Ormonde Jayne
Ormonde Jayne
82 votes
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
The immediate assault is verdant and spiced—cardamom and coriander spark against skin whilst grass provides a dewy, almost innocent freshness that feels distinctly botanical rather than perfume-like. Within minutes, the spice intensifies, creating a subtle heat that pulls you closer.
Violet emerges with surprising restraint, partnered by Canadian hemlock's resinous coolness, creating a floral-herbaceous sweetness that feels almost medicinal. The composition shifts from "green and spicy" into something more sophisticated and introspective, where each note occupies its own space rather than blending into anonymity.
The oud, cedarwood, and sandalwood form a cohesive woody bed that's neither overly sweet nor austere, with vetiver's dry earthiness and amber's subtle warmth creating a comfortable second skin. The animalic quality becomes more pronounced as time passes, leaving a subtle leather-like dryness that lingers for hours.
Ormonde Elixir presents itself as a deliberately paradoxical composition—green and grassy at its surface, yet unmistakably animalic and woody beneath. This is not a fragrance that whispers; it announces itself with the brittle snap of freshly cut grass and cardamom's warm spice, immediately establishing a herbaceous, almost culinary openness before the darker elements emerge. The violet and Canadian hemlock in the heart create an unexpectedly elegant counterpoint, where hemlock's resinous, slightly medicinal character prevents the violet from becoming powdery or dated. Instead, these florals feel contemporary, almost austere, acting as a restraining force against the fragrance's inherent woodiness.
What distinguishes Ormonde Elixir is how Cambodian oud integrates with the cedarwood and sandalwood rather than dominating them. Rather than the traditional oud-as-centrepiece approach, here it functions as a textural element—animalic and slightly leathery, adding depth without overwhelming. The vetiver anchors everything with dry, mineral earthiness, whilst the amber provides just enough warmth to prevent the composition from becoming cold or austere. Coriander's lingering spice threads throughout, binding the green opening to the woody base with remarkable cohesion.
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Ormonde Jayne
4.3/5 (150)