Hiram Green ULTRA Review (Hiram Green) 2025 + Bette Davis Eyes Giveaway

Hiram Green Perfumes ULTRA

Hiram Green ULTRA courtesy of the Perfumer

 She’ll let you take her home
It whets her appetite
She’ll lay you on a throne
She got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll take a tumble on you
Roll you like you were dice
Until you come out blue
She’s got Bette Davis eyes. “Sung by Kim Carnes, 1981

 

Hiram Green of Hiram Green

Hiram Green in Shanghai for the Notes Shanghai show (emailed to Michelyn©)

Artisanal natural perfumer Hiram Green recently found himself galvanized by the hedonistic aura of the 1980s, and it provided the inspiration for ULTRA, his latest fragrant release. I can appreciate his enthusiasm: the 80s were perhaps the Last Great Hurrah of unbridled sensuality and licentious behavior before it became apparent that the sybaritic pleasures in which we indulged might have lasting repercussions. A goodly measure of naïveté accompanied the clubbing cacophony, no-holds-barred vivacity and youthful vigor during this era: this buoyant spirit was reflected in fashion, music, and its attendant cultural milieu. In Hiram Green ULTRA, this ebullient timbre is masterfully encapsulated in an überfloral sumptuous setting adorned with glints of greenery and resinous tones. Ultra is larger than life – showy, nectarous and divine.

Ultra by Hiram Green

Image courtesy of the brand

To me, the 1980’s conjure up images of bold fashion with big shoulder pads, mullets, catchy synth music and neon hued interiors. The decade had intense energy, confidence and a relentless optimism that inspired me to create ULTRA. At the heart of ULTRA the narcissus shines. Its rich and radiant character brings to life the vibrant spirit of the 1980’s.” ~ perfumer Hiram Green

narcissus perfumes

Image courtesy of the brand

Hiram Green ULTRA bursts out of the bottle like a racehorse at the gate; it’s infectious and spirited from the get-go. This parfum is floral, first and foremost – before one becomes aware of its indolic appeal. Because Hiram spares no expense and sources the finest olfactory materials he can, we commence with a brilliant neroli wed to jasmine and fruity ylang-ylang. It’s dizzying and full-bodied, suffused with a sense of fun. This trio serves to showcase a radiant true narcissus absolute from the Lozère region of France, a costly essence which is rarely employed, and more frequently evoked by utilizing jonquil and other florals to achieve a (hopefully) similar effect. There is no substitution or reconstruction in ULTRA; the nuances of leather, hay, and tobacco which grace this complex substance are joyfully present, along with a delicate verdancy in the top notes. When the perfumer refers to floral nectar, I posit that an accord has been composed to flesh out the honeyed aspects of an array of blossoms; whatever that entails, the result is delicious. As you might anticipate, each of these flowers possesses an animalic facet – and the longer you experience it, you are gently reminded of this characteristic which they share. The deeply resinous base is very lightly smoky (due to the presence of labdanum) and sweet.

Hiram Green new perfume Ultra

 ULTRA was a big hit in Shanghai with men (via email to Michelyn)

Ultra dances. With an increase in movement your body generates more heat, and ULTRA unfolds anew. Blithe and carefree as the disco days, it is a fragrance destined to delight with its upbeat temperament. I am not one to blind buy, for the most part – but in this case I made an exception, because I have yet to smell a Hiram Green perfume which I didn’t love.

Notes: neroli, ylang ylang, narcissus, jasmine, floral nectar, leather, hay, tobacco, labdanum, resins

My review is based upon a flacon of ULTRA which I personally purchased from Indigo Perfumery. My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Ultra Hiram Green perfumes

Courtesy of Indigo Perfumery

Thanks to the generosity of Hiram Green we have a 50 ml. flacon of ULTRA for one registered reader in the EU  OR if you are in the USA, Ann from Indigo Perfumery is offering a 50 m bottle in the USA. .To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what appeals to you about Hiram Green ULTRA based upon Ida’s review, whether you have a favorite Hiram Green fragrance, or 80s song and where you live. Draw close November 1, 2025

Available at www.hiramgreen.com, Indigo Perfumery and Fine stockists

Hiram Green has been the recipient of our ÇaFleureBon Best of Scent (Michelyn) 2020, twice in 2019 (Ida and former Editor Despina, (Michelyn 2018, 2016 and 2014).

Hyde received a 2019 Art  & Olfaction Award  in the Artisan Category

Hiram Green Philtre was Ermano’s Best Natural Perfume of 2024 and a top 10 perfume for MIchelyn in 2024

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48 comments

  • Nuvare Aenra says:

    Ida’s review paints a compelling picture. The use of a true narcissus absolute, with its nuances of leather and hay, is what truly piques my interest. It sounds like a sophisticated, multi-faceted floral rather than a simple one.

    I haven’t had the opportunity to explore Hiram Green’s work yet, but the focus on high-quality naturals in Ultra makes it a compelling starting point.

    The 80s reference is interesting. A song like “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs comes to mind, it has that same complex, bittersweet, and textured quality the perfume seems to possess.

    I am from the EU.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    Thanks for the lovely writeup dear Ida.To be honest, I haven’t tried any Hiram Green fragrances yet but the description of Ultra sounds truly fantastic. I would love an opportunity to try this! I am a sucker for narcissus… Their sweetly indolic aroma is almost intoxicating to me!
    What fascinates me mostly is that the composition is so ultimate floral, it sounds like an intoxicating wave of fresh flowers while there is a rich, balsamic honey sweetness underneath revealing it’s narcotic character. Hope to discover this captivating scent soon. Thank you for the intro to this house and many thanks for this generous giveaway!
    From EU

  • I love all of Hiram Green’s fragrances and own many. This fragrance sounds complex and a bit over the top…..I’m all in. The narcissus is particularly interesting to me. I don’t recall that being a note in any of his current fragrances. The description of floral with some smoky elements is right up my alley.
    I am in the US

  • The true narcissus absolute shines with its leather, hay, and tobacco nuances, evoking the bold, hedonistic 80s vibe that Ida describes so vividly. Haven’t tried Hiram Green yet, but this sounds like a floral powerhouse. Favorite 80s song: “Eyes Without a Face” by Billy Idol. I live in Poland, EU

  • Hiram Green’s creations always feel like pure poetry — natural, emotive, and unforgettable. “Ultra” sounds like a radiant, daring expression of glamour and confidence, perfectly channeling the fearless spirit of Bette Davis. I’d love to experience this cinematic beauty! Thank you for this generous draw. I’m in India and follow both on Instagram.

  • ericwaynebiscuit says:

    What a beautiful review, Ida! Loved the breakdown of the composition and inspiration. I am sooooo curious to smell how Hiram Green approaches the kitschy abandon of the 80’s in his natural perfumery. Would lose my mind to win a bottle, so fingers crossed! My favorite from Hiram so far is absolutely Slowdive, and one of my favorite 80’s songs is Souvenir by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark.

    I’m located in VA in the US.

  • AromaAdventurer says:

    Hiram Green’s commitment to naturals is so impressive. I had the chance to try Hyde a while back, that bold, smoldering birch tar and leather and it completely won me over with its raw power. Reading about ULTRA, I’m fascinated by the shift to a complex floral heart. The idea of a narcotic narcissus paired with those animalic undertones sounds incredibly nuanced.

    If Hyde was the soundtrack to a leather-clad rebellion, then ULTRA, for me, would be something like “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. It’s got that addictive, hypnotic pull and a cool, almost dangerous elegance underneath the catchy surface. Really hoping to experience this one next.
    EU based

  • Ida’s review of Hiram Green ULTRA absolutely speaks to my niche-loving heart. As someone who treasures Vetiver for its smoky, contemplative depth, I’m fascinated by how ULTRA flips the script—bold, narcotic, and unapologetically lush. The narcissus note alone sounds like a showstopper, and paired with leather, hay, and tobacco? That’s olfactory drama I live for.

    What really sealed it for me was the 1980s inspiration. Private Dancer by Tina Turner is my favorite track from that era, sensual, introspective, and quietly powerful, just like Vetiver. ULTRA, on the other hand, feels like the fragrance equivalent of a neon-lit power ballad, extravagant, confident, and unforgettable. Ida’s description makes it sound like a scent that doesn’t whisper, it belts. And I’m here for it. Scented regards from NY, USA.

  • narcissus and 80s. sounds very interesting. I love the lightly smokey aspect references and I believe the concoction would be superb!
    USA

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Ultra, a beautiful narcisus perfume! I love floral and feminine perfume! I am from EU

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Look at the color of that juice! Ultra is over-the-top, vivacious, carefree. I love a fragrance that’s daring enough but at the same time refined. A floral fragrance that transforms itself into a sweet and leathery indolic scent at the end it’s truly remarkable. I have gotten to know this house from reading articles here and the materials and way they’re composed really differentiate them from others. Ultra is luxurious, opulent, extravagant and I love it for that. I’m located in the USA and many thanks to Indigo Perfumery for the kind gift away.

  • rachel wiener says:

    Moon Bloom is my favorite tuberose ever and one of the first perfumes I bought when I got into this obsession. I love wearing it on sorry summer evenings. Hiram is incredibly talented and even if I don’t own others I always enjoy trying his work. I grew up in the 80’s and there are so many amazing songs that picking just is nearly impossible. I’ll go with Bryan Ferry Slave to Love, an over the top romantic ballad worthy of 1985.

  • Varun Nangia says:

    You know the 2017 film Atomic Blonde? An absolute beast of a secret agent played to perfection by Charlize Theron, set in the last days before the fall of the Berlin Wall, an absolute banger of a soundtrack? That’s what I’m imagining ULTRA smells like. I don’t know if that’s what it does smell like (and would love to find out) but the way Ida describes the top notes, that’s what I’m imagining.

    In the US.

  • crownroyale47 says:

    First I want to say my favorite song from the 80s is hands down Cruel Summer by Bananarama. As for the review, what really draws me to Hiram Green Ultra is how unapologetically alive it sounds. The review makes it feel like this scent doesn’t just sit on your skin. It performs, moves, and dances. I love the idea of a fragrance that channels the energy of the 80s, not in a dated or loud way, but through confidence, color, and that bold, feel-good spirit that refuses to blend in.
    What stands out to me most is how floral it is described to be but not in a soft, powdery way which is important to me. It comes off as bright and rich with depth and texture. The mix of neroli, jasmine, and ylang-ylang sounds lush and full-bodied, like something that commands space without being heavy-handed. I’m also intrigued by how it seems to shift with heat and movement. I know it’s getting in the cold months but I wonder if it can be worn year round. And the idea that the scent evolves as you do makes it sound dynamic and intimate at the same time.
    Even though I’ve never tried anything from Hiram Green, this one sounds like it could be that perfect balance between vintage character and modern edge. The kind of fragrance that turns a regular day into a statement. Love it. I live in the U.S. – New Jersey and again, Cruel Summer is my favorite 80s song.

  • Big fan of Hiram Green, especially his recent perfume called Tryst. He is the master of honeyed drydown. I would love to have Ultra in my collection, especially after reading this review, with Ida waxing poetic about bright floral notes, narcissus layers and that resinous, slightly smoky base. Perfect perfume for shoulder pads and dancing to my 1980s anthem, Laura Branigan’s Self Control. I am in the USA. Thanks for the draw!

  • I always gravitate towards the tobacco, labdanum, leather, and resinous notes which have me interested here but what I find the most intriguing is the true narcissus absolute from the Lozère region of France that I’m certain I’ve yet to experience in a fragrance. I love discovering new notes to my nose. This sounds like it would make for a lovely fall fragrance. I haven’t had the chance to try any Hiram Green yet. I’ve been to far too many 80’s nights to narrow it down and choose one song. Or even one artist. Depeche Mode, The Cure, Prince. I’m in the USA

  • Kassie Tocko says:

    i loved how vividly it captured the essence of the 1980s — that heady mix of glamour, confidence, and unapologetic excess. the writing itself mirrors the perfume’s energy: lush, expressive, & full of movement. i was especially drawn to how hiram green’s inspiration came alive through the description of narcissus — radiant, sensual, & just a little wild — perfectly embodying the decade’s fearless spirit. it, like always, made me feel the perfume before even smelling it, which is what great fragrance writing should do. i absolutely admire all of these reviews & this one is just another gorgeous example of how writing should be & how it should make the fragrance literally come to life! i am so excited for this draw, as well, for the opportunity to be able to own such a bold & beautiful fragrance! thank you for the gracious opportunity to all that are involved- to indigo perfumery for their generosity so that we are able to be gifted such a beautiful fragrance- & thank you to the brilliant ida for the amazing review! i am in the united states, colorado. :).

  • Thanks for the insightful review! I’ve always been impressed by the composition skills of Hiram Green and the quality of the materials he’s using. Narcissus being one of my favorite notes – it’s so complex and beautiful! -, I would absolutely love to try Ultra!
    Greetings from Germany.

  • Ida’s review absolutely captivates me, particularly the emphasis on the true narcissus absolute from Lozère with its nuances of leather, hay, and tobacco. That authentic floral heart paired with the lightly smoky, resinous base sounds like a fragrance that truly refuses to whisper—it performs. I haven’t yet explored Hiram Green’s work, but this composition sounds like the perfect introduction. The 80s inspiration resonates deeply; there’s something about that era’s unbridled confidence that feels timeless. My favorite 80s song has to be ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ itself—it perfectly captures that sultry, commanding presence the perfume seems to evoke. I’m in the EU.

  • Well you had me at Hiram Green. His work is always top tier but then you add in bold 80s floral. Double check! Then you add in Narcisse? It’s a done deal. I’m betting this’ll be one of my favorites of the year for sure! Hoping to be a lucky duck. Located in California.

  • Besides the amazing notes, what appeals to me from Ida’s review is the description “Ultra dances. With an increase in movement your body generates more heat, and ULTRA unfolds anew. Blithe and carefree as the disco days, it is a fragrance destined to delight with its upbeat temperament.”
    I’m not familiar with Hiram Green perfumes, but am with 80’s and the music from then. I loved everything from Guns N Roses and Queen, especially November Rain and Bohemian Rhapsody.
    Hugs from Croatia, EU.

  • I’m such a big fan of this house! Ida’s review is perfection, I’d be so excited to try this scent, the use of naturals, narcisscus, blended with labdanum and resins is absolutely up my alley! Perfect for the changing temps here in NY.
    I’m located in the US

  • I admire the efforts of artisanal, natural, and independent perfumers who offer us high-quality work (Francesca Bianci, Liz Moores, Antonio Gardoni, Angelo Balamis, for example). I’ve loved Hiram Green’s work ever since I wore Moon Bloom, the best tuberose in the world, without exaggeration! I love narcissus; my favorite is Romanza (Cristiano Canali, Masque Milano). In this article, I like the following excerpt: “each of these flowers possesses an animalic facet – and the longer you experience it, you are gently reminded of this characteristic which they share.” I like flowers when they reveal animalic facets (Rendez-vous by DSH/Medusa by Eliam Puente, for example). My favorite song from the 80s is Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics. I live in France, EU.

  • I’ve tried some of Hiram Green’s fragrances and they’re quite nice, I particularly love the dense, honeyed Slowdive, but also the neroli in Tryst. I don’t have any fragrances with narcissus so I’d love to try it! It’s interesting that Ultra tries to recall the 80s and the dance vibes of that period.
    I’m from Italy, EU

  • Hiram Green ULTRA sounds like an astounding floral, especially for fans of the headily indolic. And the materials are the highlight: “This trio serves to showcase a radiant true narcissus absolute from the Lozère region of France, a costly essence which is rarely employed, and more frequently evoked by utilizing jonquil and ot her florals to achieve a (hopefully) similar effect.” The darker, pungent nuances of this absolute seem like the focal point that balances the honeyed nectar and blossoms, especially when paired with a slightly smoky base. I haven’t tried a Hiram Green fragrance yet, but this would be a great place to start. (Strange Advance’s “World’s Away” is my favorite 80s song—they should be more well known.)

    I’m in the USA.

  • Hiram Green Slowdive is my favorite. He’s so talented and I would love to try ULTRA as I am a fan of big floral perfumes.
    EU
    My favorite 80s song is Karma Chameleon Boy George

  • Never tried anything by Hiram Green, but I do know that this house has some hit creations which found great appreciation amongst the connoisseurs, so I am expecting Ultra to deliver. Please count me in! Thanks! EU

  • An überfloral sumptuous setting adorned with glints of greenery and resinous tones…
    It bursts out of the bottle like a racehorse at the gate; it’s infectious and spirited from the get-go…
    Blithe and carefree as the disco days, it is a fragrance destined to delight with its upbeat temperament….
    It is larger than life – showy, nectarous and divine…

    Moon Bloom is my favorite from Hiram Green.

    EU

  • WOW! I’ve been a Hiram Green admirer for some time, with Slowdive being one of my all-time favourites, and every time they come up with a new release it’s bolder and more imaginative than I could have thought. Ultra seems like the pinnacle of that. I love the combination of big, indolic flowers and smoky leather. I’d love to try it, thanks to this generous giveaway.

    Greetings from Spain!

    Celia

  • I love the idea of re-imagining the aura of the 80s as a whole as a hedonistic, bold floral perfume! And to put narcissus at the center of it all – brilliant. My favorite Hiram Green perfume is Slowdive because I adore the complex, rich drydown. ULTRA sounds like it shares some of those qualities, but with the florals amped up to 11! I’d love to try this perfume!

    Hard to pick only one favorite 80s song, but I’ll go with This Must be the Place (Naive Melody) by the Talking Heads because to me it’s the best love song ever written. Perhaps not as loud and bold as the classic image of the 80s, but the 80s had its quieter moments in between parties, too 😉
    Best wishes from NJ, USA!

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’m very interested to try “Ultra” for multiple reasons. I can like things that are nostalgic in relation to the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, and “Ultra” seems like it could be from the 80s and early 90s. I’m very interested to see what its floral, leathery, and resinous aspects are like. I think “Ultra” could be a good way for me to begin familiarizing myself with fragrances from Hiram Green. Please count me in! I live in MD, USA.

  • Great review, Ida. I’m a big fan of Moon Bloom, but don’t own it. Hopefully, that changes soon. I’m not sure how he gets such vibrancy out of naturals.

    I can’t wait to smell Ultra. I love narcissus abs. and narcissus accords, green, minty, indolic, fruity. I would probably just spray this, put on some vaporwave and a YouTube video of an abandon mall.

    I’m in the US.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’m very interested to try “Ultra” for multiple reasons. I can like things that are nostalgic in relation to the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, and “Ultra” seems like it could be from the 80s and early 90s. I’m very interested to see what its floral, leathery, and resinous aspects are like. I think “Ultra” could be a good way for me to begin familiarizing myself with fragrances from Hiram Green. Please count me in! I live in MD, USA. My favorite song from the 1980s is a tie between Sonic Youth’s “Stereo Sanctity” and “The Wonder”.

  • Narcissus is one of my favorite flowers *and* perfumery florals, and Ida’s description of the nuances of the absolute had me absolutely drooling… I also am drawn to the image of animalic facets from numerous flowers coming together into something richer and more impactful than any of them individually. So far my favorites of Hiram’s are the dual carnations, the now-discontinued Vivacious and the newer Philtre — I just can’t bear to choose between them! And the 80s song closest to my heart would have to be Kate Bush’s “Cloudbusting” which always seems to me to be too good to be real. I’m in the USA — thanks to all as always for the opportunity!

  • Oh so fun! Ida’s description is joyous to read. I totally understand Hiram Green’s idea and expression of the 80s in ULTRA. My teen years were in the 80s, so I have a lot of favorite songs from that time. Right now I’ll say my favorite is: “it’s obvious” by the Au Pairs. I am in the US.

  • reyessence89 says:

    The use of true narcissus absolute caught my attention. I loved Tom Ford’s Jonquille de Nuit, but I’m ready to take my narcissus journey to the next level with Ultra. And my favourite Hiram Green scent is Philtre with its carnation note, which by the way, more perfume houses should resurrect. Everybody Wants To Rule The World. Nebraska, USA.

  • Cristina Mariani says:

    This sounds super, as all his fragrances. He is a talented creator and a true artist. My favorite Song from the ‘80s is More than one way to love a woman, by Narada M. Walden
    I am in the EU

  • I’ve been familiar with Mr. Green’s work for some time as a devoted customer of Indigo Perfumery (I had the honor of meeting him there last year), and I own Slowdive, which I’m coincidentally wearing today, Vivacious, and Philtre. When I heard about Ultra, I was almost pushed into blind-buy territory, but you know, finances…
    Ida’s review, as well as other writing I’ve seen on this scent, has me convinced that this narcissus lover will be head over heels for it. “Ultra dances … with its upbeat temperament.” And Ida’s prose sings here, and I’m dancing to “Temptation” by Heaven 17 and singing along with Alphaville’s “Sounds Like a Melody” and it’s the 80s all over again!

  • foreverscents says:

    The 1980s were such a fun decade. It was a vivid and vivacious time. Ultra by Hiram Green replicates those fun moments with its 4 floral notes in the opening. I love that each one can be indolic and animalic. I also love that labdanam is used to add an underlying smokiness to the fragrance. Ultra will be so much fun to wear while dancing around to all the great songs of the 1980s. Little Red Corvette by Prince comes to mind.
    I live in the USA.

  • Ida, the blind buy sounds perfectly worthy. I appreciate this sentence in the review, this complex substance are joyfully present, along with a delicate verdancy in the top notes. I am a fan of Hiram Green and Slowdive is a favorite.

  • Eighties style fragrances for me are unabashedly dramatic and statement making. I think Giorgio, Dior Posion. CK Obsession. Ultra seems to pay homage to this vibrant, larger than life ethos with its medley of narcotic, animalic florals on a smoky leathery base. Sounds like a fun, full-bodied scent. MD, USA

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    What captivated me about Ida’s review of ULTRA is the way it captures the wild glow of the 1980s — that confident, sensual excess wrapped in narcissus, neroli, and honeyed resins. The idea of a floral that moves with heat and rhythm, unfolding like a disco night caught in amber, feels magnetic. Hiram only creates near perfection, and ULTRA sounds like another dazzling proof of that truth.
    I live in the Bay Area, USA.

  • I love that this fragrance dances. The 80’s had some good music. Human League “don’t you want me baby” was a favorite. My local shop recently got Hiram Green, so I haven’t had a chance to explore. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • At first glance the presentation shows it’s focus on nature and it being artisianaly special. The color of this reflects the depth and character of what is to come. Opening up bright with neroli and ylang-ylang is a perfect combo IMO. Jasmine and the floral elements brings the sweetness of nature while balancing through it’s mid. Tobacco, resins, and hay give the dryness and gives a familiar subtly we can all appreciate. Would love to add to my collection. From USA.

  • Hiram Green fragrances are one-of-a-kind, and I am the proud owner of Slowdive and Moon Bloom. I find his work very dense, full-bodied, and opulent, and one can immediately sense the raw materials at play. I can’t think of many fragrances featuring narcissus, and after reading Ida’s fascinating depiction of Ultra, I definitely can’t wait to try his latest potion. Many thanks for this draw. I live in France, the E.U.

  • WeAreScentient says:

    Love Ida’s imagery here 🙂 also jonquil is a fave note of mine especially smoky and resinous base! getting my shoulder pads ready!
    Big fan of Shangri La & weet dreams are made of this.
    Im still bublin in Dublin

  • I’m a huge fan of Hiram Green. My favorite is Arbolé Arbolé. Ultra sounds fantastic with its tobacco and narcissus notes. I liked the lightly smoky description. MI USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the stunning review Ida! Hiram Green ULTRA feels like a heady 80s-inspired floral explosion—narcissus and ylang-ylang open with full brightness, then leather, hay and tobacco edge in to lend structure and sensuality. I loved how the nectarous blooms don’t stay light but evolve into voluptuous depths, giving it boldness without losing sophistication. I’d love to try ULTRA!
    Cheers from WI, USA