Bastet: Reverance of a Goddess
The spirit of Bastet is a scent that comes from a deep plunge into the mysteries of ancient Egypt, but it also has a very current, vintage essence.
Initial Brainstorming
Civet, Lavender, and a Discovery of Ylang Ylang Bastet's voyage started with a brave mix of civet absolute and lavender. I wanted a base that was both solid and interesting. Then came the Ylang Ylang, which was a lucky addition that really made the piece sing. But not just any ylang-ylang. I was lucky enough to find a portion that smelled like it had the most benzyl acetate in it that I'd ever smelled. It was like Ruh Motia, but much stronger, with a bright, head-buzzing creaminess and floral sweetness that was much stronger than what natural benzyl acetate could give. This amazing ylang-ylang wasn't simply an ingredient; it was a revelation that added a gorgeous, complementary note to the whole scent.
Blue Lotus Accord
Going after the hard-to-find blue lotus The Blue Lotus agreement was a really interesting problem. What does the blue lotus smell like in real life? Is it the sweet smell of Egyptian cassie, the luscious taste of red berries, or the interesting violet color with a hint of candy-like sweetness and an almost alcoholic fizz? Blue lotus is really rare and hard to find, which made me want to imitate its otherworldly beauty. After a lot of trial and error, the magic eventually happened when Green Cognac and Mimosa were added. The green cognac added a refined, slightly fruity, and herbal warmth that went perfectly with the delicate floral notes. The mimosa added a soft, powdery, and slightly sweet floral note that caught that elusive violet whisper and gave the accord a sophisticated depth, making the blue lotus really bloom in the heart of Bastet.
Egyptian Amber Base
The Egyptian Amber agreement is the heart and soul of Bastet, the thing that links it to the ancient Kyphi. This isn't just a mix of resins; it's a story told through scents that have been there for thousands of years in temples and for pharaohs. Think of the warm, resinous hug of sandalwood, the holy whisper of myrrh, and the uplifting, spiritual cloud of frankincense. I also included the deep, balsamic sweetness of poplar bud, the leathery, smoky richness of black styrax, and the sweet, soothing smell of vanilla. The smell of holy sacrifices burning, the feeling of ancient Egyptian ceremonies, and the deep peace of a civilization that has been around for a long time were all carefully chosen for each ingredient. This amber smells great and takes you somewhere else.
Indonesian Vintage Sandalwood Gold
I looked for the best sandalwood I could find to have that very creamy, opulent feel. I found an amazing CO2 distillation that is like liquid gold. This sandalwood is not just any sandalwood; it is proof of the distiller's skill, giving you a fragrant experience that will surprise you. As soon as it hits your skin, you are surrounded with a warm, creamy, and slightly buttery woodiness that feels very smooth and bright. There is a faint echo of cedarwood, and even a delicate gourmand character of candied citrus fruits. Its smoothness is so good that it can stand up to even the best Indian sandalwoods. It's an interesting start that quickly shows how good it displays itself within Bastet
The Wild Beauty of Ethiopian Civet
It was a conscious choice to utilize civet absolute from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), and it was an important part of Bastet's persona. This isn't a fake copy; it's the real thing, gotten from ranched animals in a responsible way that follows tight CITES rules. Even if its first aroma might be rather animalistic and hard for some people to handle, it has earned its place in history as the best perfume ever made. There is no other fragrance that is as complicated as this one, especially when it comes to making perfumes with an old-world charm. This civet isn't just a note for Bastet; it's what holds the whole piece together, from the brilliant opening to the long-lasting dry-down. It adds a very sexual and wild undertone, a primitive warmth that gives it a strong anchor and an attractive, even seductive depth that makes Bastet genuinely unforgettable.
Crok and Alligator Juniper
I wanted to use woods that are really rare in current perfumes and are really special. The first was "Crok" wood, which is also called Crocodile Agarwood (Aetoxylon). The name itself is a great marketing tool, and the smell is just as appealing: an ancient, resinous wood with a hint of smoke that adds a deep, resinous depth that perfectly supports the sandalwood throughout the composition. I also included alligator juniper wood in the "reptile family" concept. The essential oil that went into Bastet came from a 1500-year-old tree that fell down near Sedona. It was a real blessing to get the distiller to share this valuable "juice." It adds a deeply sweet and nuanced woody smell that is far better than a regular cedarwood distillation. This gives Bastet another layer of distinct antiquity.
Best Damn Coffee Absolute Ever Smelled
Coffee absolute is really important to me; thus, it has to be in Bastet. When done right, coffee may add delicious gourmet flavors without overloading the senses. The coffee absolute I got for Bastet is really special. It smells like a rich, well-brewed cup of coffee with its own natural sweetness. Most importantly, it doesn't have the harsh, burnt roast characteristics that I don't like. Think of the best espresso from Naples, Italy. It has a deep, welcoming smell that fills a busy café and makes you feel both relaxed and energized. This is a real absolute, better than any other distillation I've ever seen. It adds a deep, warm, and welcoming gourmand note to Bastet, a hint of indulgence that makes the scent even richer and more memorable. The smell of this coffee makes you want to close your eyes and enjoy every moment.
