It was in 2006, at an intimate and esoteric Sufi gathering, that I first encountered the Oriscent stall. Tiny vials of rare and exotic scents were arranged with care, each promising an olfactory journey I had only ever imagined through stories and texts. The stall was manned by none other than Ensar himself, and his passion for the artisanal art of perfumery was palpable.
His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering pursuit of excellence struck a chord in me. I have an inner snob, one I rarely reveal, but it silently compels me to seek only the finest in all things. In Ensar, I recognised a kindred spirit—someone driven by the same relentless need for perfection.
Among the treasures displayed was a creation that seemed to stand apart—a 2.5g bottle of Oriscent’s first Himalayan Musk maceration in Mysore sandalwood. Drawn by its rarity and allure, I decided to part with $800 for it, turning dizzy at the large amount of money I had just parted with for a few drops of scent.
Nearly two decades have passed since that moment, and this bottle has matured into one of the world’s oldest musk macerations. Time has worked its magic, transforming the scent into something extraordinary. The initial sharpness of the musk grains has softened, melding seamlessly with the rich, vintage Mysore sandalwood. The result is a fragrance that evokes the softness of cotton wool, its animalic musk notes no longer distinct but deeply integrated into the creamy, woody base. The interplay of these elements creates a scent that is both profound and comforting, a testament to the transformative power of time on such precious ingredients.
In the decanted 1g vial, tiny piece of the original musk grains may still be visible, a physical reminder of the artistry and tradition encapsulated within this rare maceration. Each drop tells a story, not only of the craftsmanship that created it but of the years it has journeyed through, evolving into a perfume that bridges the ephemeral and the eternal. Oriscent’s Himalayan Musk is not just a fragrance; it is a piece of history, a legacy that captures the soul of artisanal perfumery.
The price is for a 1g High Recovery Vial
(The photo depicts the original 3g crystal Oriscent bottle)