Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene – Illustration by The Perfume Magpie

I love fragrances evoke my creativity and imagination. It could be the scent itself, it could be the design of the bottle, or it could be the name of the perfume. Kerosene fragrances, created by John Pegg, definitely stir up something inside me. I must admit that they are not always easy to wear but certainly touch the artistic side of me.

The inwardness of your you by Michael Lightsey

When I received and opened the black sample box, in an instant, I fell for the name Unknown Pleasures. Who wouldn’t? It’s really thought provoking name; negative and positive, fear and anticipation, ecstasy out of chaos, something that is almost ethereal…

When I put it on my skin, I was met by an unexpected pleasure rather than unknown pleasure. I was expecting slightly darkish, dreamy kind of scent, but instead, what I smelt on my wrist was a sunny & cozy café. It was delicious and rich, positively edible.

Unknown Pleasures starts off with tangy and bitter citrus notes; it reminded me of a bitter marmalade with a dash of whisky. There is a slight smokiness, kind of burnt coffee. I assume it’s the Earl Grey tea. It is like walking into a heaving tea room where people are already enjoying their tea & coffee with honey & orange slices. Then, shortly after, a rich, mouth-watering caramel sauce starts to emerge and a hint of vanilla, whispering in the background throughout, starts announcing its full-bodied presence. It’s creamy and luxurious. I am not the world biggest fan of gourmand fragrances, but I adore the way John laces all the notes together and creates this delicious perfume.

On the Hose of Kerosene website, John notes;

“You’re walking down a cold street in Manchester, listening to Joy Division, sipping on a warm cup of London Fog. This fragrance opens with the smooth sweetness of honey with Earl Grey tea, with a zing of lemon. It dries down to a cozy vanilla, soft tonka bean, and waffle cone base sure to make any gourmand lover smile. “

Image borrowed from Flickr

I’m having a slight problem with the image he portrays… No offence to my friends from the Manchester area, but I can’t associate Manchester with somewhat posh Earl Grey tea; It’s more like lager or hard liquor. But never mind. Everyone experiences things differently.  We all see things in an individual way.

I must say that Kerosene fragrances are very individualistic.

The Notes: Earl Grey tea, lemon, bergamot, honeycomb, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla and waffle cone.

Unknown Pleasures is a Unisex perfume and is available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum, $140.

House of Kerosene Website: http://www.houseofkerosene.com/

Disclosure: Review is based on a sample I received from CaFleureBon. Read their review on Unknown Pleasures.

Kerosene – Unknown Pleasures