DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto, LOVE, Lemongrass and Dutchess Meadow (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) 2023 + 3 for May Giveaway

 

DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto, LOVE, Lemongrass, Dutchess Meadow by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz

DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto, Dutchess Meadow Heirloom Elixir no. 29, LOVE, Lemongrass, and Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz collage by Michelyn

 Im wunderschönen Monat Mai

Als alle Knospen sprangen,

Da ist in meinem Herzen

Die Liebe aufgegangen.

In the wondrously beautiful month of May

When all the buds burst into bloom

Love began to burgeon in my heart. ~ Heinrich Heine, poet

Self Portrait of Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz by Dawn© 1990

We are in the midst of the blooming month of May; it seems that the very earth itself is fragrant. It makes the soul somewhat restless; we seek our hearts’ desire. There awakens a longing for fragrances which mirror this fascination with natural loveliness – and few can resist the myriad offerings which award-winning artisan perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz provides. For perfume aficionado neophytes (as well as seasoned scent lovers) her numerous options are daunting – and new ones arrive upon the scene with prodigious regularity. Try as I may, I find it challenging to keep abreast myself – so I’ve chosen three more recent fragrances which I thought you might like to consider. Each has its individual charm and no two are alike, so there’s something here for everyone. Grappa e Bergamotto is one of the new quartet of perfumes which explore the ever-present note of bergamot within audacious aromatic settings; LOVE, Lemongrass is unadulterated bottled sunshine with a subtle animalic twist; and Heirloom Elixir no. 29 Dutchess Meadows invites you to experience the landscape of Dawn’s childhood – horses and all. I’ve already purchased 2 out of the three because I love them to the point where I don’t want to go without – and these days I don’t buy anything unless I adore it.

DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto Heirloom no 39 May 2023

DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto {Les Fauves de Bergamotes} collage by Michelyn with Le bonheur de vivre Matisse background 

 The brand-new quartet of fragrances entitled Les Fauves des Bergamotes (this translates to the Beasts of Bergamot!) is an inspired grouping which demonstrates how a ubiquitous citrus may be employed in an adventurous manner. DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto is actually a very modern sparkling green chypre. Dawn has somehow managed to evoke the feisty Italian eau de vie which is created by distilling the remains of winemaking (skins, pulp, seeds and stems): there is a dry, potent wine-and-olive tone which I find bewitching, existing in tandem with the greenest grape. It’s aromatic alchemy – the discreet presence of ozone (ethereal) and damp stone, exquisite yet inobtrusive floral accompaniment anchored by fine aged patchouli (not headshoppy), oakmoss, musk – and mystery. My husband wanted to drink it because he said that it “smelt yummy” – and he didn’t know what grappa is – so there you have it. I may have to spring for some…

DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto notes: aldehydes, bergamot,Tahitian lime, grappa liquor accord, green grape accord, ozone accord, musk rose, star jasmine, jasmine grandiflorum, Tunisian neroli, orris concrete, green oakmoss, East Indian patchouli, musk, wet stone accord

DSH Perfumes Love, Lemongrass

 DSH Perfumes Love, Lemongrass Art by Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz

DSH Perfumes LOVE, Lemongrass (all botanical): It only took one sniff – I swear. There’s a very good chance that you’ll feel the same way I did: fresh, floral, tangy, verdant, honeyed, woody. I am plowing through my flacon, and it isn’t even close to summer yet.  LOVE, Lemongrass is a true tonic for the flagging spirit, a celebratory perfume which is suited to all occasions; it is sophisticated enough to entrance, never stuffy or self-conscious, and a wearable work of art. I know that folks may see litsea cubeba or lemongrass listed, and think: “bug spray” – but nothing could be farther from reality. Its masterful amalgam of varied citrus tones, spicy galangal, and exotic blooms is a joy, complemented by unctuous acacia honey and hay absolute. LOVE, Lemongrass’ base is an elegant one in which French beeswax, ambrette, oakmoss, vetiver attar, fine frankincense, a mere kiss of shadowy labdanum, and the rich balsamic proclivity of Siam (pemou) wood commingle with a touch of benzoin. So smooth; I can’t decide whether I want to drink it or bathe in it.

DSH Perfumes LOVE, Lemongrass notes: lemongrass, may chang/litsea cubeba, Meyer lemon, Tahitian lime, bergamot, galangal, Tunisian neroli,  Spanish orange flower absolute, jasmine grandiflorum, jasmine sambac, Bulgarian rose, aglaia flower, ylang-ylang, acacia honey absolute, hay absolute, ruh khus (vetiver attar), French beeswax, Australian sandalwood, green oakmoss, frankincense co2 absolute, musk, ambrette, labdanum, Siam benzoin, Siam wood

 

DSH Perfumes Dutchess Meadow

DSH Perfumes Dutchess Meadows courtesy of the perfumer

 DSH Perfumes Dutchess Meadows {a new mown hay perfume; Heirloom Elixir no.29}: Dawn Spencer Hurwitz grew up in Dutchess County in upstate New York, and Dutchess Meadows is an homage to the bucolic charms of its farmlands in springtime. I smile to myself when she notes that the odors associated with cow and horse manure “aren’t for everyone” – because I’ve always enjoyed them immensely – but they aren’t the be-all and end-all of Dutchess Meadows’ attributes This choice heirloom elixir embraces the meadow in its entirety, and it is picture-perfect. Dawn gives us the honey provided by swarms of obliging bees; herb, grass, clover, violet leaf, and hay partnered with the coumarinic comeliness of liatrix (aka deertongue, it is simply wonderful in fougères and ambery perfumes). Lavender appears, then yields to rose, jasmine and neroli for an ebulliently floral initial fanfare. It’s exhilarating. THEN come the grazing pastures and barn/stable nuances – without which this scene would lack authenticity. Labdanum has a stronger presence here (I love labdanum with vetiver), and the inclusion of oud Crassna (an aged Cambodian oud which is renowned for its evocation of the barnyard) is a real coup. Castoreum has an animalic visage as well; there is a certain sweetness to it which is appealing; sandalwood soothes and smooths. Dutchess Meadows’ drydown is really lovely, hours into the scent: dulcetly leathery and slightly sweet. What commenced as brilliantly floral and animalic has become a pastoral lullaby.

Dutchess Meadows notes: bergamot, clary sage, clover leaf, green clover blossoms, green grass accord, acacia honey absolute, violet leaf absolute, French lavender, Bulgarian rose absolute, grandiflorum jasmine, Tunisian neroli, coumarin, hay absolute, liatrix, labdanum, leather, horse accord, castoreum, oud Crassna, Australian sandalwood, Brazilian vetiver

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

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

 

Best DSH Perfumes 2023

DSH Perfume 5 ml sample spray DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto, LOVE, Lemongrass, and Dutchess Meadow (Heirloom Elixir no.29) courtesy of the perfumer

Thanks to the generosity of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, we are able to offer THREE 5 ml sample sprays of each for one registered reader, (you must register here) in the CONUS. To be eligible, please leave a comment regarding what appeals to you about Ida’s reviews of: DSH Perfumes Grappa e Bergamotto, LOVE, Lemongrass,  and/or Dutchess Meadows. Is there one you are really excited to try? What is your favorite DSH Perfume? Giveaway closes 5/24/2023

Note: DSH Perfumes ships to the EU and UK (and elsewhere) through the Etsy shop here

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ARTISAN PERFUMERS AND BUY SAMPLES OR BOTTLES. IF YOU HAVE WANTED TO TRY DSH PERFUMES YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM HERE

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18 comments

  • joshuabrian says:

    I’ve wanted to try Dawn’s work for a while now. All 3 of these sound great! If I were to lean towards one in particular, I’d go with Dutchess Meadows. It sounds so lovely. Thanks for the opportunity. From USA

  • kate says:

    love these evocative reviews, and i love DSH perfumes. i am really intrigued by LOVE lemongrass. i love the scent and flavor of it, and the way it’s blended sounds really lovely. the others sound amazing too, but that one caught my eye the most.

    my favorite DSH perfume is erotica, which is in her archives collection, followed by pandora.

  • RonaldProkes17 says:

    These sound like such a lovely cohesive and inspired trio. DSH perfumes have been on my radar for a while. They seem to have a cult following when you get deep into the niche world. I love that all three seem to enhance the feeling of being in nature and work with the smells already present in the countryside instead of some synthetic lab version of a ‘summer fragrance’ But I wouldn’t expect anything less from Dawn. I am also intrigued by the ‘horse accord’ mentioned. I would love to try these and take a dive into DSH.
    California, USA.

  • theo20 says:

    I’ve bought several items from DSH. I still haven’t found anything to top Vanille Botanique, my absolute favorite vanilla.

    I’m never disappointed and love Dawn’s creativity. I can tell she loves what she does. The mere size of her fragrance library is astounding.

    U S.

  • amanna says:

    All three of these sound perfect for May, but if I had to choose just one it would be Dutchess Meadows. Ida’s review makes it sound like a real-deal summer fragrance, horses and all! I enjoy that kind of authenticity in perfume.

    Of the DSH Perfumes I’ve tried, I really enjoy Re-Assess EDP. I think Dawn does wonderful things with evocative green scents!
    Best wishes from the US!

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thanks to Ida for the reviews!

    I’ve been wanting to try LOVE, Lemongrass for a while — I remember reading it was inspired by her desire to create an elevated version of lemongrass essential oil, after meeting many clients who wore it on its own as a perfume. It’s definitely something I’ve tried doing, too — lemongrass is just hard to resist, but of course an essential oil doesn’t deliver the experience a perfume should. It’s great to hear that DSH seems to have been successful in crafting that experience.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I appreciate Ida’s mentioning of the many ingredients which these three fragrances include-I’ve learned a lot about perfumery from reading a lot of Ida’s reviews. I’d like to try all three of these fragrances, but I’m most interested in trying “Love Lemongrass” because I love the scent (and the taste of) lemongrass and L.L. seems like it’s for those who love lemongrass. Also, I appreciate Ida’s mention that it doesn’t smell like bug spray. I haven’t tried anything yet from DSH and I’d love to try a lot of her fragrance releases. I live in MD, U.S.A.

  • Trinity33 says:

    Bergamot really is a ubiquitous fragrance note that doesn’t seem to get celebrated enough. Ida’s descriptions of all three of these DSH fragrances seem to center on a sparkling optimism that is perfect for this time of year. I’m most intrigued by Grappa e Bergamotto because I love chypres. LOVE, Lemongrass sort of frightens me because I do experience the bug spray note of lemongrass, but I do trust Dawn’s skill. Favorite DSH is Chincilla. MD, USA

  • parkinglot magnolia says:

    Dutchess Meadows, although far away in the Northeast takes me to a beloved memory-scape of driving down country roads on an early East Texas summer day… passing by the tomato fields, tall grass glowing in the sun, horses shining below the broad open sky. For this I am most excited for Dutchess Meadows. However as a lover of chypres I can’t wait to get my nose on Grappa e Bergamotto… and oh boy that wet stone note will make me a goner. Finally LOVE lemongrass described as tangy and honeyed with notes of beeswax, honey, hay and oakmoss sounds so much more up my alley than I originally thought. As far as a favorite DSH scent ~ it feels impossible as Dawn is a creator of so many magical potions…currently enjoying Urban Beekeeper, Of the Vespertine, Love is Everything. Other favorites are Eau Cerise, Muresque, Mirabella, Eau de Trianon, Cafe Noir, Starry Nightshade, Azucar Negro, Cigarette Fetiche, Adrenaline and Scorched Earth… so many special ones !

  • rmsssss says:

    I love the complexity and natural inspiration for all of these perfumes! Dawn captures the smell of the outdoors so well. If I had to pick one that sounds the most intriguing, I’d pick Grappa e Bergamotto for its unusual grape and stone notes. My favorite DSH perfume is The Voices of Trees. I’m in MN, USA.

  • JulieeCee says:

    Ida’s descriptions of each fragrance are so vivid, particularly in how different notes affect the fragrance composition. I’m especially interested in LOVE, Lemongrass.
    In Maryland, USA

  • dakota says:

    I am new to Dawn’s work but as a huge bergamot fan I could not be more excited to learn about these fragrances! All three sound like beautiful ways to incorporate it.

    If I had to choose a favorite by these introductions I would say Duchess Meadows, Grappa e Bergamotto closely behind

  • mmerline says:

    Dawn’s prolific output continues to impress, and I like how she focuses so heavily on seasonal releases and small, timely projects. The wine-and-olive tone Ida points out about Grappa e Bergamotto is very intriguing; wine grape perfumes that don’t read as gourmands are a pleasure to wear. And I recall reading about LOVE, Lemongrass, hoping it would be sunny and fun, while avoiding the “bug spray” vibe, which Ida explained shouldn’t be a worry. Plus, that base sounds wonderful. I’m a little more apprehensive of Dutchess Meadows; I love the pastoral smells of hay, field, and flowers, but the animalic notes of the pasture sound more challenging. Still, impressively realized concept. Of the three of these, I’m most excited to try LOVE, Lemongrass. Wasabi Shiso is my favorite DSH perfume, though there are a few close seconds.

    I’m in the midwest, USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    They all sound amazing and I’ve found some reallly special gems in the DSH collection over the years. The green grapes and fiesty notes of Grappa e Bergamotto really sound intriguing, but the Love,Lemongrass is maybe even more my style. Celadon’s green freshness, Cathedral’s photorealistic rock incense, Ceylon’s soft comforting tea, the green grassy herbal zip of Firefly… it’s hard to pick just one favorite from DSH.

  • Torax says:

    Oh boy, Ida always delivers great reviews.
    I have not tried many DSH parfumes yet, but my favorite one so far is Bourbon Vanilla, I found it amazing.
    From the Three perfumes listed, I found Grappa e Bergamotto the most interesting but I would really like to try the 3.
    I think that I would adore Grappa e Bergamotto because of the wine-and-olive tone and also the bergamot with a twist. It surely is amazing. I hope I win this one.
    USA here.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the lovely review Ida. Dawn is as prolific as ever and I hope that there is no end in sight.

    I love how Dawn has taken the theme of spring and run away with it in her own interpretation. In Grappa e Bergamotto, we have the ubiquitous bergamot that plays with green grapes and grappa through interesting notes such as ozone, wet stone and a variety of florals. In LOVE, Lemongrass (somehow all botanical), we have a veritable citrus feast, married to a green khus base through the use of multivarigated florals and in Dutchess Meadows, we have the olfactory diorama of being around cows and horses in spring.

    I’m really excited by Duchess Meadow and Love Lemongrass

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • sav17 says:

    I love all of Dawn’s creations and have enjoyed many of her fragrances. Although I’m not a huge fan of strong bergamot, Grappa e Bergamotto sounds quite intriguing. I love how Ida mentions that it has the discreet presence of ozone and damp stone. Every petrichor-like aroma appeals to me. LOVE, Lemongrass sounds so beautiful for spring and summer. Ida pointed out that it’s very smooth and doesn’t smell anything like “bug spray”, which is good to know (although I knew it wouldn’t since it’s Dawn’s creation). Lemongrass is such an uplifting and soothing note to me, so I am really curious to smell this one. I also love Dawn’s art for LOVE, Lemongrass (the bee is very cute). Dutchess Meadows is the fragrance I am most excited to try. I love hay; it’s one of my favorite notes. Therefore, I try to test any fragrance that features the note. I also agree with Dawn that while the odors associated with cow and horse manure “aren’t for everyone”, I enjoy them as well. They are very nostalgic to me. Ida’s final comment about the scent being a pastoral lullaby definitely makes me want to test this very soon. I love so many DSH fragrances, but my top two are probably Ashram and Je Suis La Lune. Thank you, Ida, for the review, and thank you to Dawn Spencer Hurwitz for the giveaway. I am located in the USA.

  • Caliwas says:

    Beautiful review by Ida of these DSH fragrance gems. The one fragrance that appeals to me is Lemongrass which is very intriguing and sounds simply divine. I actually love the flavor of lemongrass in Asia Thai dishes. Thanks for the special giveaway! Greetings from the USA.