Providence Perfume Co. Basil and Bartlett Review (Charna Ethier) 2020 + Botanical is Beautiful Draw

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020

Liza Minelli by David LaChapelle apped by Michelyn

“You and me and rain on the roof,
Caught up in a summer shower.
Drying while it soaks the flowers
Maybe we’ll be caught for hours,
Waiting out the sun.” ~ Rain on the Roof, written by John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful

Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co.

Natural artisan perfumer Charna Ethier (our Rising Star of 2010) continues to move from strength to strength over the years. For some time now Charna has been creating seasonal eau de colognes: Branch & Vine, Lemon Liada, Tangerine Thyme. What distinguishes her summery light-hearted fragrances from anyone else’s is the very personal twist she imparts to this genre – that, and her splendidly quirky partnerings which trumpet to the multitude: Botanical Is Beautiful.

Vincent Van Gogh Orchard in Blossom 1888

Providence Perfume Co. Basil and Bartlett delivers what it promises and much more. Are we in the garden? The orchard? The herb and flower garden in the orchard? For me, speculation is rhetorical; Charna Ethier has composed a cologne with olfactory lyricism. Its soothing effect is one of a sudden summer downpour during peak heat of the season – and the subsequent immediate refreshment which follows. As is frequently the case with her fragrances, Basil and Bartlett defies categorization because it blurs expected boundaries. The aroma remains crisp and tender at once as it juggles floralcy with a juicy but not-overly-sweet pear note and anisic basil.

American Cultural Center Shall we Dance merengue apped MC

This is where Basil and Bartlett fascinates: tendrils intertwine – the verdancy of sweet/tart juicy green intersects with a deeper hue, that licorice-and-tarragon-like herbal tone which basil evokes. It’s unexpected and it works. Basil and jasmine we’ve experienced before; basil and rose as well. Basil and pear, however – perform a brilliant merengue, their upper bodies majestically discreet while hips sway as they turn and twist intricately. Lily and ylang ylang are another tale: spicy, buttery, whispering sotto voce of lurking indole. They’re simply naughty and they toy with rose (who doesn’t?) while the other couple weaves in and out without missing a beat. Despite a fairly short list of notes, the fragrant dance floor feels alive with movement and rhythm. That’s a great deal of activity for an eau de cologne – a classification from which we traditionally have come to expect little in this day of potent, often linear perfumes. There’s not a citrus in sight, either; no one does the unconventional quite like Charna Ethier.

Gardens Rogue 56

I found Providence Perfume Co. Basil and Bartlett thoroughly original and delightful while admitting that the first sniff challenged any preconceptions I held about cologne. It’s so different from anything else available that I’d recommend sampling it first. It may take a little time to become acquainted, so be patient. It’s worth it. Notes: pear blossom, rose, lily, basil, ylang ylang

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

~ Ida Meister, Senior Editor and Natural Perfumery Editor

Providence Perfume Co. Basil and Bartlett Cologne

Thanks to the generosity of Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co. we have a 5m ml rollerball bottle of Basil and Bartlett for one registered reader worldwide. You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please comment upon what appealed to you in Ida’s review and where you live. Do you have a favorite Providence Perfume Co. fragrance? Draw closes 7/21/2020

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