By Kilian Sacred Wood

I reviewed Sacred Wood last year, when I was still really new to my fragrance journey. I tried it again today, and had a different experience of it, so I am re-reviewing. Last year, I said it reminded me of forest fairies, but that it was 'too strong' on my skin. Now, I appreciate longevity and projection in a different way. I still can see the forest fairy comparison (which is a compliment). On first spray, this is a divinely creamy sandalwood. So creamy and milky it's vaguely reminiscent of Milky Musk (which I see others have noticed as well). If you sniff it up close, a citrus emerges (though I don't see that in the notes). This is a really good fragrance― I was shocked there was ever a time where I didn't at least like it. I wore Santal Blush the other day, and definitely noticed similarities― I want to try them side by side for comparison. It also reminds me of a dryer, warmer Tam Dao. They both have an incredible sandalwood, but Tam Dao is a much greener, wetter, fresher sandalwood than this. It also lasts an incredibly long time, which makes me wonder if it might be bottle-worth... TBD

I got a refil bottle because I was looking for somehting similar to Tam Dao EDP that could last longer. Even if the drydown is very similar to Tam Dao, I still prefer Tam Dao. I need to admite that Sacred Wood last much more longer than Td but both are, on me, skin scents, unfortanetly. I think I like the loud cedar opening from Tao Dam, that is similar to Sacred Wood almost the entire time (SW it's very linear). I will finish my refil but won't buy AF. In other hand, I am already finishing my second bottle of Tam Dao. Wish it was beast mode on me! If someone knows anything in this same category but 'beast mode", let me know :)

Im not sure why reviewers mention price so often when it comes to the house of Kilian, which then drives the rating to the ground because of it. But if a frag is considered “cheap” and smells remotely good it’s an auto 10?. Listen, this fragrance is by far one of if not the best sandalwood fragrance I’ve ever smelled on my skin. I am going to compare this to Santal Blush by Tom Ford. Very creamy and soft with that seductive sandalwood and cedar, but not too feminine, it’s such a good scent. I can also tell you that woman in the city wear a lot of santal based scents, I smell santal 33 very often while in NYC.

Beautiful scent, very rich spa vibes, a cold forest still dripping rain, sophisticated, unisex. I smell more cedar than sandalwood I believe, so it was a no for me at that price point, (but I can recommend people in Germany to keep an eye on Douglas Sales, especially for the refills, you might get really lucky - I almost bought a 100ml refill for 250 which was too much for me as it’s not quite my scent profile, but would be a steal considering its regular price).

Received a sample. Glad only a sample. Very easy to wear but I would not reach for it. It is tame. Too tame for the exorbitant price point. I like the opening with the ambrette and carrot seeds. I get a hint of the milk but certainly a smooth sandalwood. Lasted only about 5 to 6 hours on my skin. 4 sprays. 1 on each wrist and 1 on each side of my neck. My wife said it was pleasant but not a show stopper. Criminal for the cost.