Woody Mood

Bertrand Duchaufour's Woody Mood is a study in contrasts—austere yet sensual, meditative yet worldly. The opening announces itself with a sharp ginger bite tempered by saffron's leathery warmth, whilst bergamot and clary sage provide an aromatic lift that prevents the composition from turning too introspective. What distinguishes this from typical woody orientals is the deft interplay between frankincense's cathedral-like smokiness and the tannins of black tea, creating a dry, cerebral quality that reads almost monastic. The sequoia note—unusual and beautifully rendered—adds a resinous, sun-warmed bark quality that grounds the more ethereal incense elements.

As the fragrance settles, the spikenard introduces an earthy, almost medicinal facet that some will find challenging but which gives Woody Mood its distinctive character. The patchouli here isn't the sweet headshop variety but rather the dry, woody iteration that meshes seamlessly with leather and styrax, the latter adding a dark, balsamic richness without cloying sweetness. The cocoa remains subtle, more an impression of bitter cacao nibs than anything gourmand.