Tom's Tomatoes by Pat Choffrut

One of the great things I’ve noticed as I’ve tried more and more fragrances is how my notion of what is refreshing has evolved. I have definitely changed in my estimation of that which makes me feel energized and less dreary especially during the warmer months of the year. One of my most recent discoveries which supply both boost and relief is the smell of tomato leaf. I knew Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co. was working on a new tomato leaf fragrance and when I visited with her last month she gave me a preview sample of this fragrance Branch & Vine. After having worn it through a streak of consecutive 90-plus degree days I’ve come to appreciate how mentally therapeutic it can be to be surrounded by the smell of a tomato garden.

Ms. Ethier has really entered an exciting phase of her development as a perfumer as she really begins to experiment with the full palette available to her as a natural perfumer. Last year’s Moss Gown is an example of this unfolding aesthetic. Branch & Vine is the next point along an upward trending line. For Branch & Vine Ms. Ethier is really looking to see what accords can be achieved by combining a number of natural ingredients. This is most evident in the heart of Branch & Vine where she required a specific kind of green quality and she eventually would combine a group of naturals to make what she has dubbed a “muguet leaf accord”. It is this kind of persistence to find the right combination to achieve the right effect which always makes me look forward to Ms. Ethier’s creations.

Tomato Plants by Robert Colquhoun

Branch & Vine starts with a mix of sunflower essence and bitter orange. Now when I know these are the components I can easily pick them apart but when I just spray on Branch & Vine my first non-analytical impression is tomato garden. I think the use of the orange adds a bit of lift to keep it from being too vegetal but this is the smell of a tomato garden in mid-summer. Then the beautiful “muguet leaf accord” adds a softly floral tinged green pillow for the tomato leaf to rest upon. Vetiver and fir keep the softer green vibe working and it adds a hint of wood to give the “branch” to go with the “vine” that has come before.

Branch & Vine has average longevity and average sillage.

When I reviewed Mousseline Peche I mentioned how that was a good introduction to Ms. Ethier’s style of perfume making. Branch & Vine is where that introduction leads you to; Ms. Ethier’s continually developing aesthetic which has continued to get better from each new fragrance to the next. Branch & Vine is the next point on that ascendance.

Disclosure: This review was based on a preview sample provided by Providence Perfume Co.

Thanks to Charna Ethier and Providence Perfume Co. we have a one ounce bottle of Branch & Vine to giveaway. This is a US draw only. To be eligible leave comment on your favorite Providence Perfume Co. fragrance or what you find unconventionally refreshing in the summer.  The draw will end July 31, 2013.

We announce the winners only onsite and on our Facebook page, so Like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…..or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

-Mark Behnke, Managing Editor