Wit and West Caldera Flower (Whitney Swales) 2025 + Whispers of Paradise Giveaway

Wit and West Caldera Flower perfume

Wit and West Caldera Flower Reserve Perfume via the brand

“Caldera Flower is my ode to Panama, inspired by the lush beauty of the Rio Caldera, the river that winds through Baru National Park, and the breathtaking coastline of Bocas del Toro. A lush and spicy floral bouquet with a soft and musky drydown, this fragrance embodies Panama’s rich biodiversity—from its vibrant flora and tropical rainforests, home to unique birds, monkeys, and brightly colored frogs, to its sun-kissed, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters thriving with marine life. As part of the launch, Wit & West Perfumes has partnered with Mother of Corals (motherofcorals.org), a nonprofit dedicated to reef restoration. Through this collaboration, a portion of sales through May will support their conservation efforts, and we’ve also adopted a coral structure named Caldera to help restore and protect these vital underwater habitats.” Quote via Wit & West

Mother of Corals and Wit & West Caldera Flower

Photos, Mother of corals via the brand collage by Sandi

Join me as I explore the newest Reserve Perfume, Wit & West Caldera Flower by the talented perfumer Whitney Swales. Wit & West is a passion-driven business, paying homage to traditional methods of artisan perfumery through both Bespoke Experience (custom designed perfumes) and their process of handcrafting their perfumes and colognes in small batches using 100% all-natural ingredients including custom handmade tinctures and enfleurage Extraits carefully selected, sourced and handmade from raw materials including those from their very own garden. Whitney created Wit & West Caldera Flower from memories of a trip to Panama, in the westernmost province of Chiriquí, where in a small mountain town, the Rio Caldera flows vibrantly and richly in the essence of the tropics.

Whitney Swales, Wit & West Perfumes

Photo Whitney Swales via the brand

As I step into this paradise, the air laden with the bright zest of bergamot, awakening my senses. Sunlight sifts through the canopy, casting moving shadows on the ground, the undergrowth flourishes in intense lushness. The air glimmers and mixes with the ethereal sweetness of neroli, a harmonizing peaceful fusion of floral and citrus gliding on the breeze, inviting me deeper into my landscape surroundings. The aroma of ginger pulls at my curiosity, its spicy depth and richness mixing with the sweet attraction of fragrant blossoms.

Around me, creamy gardenias bloom, exuding a powerful, sweet, silky whisper with green undertones that elicit pure tranquility. Each breath brings a wave of refinement, carried by the warm tropical air, which is Intoxicating and complex. Airy touches of spicy, floral magnolia and sensual ylang-ylang blend seamlessly with the vibrant top notes, cascading like a waterfall of vibrantly scented nectar that invites me under as it flows over me.

Mangroves, Bocos del Tora via the brand.

As I explore further, the warmth of sandalwood emerges, infusing the air with a grounding earthiness. At the same time, the subtle yet transformative, fruity and musky ambrette lingers adding a soft, powdery warmth that makes me feel at home within this fantastic haven. My fragrant journey reveals the gentle sweetness of vanilla weaving through the perfume, seamlessly uniting each note.

Wit & West Caldera Flower

Beach shot Bocas del Toro via the brand.

Panama’s lush aromas surround me, and Caldera Flower in all its beauty seeps into me, each inhalation threading into the recesses of my mind. Wit & West Caldera Flower is a creative shared experience that captures a beautiful memory’s essence and deeply imprints it in my heart, a fragrant moment forever carved in time and fragrance.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Ginger; Mid Notes: Gardenia Absolute, Magnolia, Ylang Ylang; Base Notes: Sandalwood, In-House Tahitian Vanilla Tincture, Ambrette Seed

Sandi Lundberg, Senior Contributor

Disclosure: Wit & West graciously provided a sample for this review; my opinions are mine.

Wit & West Reserve Sample Set La Valse, Gardenia 'Ono, and Caldera Flower

 Wit & West Reserve Sample Set La Valse, Gardenia ‘Ono, and Caldera Flower

Thanks to the generosity of Wit & West, we have a  Reserve Sample Set that currently includes three samples: Gardenia ‘Ono, La Valse, and Caldera Flower. Plus, a $50 digital gift card  to be used for a future purchase for one registered reader in the USA. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Sandi’s review, where you live, and if you have a favorite Wit & West fragrance. Draw closes 3/21/205

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Read Whitney’s Profile in American Perfumery here. Wit & West’s Violetear was in Rachel’s and my Best Of in 2023, read mine here. Read Rachel’s review of Violetear here. Good news Violet tear will be back in May 2025.

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19 comments

  • Fleursfoodie says:

    I enjoyed hearing about how Wit & West’s visit to Panama resulted not only in a gorgeous-sounding, sparkling, spicy, and lactonic Reserve fragrance, but also in the generous sponsorship of the Caldera coral structure. It’s a fragrance with a great story and purpose. I’m based in Virginia.

  • mginsh7 says:

    Sandi’s description of Caldera Flower is enchanting… it sounds invigorating and perfect for spring! Gardenia/magnolia floral notes always capture my attention. Plus, the sandalwood and vanilla in the base as a warm, grounding finish make this sound like a great balance of tropical freshness and creamy depth. I definitely want to explore from Wit & West though I haven’t before and Caldera Flower might just be a new favorite! From NC, USA

  • christaleith says:

    Coming from an island in the Caribbean, rich in its coral features, the partnership with motherofcorals on reef restoration resonates deeply with me. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

  • sherin thomas says:

    Sandi’s description of Caldera Flower is wonder and it is indeed refreshing for summer. The floral notes give a nice touch along with sandalwood and vanilla in the base which give the fragrance much needed lift and warmth as a warm and makes in well rounded. Love to smell this , from PA,USA

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    Wit & West’s dedication to artisanal, all-natural perfumery has long intrigued me, and Sandi’s review of Caldera Flower makes it sound like a lush, tropical escape. The blend of sparkling bergamot, creamy gardenia, and warm sandalwood, along with their in-house Tahitian vanilla tincture, feels like a beautifully textured experience. I’d love to explore this scent alongside Gardenia ‘Ono and La Valse, as I deeply admire their use of traditional methods like enfleurage and handmade tinctures. This sample set would be an incredible way to experience their artistry firsthand! I’m in the USA

  • brentm says:

    I have not tried any from this house, Caldera Flower peaks my interest and I’d love to get my nose on this. USA

  • alleycat says:

    I’ve tried a few from Wit & West, as a fan of all-naturals, and ended up with a (small) bottle of Jasmine Bae Saranae. I enjoy how that one manages to smell clean and modern without modern aroma-chemicals that in large quantities tend to give me a headache. I’m intrigued by the ambrette note in Caldera Flower and how it plays with the florals, along with the ginger. I am from New England, USA.

  • Arian Jamali says:

    Sandi’s portrayal of Caldera Flower is captivating—it sounds refreshing and ideal for spring! I’m always drawn to gardenia and magnolia floral notes, and the combination of sandalwood and vanilla in the base adds a warm, grounding touch. This seems like a perfect blend of tropical brightness and creamy richness. I haven’t explored Wit & West before, but Caldera Flower might just become a new favorite!
    I’m from USA

  • Jenna Park says:

    Wow the description and notes sound beautiful. The bergamot citrus neroli floral grounded with sandalwood and vanilla sound like paradise. It sounds calming and interesting. If that’s the vibe of Panama I need to visit. I love the notes and the vibe of this fragrance. I am so interested in trying this. I’m from USA

  • Annika says:

    Now this sounds like a tropical fragrance. The lush notes of gardenia and ylang ylang combine with sandalwood and vanilla to make a Caribbean beach scent. It’s amazing what Whitney Swales can do with an all natural note palette. Love the story of the Caldera flower. Unfortunately, I’ve not tried any Wit & West scents yet. MD, USA

  • Cynthia says:

    This brand recently came on my radar on Instagram. I like the sound of Caldera Flower. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a perfume being inspired by Panama! I’m in the USA.

  • opalbear says:

    Oh wow I’m so excited to try this!!! Not only do I love this house! LA Rosé is a favorite! But my dad was born and raised in Panama as was his whole side. So as a half Panamanian I am super grateful for your contribution to saving our corals, thank you so much!!! I will tell my papi.
    I am located in USA. Thank you for the giveaway.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the nice writeup! This fragrance really sounds like a vacation!

    I love that the proceeds are going for a good cause.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • CalebZ says:

    I have not tried any Wit & West perfumes, but I love tropical scents that aren’t too fruity and Caldera Flower sounds amazing. Seattle

  • mmerline says:

    A balmy tropical floral that doesn’t smell like a poolside cocktail or sunscreen is an achievement all on its own, and Caldera Flower does so with an unexpectedly rich base. That touch of ambrette is a deft way adding texture to the drydown. Also, the launch collaboration between Wit and West and Mother of Corals is wonderful, and the type of effort I’d love to see from more perfumers.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any Wit & West fragrances, but I’d love to try these three samples. Thanks!

  • carrie_earle says:

    I like when fragrances are developed out of a strong scent memory. Sandi’s review is so vivid I can almost smell the rainforest. Wet freshness, tropical florals, soft sandalwood, and a slight sweetness from the vibrant fruits and vanilla pods. So transportive.

    This is my first time hearing about Wit & West so I haven’t had a chance to choose a favorite, yet.

    Metro Detroit, Michigan – USA

  • amanna says:

    Sandi’s evocative description of Caldera Flower is transportive, bringing me right into the midst of Panama’s lush tropics (something that is oh-so-welcome as the coldness of March drags on further north). I’m a big fan of Wit & West’s fragrances (Hard to pick my favorite but I do love Jasmine Pet Noi!) and love their dedication to using 100% natural materials, including materials they create themselves, and am also glad to see their partnership with Mother of Corals for this launch!
    Best wishes from NJ!

  • foreverscents says:

    I love what Wit & West represents. Their support for Mother of Corals is very inspiring. The floral notes along with the sandalwood and vanilla sound so lush and captivating. I love perfumes that transport the wearer to a gorgeous place. Caldera Flower sounds perfect!
    I live in the USA.

  • David says:

    A picturesque vision of a vacation well needed. The spring time is the perfect opportunity to not only reflect on previous attitudes but to also look forward to the turning over of new leaves. Neroli and bergamot gives that crisp brightness that ventures beyond the predictable lemon and zesty nature we’ve become used to. The seed to sown production is not only progressive it’s an admirable trait that only those with a creative spirit can understand. Would love to sample and broaden my perspective of this ever-changing industry. From North Carolina.