just thrown out for consumers to identify the cultural aspect of each one but rather they are subtle in their own periodic times. I am very intrigued to try this line. I have heard a lot of good things but never got the chance to try any.
    I definitely want to try Qi and Nawab of Oudh.
    Thanks
    USA

  • Lizzy says:

    I was intrigued by many of the unique notes Ormond Jayne has begun using in perfumery, such as hemlock (the tree, I’m sure), as well as the conception and launch of the line (from the Orient Express, no less, how exotic!).

    I am most attracted to Tsarina and Qi. I live in the US.

  • Elly says:

    I liked these quotes from the video. “Four ambassadorial, quality-driven perfumes that use historical references as a start point, not an end point.” and “They capture the spirit of each place, without recreating the past.” There are plenty of perfumes out there that are inspired by other countries and historical periods, so what will make them stand out? Tsarina and Qi sound more appealing to me. I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!