Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert (Mandy Aftel) 2021 + The Voice of Joy Draw

 

Aftelier Joie de vert review

Photos for Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert via Mandy Aftel

 

 

Over the green and yellow rice-fields
sweep the shadows of the autumn
clouds followed by the swift-chasing
sun.
The bees forget to sip their honey;
drunken with light they foolishly hover
and hum. ~ The Gardener Lxxxiv: Over the Green by Rabindranath Tagore

 

Mandy Aftel

Mandy Aftel in her Aftel Archive of Curious Scents and Museum (photo for CaFleureBon) 

The voice of joy must surely be a green one, if we take award-winning artisanal natural perfumer and author Mandy Aftel and poet Rabindranath Tagore at their word. Joy need not be frivolous – and Mandy’s latest fragrant release Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert (Joy of Green) is a prime example of rapture at its most profound, deeply tinged with mystery and aromatic contradiction.

 

Joie de vert Aftelier Perfumes

Pierre Etienne Theodore Rousseau 1812-1867. “Le Vieux Dormoir du Bas-Breau”, 1836/37 via wiki

It would be far easier to slip into some of the more tried-and-true renditions of happy verdancy: grassy tones, lilting muguet des bois, sticky über-green galbanum, a breath of hyacinth, conifer, lime. What Mandy has provided embraces the serpentine rather than the familiar – which makes it all the more fascinating and keenly satisfying. For one thing, the perfumer weaves her spell around unusual elements – a 20-year-old anise hyssop, aka licorice mint – and the fruity liquored leatheriness of fire tree essential oil. Hyssop’s greenness is a very sweet, lyrical one; one must imagine licorice as green as a fennel bulb, and as enticing. The features of herbalcy may vary greatly – and this hue bears no resemblance to basil. Other shades appear and expand upon the theme: the inky, forest floor depths of oakmoss; coriander seed’s resplendent, brilliant spice; the fleshy, crisp pear – each possessing a different palette and contributing layers which represent the earthy, luminous and juicy qualities inherent in a spectrum of green. Contrast these with the dulcet orange blossom and bigarade heart, underscored with styrax’s woody vanillic tone (which is further complicated by an animalic bent, elegant and balsamic) – and the olfactory experience is multi-tiered and exquisite.

 

Pierre Etienne Theodore Rousseau The Edge of The Forest Setting Sun via wiki

Mandy Aftel’s joy is not a violin, it is a cello. To me, the experience is akin to being lured into the forest initially by the song of the woodthrush, only to discover that it has flown and now you are being serenaded by the owl as daylight retires. The mood has altered entirely and you have traveled extensively in a brief period of time. There is a sense of union and communion with the natural forces in which you find yourself, a oneness which is perhaps the greatest embodiment of joy.

Notes: anise hyssop, oakmoss, fire tree, orange flower, pear, styrax, bitter orange, coriander

Sample kindly provided by the perfumer – many thanks!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Art Director: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Joie de Vert by Aftelier Perfumes

Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert

 Thanks to the generosity of perfumer Mandy Aftel, we have one 2ml mini-flacon of Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert for one registered reader  worldwide with exception of Italy and Spain. The draw is for registered readers only, so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible please let us know what you thought of Ida’s review, and your favorite Aftelier Perfume.  Draw close 12/7/2021

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29 comments

  • hobgadling says:

    Joy need not be frivolous! A phrase to live by. Wonderfully written review, vivid imagery. I’ve not had the pleasure of smelling an Aftelier creation, but Cuir Gardenia is at the top of my list.

    Thanks!
    Michael Sepulveda

  • rachelng says:

    Ida! ❤️ Thank you for a gorgeous review of Many Aftel’s Joie de Vert! What a perfect fragrance to come back to after a holiday break!
    I love the idea that this fragrance is a rare “cello” expression of the voice of green. Green fragrances can be so bright, airy, and lately sugary sweet, that the complexity of Mandy Aftel’s work is so very attractive. One of my all-time favorite scents is Aftelier’s Antique Ambergris (not for everyone, but it reminds me of my grandparents & is extraordinary beautiful). Thank you for this amazing opportunity! ❤️

  • Kevin Pedrazs says:

    To me Joy is the smell of forest and green, because it reminds me of my childhood. I enjoyed Ida´s review because she captured the scent in a way that i have not smelled it yet, but I kinda know where it goes and it looks amazing. Would love to try it, haven`t smell anything from Aftelier yet. I am in the U.S.

  • rachel says:

    I completely agree with Ida that feeling oneness with natural world is the highest form of Joy! What a lyrical and transportive review. I have never smelled anise Hyssop in a fragrance but I am familiar with it in gardens of my past, I often used it to make a tea that is very refreshing. I have read Mandys book, Essence and Alchemy but have yet to try one of her creations. From Brooklyn, NY

  • alleycat says:

    I have yet to try Aftelier, but I like how this one was described as a green licorice. Sounds great! I’ve been meaning to try more herbal scents.

  • crichmond says:

    Ida’s review was a melodic trip through a lush green forest full of delight. I was certainly lured in. I find all of Mandy’s masterpieces full of mystery that delights the olfactory senses. To pick a favorite is so difficult and there are still so many I dream to marvel in. I’d say her chocolate saffron body oil is sinful but my current utmost pleasure is oud louban. Memento Mori, vanilla smoke, forest bathing, violet ambrosia and parfum prive are all on my bucket list to adorn.

  • Stefanie says:

    “Mandy Aftel’s joy is not a violin, it is a cello”, what a fabulous and profound line! One of my favorite Aftelier perfumes is Parfum Prive. The first time I smelled it, I was truly moved. I would love to smell this one as it has my favorite notes in.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I loved the comparison of the scent to a cello…and just the idea of this smelling like undergrowth. I’m also drawn to the unconventional green ingredients! I’m a big fan of Mandy Aftel–her recent violet scent is one of my favorite. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Mandy Aftel’s joy is not a violin, it is a cello. To me, the experience is akin to being lured into the forest initially by the song of the woodthrush, only to discover that it has flown and now you are being serenaded by the owl as daylight retires. The mood has altered entirely and you have traveled extensively in a brief period of time. There is a sense of union and communion with the natural forces in which you find yourself, a oneness which is perhaps the greatest embodiment of joy.

    Notes: anise hyssop, oakmoss, fire tree, orange flower, pear, styrax, bitter orange, coriander. A beautiful piece by Ida I am intrigued by the notes especially anise, bitter orange and coriander in particular. A house that I have got no experience with but it is on my radar. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    shades appear and expand upon the theme: the inky, forest floor depths of oakmoss; coriander seed’s resplendent, brilliant spice; the fleshy, crisp pear – each possessing a different palette and contributing layers which represent the earthy, luminous and juicy qualities inherent in a spectrum of green. Contrast these with the dulcet orange blossom and bigarade heart, underscored with styrax’s woody vanillic tone (which is further complicated by an animalic bent, elegant and balsamic) – and the olfactory experience is multi-tiered and exquisite. A beautiful description by Ida I am intrigued by the spicy notes in particular. A house that I have not delved into but I am intrigued by nonetheless. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • sunnlitt says:

    I loved the first sentence of this lovely review–
    “the voice of joy must surely be a green one”

    That is my opinion, also, and I really enjoyed the description of the perfume.
    I do not have a favorite fragrance from Aftelier Perfume.
    Though, I did go to one of their open houses, years ago, and that was a wonderful treat!

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I liked the way Ida showed the “serpentine” aspect of the fragrance, by showing how all the notes would be woven together quite expertly/seamlessly (“For one thing, the perfumer weaves her spell around unusual elements”).

    To my loss, I have never tried an Aftelier, but since ai know the notes I like, from the website, I’m going to begin my Aftelier journey by sampling Amber Tapestry, Vanilla Smoke, Fig and Cepes and Tuberose.

    I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA.

  • Jeremi says:

    I think that it was a fantastic review with lots of interesting details and information. Amber Tapestry is my favorite Aftelier Perfume.

  • Jeremi says:

    I think that it was a fantastic review with lots of interesting details and information. Amber Tapestry is my favorite Aftelier Perfume. I live in Poland, EU.

  • genmartini says:

    The language of birds and the language of scent, one is as mysterious and intriguing as the other.
    ‘And only then this bird stops calling; and the song ends where it began, because its last note will be its first.’ ~ Peter Kingsley
    I love Mandy’s Ancient Resin’s body & hair oil. I love knowing which scents Leonard Cohen was drawn to and enjoyed. Very much enjoying her book, Fragrant.
    Genevieve, scholar and perfume enthusiast

  • drjedi says:

    Serpentine quality of the perfume, celebrating the joy of green in unconventional ways, and celebrating an extended journey in a brief amount of time – all these facets in Ida Meister’s review of Aftelier Perfumes Joie de Vert makes me want to try it. Plus the fact that I have her books and want to try a perfume made by her. I haven’t tried anything by Aftelier Perfumes, yet, so no favorites, yet. Thanks for the review and draw. From USA.

  • GennyLeigh says:

    Mandy is such an innovator perfume maker. I have a small bottle of Cepes and Tuberose and it is probably my most commented on fragrance. Joie de Very sounds like another great composition, As always, there’s an emphasis on the natural world. I appreciate Ida’s comment that she focuses on the serpentine rather than the familiar-always more interesting in my opinion. Always excited to see anise hyssop in a perfume. I’m in MD, USA.

  • Rishabh says:

    Wow what a review!

    I have not smelled any of Atelier Perfumes creations. This fragrance the way it has been described I can get the vibe of the mossy , wet humid forest on a cold morning with smell of the morning dew covered trees. Magical.
    Thank you for this opportunity to win the Bottle, From India

  • little _samples_everywhere says:

    Gorgeous review! I love Cepes and Tuberose, this one sounds up my alley, too.

  • Hayley says:

    I love Ida’s review and I want to be serenaded by an owl! I desperately want to try Mandy Aftel scents and
    It’s difficult being in the U.K. so I
    Will try and see if
    I’m lucky!

  • mcctheone says:

    The mood has altered entirely and you have traveled extensively in a brief period of time. There is a sense of union and communion with the natural forces in which you find yourself, a oneness which is perhaps the greatest embodiment of joy.

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Lovely review Ida! I particularly enjoyed the way she described as not your familiar, tried and true version of a green fragrance, but rather something mysterious and “serpentine”, unusual with the rarely used material of anise hyssop as the central note. I have never heard of hyssop being used in fragrance, so I am very curious to give it a try.

    My favorite Aftelier Perfume is the oh-so-luxurious and altogether gorgeously and unmistakably natural Parfum Prive! I live in the US.

  • wandering_nose says:

    Ida’s review is very uplifting, bringing to mind the ultimate unity between human beings and the nature that we were born from and that we are and will always be part of. Although we tend to surround ourselves with walls and screens, it’s so vital not to lose the connection with the natural world as that is the only world which can bring us true joy and peace. Thank you from the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • Brian says:

    I would love to try a fragrance release from perfumer Mandy Aftel-I still haven’t tried one yet. It seems like Mandy Aftel uses high-quality ingredients, and I’m very interested to see what they are like and how a perfumery expert uses them with each other. I truly want to see what the 20-year-old anise hyssop is like-I’m under the impression that it is interesting, and wonderful enough to be central to the whole thing. I live in MD., U.S.A. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the wonderful review Ida,

    I love how this is a green fragrance that alters your mood and transports you elsewhere – such is the beauty of the color and the smell of greenery.

    It’s also really cool to see how anise and hyssop have been explored to great this wonderful green fragrance.

    I have not had the chance to smell something wrought by the hands of Mandy and I hope to do so soon.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • GenevaX says:

    This sounds beautiful, and I love the description a cello rather than violin joy. A twilight rendition of green piques my curiosity. I’m in the US.