SOTD - January 2021

[120inna55]

Barrister and Mann | Eigengrau
BSB-Ti | HMW Extra Dense
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE

Eigengrau is as-advertised.  It opens with a decidedly accurate icy, clean air essence that's immediately sweetened by iris but on a muted level. It's difficult to ascertain when the frigid air ends and the slightly camphorous fir needle takes over. The cold air narrows the dynamic of the fir in much the same way actual cold air numbs one's olfactories such that there's not much green or woods accompanying the fir needle. It's all grounded in a dry clean earthiness with subtle muskiness.  This fragrance smells like a real place.  It's so frigid in its characteristics, I expect to feel a chilling effect à la Terror, but there is none.  It's quite mysterious in that respect. That said, Eigengrau is in good company with Barrister and Mann's Terror and First Snow. The last element to fall away is the iris, but I hesitate to call this one a floral.  By the nature of the fragrance and the balm medium, I lose track of it after about 90 minutes.