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
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.
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.
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
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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