Cerise Peonies

First Impressions & Dry Down

Cerise Peonies throws a lot at you right up front. That mandarin and grapefruit are fleeting – more like the memory of citrus zest than actual fruit. Quickly, a medicinal cherry note emerges, think cough syrup with a distinct spicy kick from the pink pepper. The heart is where it deviates from its muse; less refined. The incense is present, but muddled with a harsh tobacco accord – like opening an old ashtray. The saffron, instead of adding that leathery nuance, amplifies the peppery sharpness. As it dries, the oud is undeniably there, though synthetic and screechy, sitting atop a base of slightly plasticky amber and something vaguely resembling worn leather. The drydown lacks the smooth integration of the inspiration.

Is it Worth It?

If Cerise Peonies was a movie character, it'd be the try-hard villain in a direct-to-video action flick – all the menacing posturing but lacking the depth and conviction of the real thing.

Longevity & Projection

I got a solid 5 hours out of Cerise Peonies. The first hour projects strongly, easily filling a room, but then quickly settles to about an arm's length. I wore it to a casual Friday at the office; it was noticed, but I wouldn't recommend it for close encounters. Also tested it during a light workout – the synthetic notes intensified with heat, not a pleasant experience.