Today’s exploration is of Davana Cèdre by a relatively new brand, LilaNur Parfums, which aims to tell the story of India through some of its native ingredients. The discovery set I purchased arrived yesterday and I was impressed by the mostly paper and well thought out packaging, including the vivid complementary colors of the box (each a deliberate choice by the brand as part of the story).

I decided to experience Davana Cèdre by perfumer Honorine Blanc without any preconceptions and look up the full list of notes only after I had made my own observations. I was so sure that it opened with orris, flanked by carrot and, of course, cedar. This prominent, eponymous wood feels like it’s in the form of a finely sanded board—I can sense both the remnant dust and the satin sleekness of the board. This rooty, woody medley is soon followed by a scent akin to unripe fruit; slightly tart, plummy, but not sour. Also not boozy the way I would expect davana to be.

The blend is creamy and smooth in the way of a fine powder. To reinforce this texture, the aroma also rises from the skin in a waft of ground grains, perhaps like oatmeal—a wholesome impression.

The initially slightly green fruit ripens on skin with time. I went to the gym in the late afternoon and found that it ripens even more with heat! At this point there is a faint sweetness and it’s not clear who is providing it, the davana or the cedar.

Davana Cèdre did not change much beyond that for me, so I looked up its description, and was surprised that the orris is apparently all in my head, as is the carrot. However, a root is present by way of angelica, which makes sense as it is fairly bright and woody, complementing the headline ingredients well. Other supporting notes include pink pepper, cassis, and musk. Although pink pepper is one of my favorite ingredients (and notes) in perfumery, I did not pick it up with my nose; nor the cassis. However, I can believe it once I’ve been told.

In the drydown, Davana Cèdre fades into a musky sheen—it feels as though there is something glossy about it before surrendering to the shadows of the hero notes. All in all, I appreciate the duality and simplicity of the presentation, creating an interesting effect by harmonizing two plants.