Union Fine Fragrances Celebrate the Scents of Great-Britain (2012) {New Perfumes}
A British patriotic collection is born called Union Fine Fragrances Collection. The compositions are by perfumer Anastasia Brozler who comes from a background in bespoke. Michael Donovan was a consultant for the project. The library of scents bring to life the idea of creating characteristic British perfumes by sourcing botanical materials which are both iconic of, and exclusive to certain locales in the British isles.
To anchor that idea in the soil of the nation an effort has been made to incorporate locations from all four corners of the country, delving deep in domanial estates harboring special varietals. As Donovan said, "These fragrances are the first of their kind – I know of no other brand that has actually created each natural note from scratch." When asked about the sourcing method, the answer fuses stressing the authenticity of the technique used "We extracted all of the flora! No headspace."...
The national landscape is evoked "From the moorlands of Yorkshire to the mountains of Snowdonia, the windswept fens of County Derry and craggy Highland Heath," a pean resulting in four perfumes called Holy Thistle, Quince, Mint & Moss, Celtic Fire and Gothic Bluebell.
"The botany of Britain has been celebrated in both art and literature for centuries, however the glorious scents of our flora have been sadly neglected by the perfume industry, leaving their beauty unsung."
Holy Thistle (Cnicus Benedictus) is better known as a medicinal plant. It was selected here for its fresh, green aroma sourced from the Kinrara Estate on the banks of the river Spey in the Highlands. It has been associated with icy Bay from Pembrokshire, Bracken from the borders and Highland Pine Resine.
Quince, Mint & Moss features quince from Somerset, Garden Mint, icy cool Juniper from the forests of Caledonia, spicy lime leaves, wild thyme from Snowdonia, sage from Gloucestershire, mountain ash extract from Sterling and soft Irish moss.
Celtic Fire is inspired by the rich, smoky peats of County Derry and includes ingredients of oak extract, fir balsam, pine needles from the wilds of Aberdeenshire, and even "a surprise hit of Marmite" made in Burton on Trent. There is also birch tar from Inverness-shire and bog myrtle from Fife. It's an "ode to wode".
Gothic Bluebell showcases bluebell oil together with narcissus absolute, hyacinth absolute from the Scilly isles, violet leaf from Devon, and ground ivy from the woodlands of Dorset.
The Union collection launches at Selfridges on July 1st 2012 and at Henri Bendel NYC in September of the same year.
Previously Tourism Authority had issued an atmospheric perfume capturing typical bouquets of the country called Enjoy England by George!
Via press release
