Nemo me impune lacessit’ – the Order of the Thistle. The defiant motto of Scotland, an ancestral virtue.

Impression:

Chamomile, Bengal Pepper, Honey, Clary Sage, Sea-holly, Marjoram Tea, Myrtle, Rose Absolute, Vetch, Clove Bud, Hart’s Tongue

Fade:

Tuberose, Musk-thistle, Heliotrope, Tormentil, Mahogany, Cocoa Absolute, Tobacco, Meum, Deertongue, Cherrywood

Unashamedly polarizing, Carduus is a blend of jagged leaves, herbal seeds and xeric barks.

Carduus assaults with a potent crash of warm gustatory herbs, tingling seeds and defensive leaves. This dry herbal bouquet prevails over medicinal botanicals, ardent barks and bruised molecules. The resulting effect conjures images of untold ceremony and ritual. The fragrance flirts with tradition; aged herbs and spices blended alchemically.

This romantic brew is woven with bundles of complex flower essences and fermented leaves before revealing sweet confections and pounded roots.

There is unusual buoyancy experienced with Carduus. Starting extremely rich, dense and laced with spices before shedding layers to reveal a veiled and noble incense facet that feels weightless.

Perfumer: Euan McCall