Escentric 03 is a tribute to the more familiar side of vetiver : its dark, slightly exotic woodiness. The fragrance opens with a burst of freshness – the ginger root is joined by top notes – green peppercorn and Mexican lime. The heart of orris is surrounded by Egyptian jasmine and soft teanotes. Then, at the base of the fragrance, the slightly bitter notes of vetiver are smoothed by rich amber shades of sandalwood, cedar, leather and musk. The overall impression is spicy but fresh with warm balsamic undertones, like a traditional chypre. It’s sensuous without sweetness, which is something of a Schoen signature. And, because he also excels at unexpected associations, you may even detect a fugitive tang of ginger ale.