Six Scents Series 2 - No 5 and No 6

No 5 Richard Nicoll - Nicoll No. 17
Notes: Florentine fennel, fennel pollen, exotic black basil, white iris petals, caraway seeds, Tarocco sweet orange, angelica roots, southern magnolia, early summer ivy buds

“The fennel infused scent is a simple, minimalist fragrance from a perfumer who enjoys maximalism. It is a scientific pleasure and a dream project for a botanist. Every single aspect of Florentine fennel as a garden plant and as a slivered delicacy in a summer salad was taken into account: its crisp green character, its sweet anise and sambucca like aspects, the crunchy texture of the opalescent green stalks, the earthiness of the roots, the airiness within its feathery leaves and umbrella shaped flowers. Deceivingly simple, Nicoll No. 17 is natural, fresh and easygoing, as it conceals its complexity behind a simple, wholesome theme. It’s filled with energy and palpitates with joy.” - Rodrigo Flores-Roux

Sure, this one is about fennel, but I think the basil and caraway are also fairly prominent. And while fennel is cool and crisp and green, caraway is more about aromatic warmth. And this scent possesses both aspects. It's not so much fresh and wholesome on my skin but complex and rather sexy. Manly, yes, but I like it too.

No 6 Togal - Whiskey Caramélisé
Notes: mandarin, nutmeg, blackcurrant, apple, dewfruit, hawthorn, sandalwood, musk, patchouli

“Whiskey Caramélisé was inspired by the designer’s memory of a square-ish ambery bottle of whisky. The sleek thickness of the crystal versus the warm transparent caramelized effect of the whisky was the creative idea behind this unique transparent gourmand fragrance. Sweet, yet dynamic, the fragrance begins with green natural vegetal top notes, that announce a floral heart, enriched with patchouli. The drydown is more gourmand, with some floral, fruity, woody and musky facets.” - Alexandra Kosinski

Although I usually love gourmand fragrances, this one doesn't do it for me. The mandarin and other fruits render this scent in a rather pale light, and there's something about it that reminds me of inexpensive men's fragrances - Old Spice without the spice. It's woodsy, floral, and caramel all at the same time, like it's not sure if it wants to be a "fruit-chouli" scent or Light Blue. I've generally liked all the fragrances in the Six Scents line, but this one - the one that sounded like the one I'd like best - disappoints me.

Samples obtained by me from Luckyscent.com