"A piece of music that breathes on the skin" is how Diptyque describes their new Eau des Sens, and while that might seem like hyperbole from another house, the decades-long run of uniform excellence from the storied Parisian house had us salivating to see how such a description might play out. Simply put, Eau des Sens is a masterpiece, a gorgeously fresh trip into the heart of a bitter orange tree that stuns the senses and induces genuine synesthesia. Like their earlier wonder Philosykos did for the fig tree, Eau des Sens is no mere one-note representation- this is bitter orange from ground to tree to blossom to fruit, with additional notes- juniper, angelica, patchouli- carefully chosen and applied to enhance every aspect of the composition, presenting a delicately floral, sweetly bright fragrance that sings with unexpected woody and spicy facets.
Every new release from Diptyque is cause for celebration. But even by those lofty standards, Eau des Sens is in rarefied company. Take a deep breath, and give yourself over.
