The Kohdo Wood Collection is the latest release from British niche house Jo Malone. There are two fragrances: Lotus Blossom & Water Lily (in the clear bottle, and meant to “to energise the body”) for day and Dark Amber & Ginger Lily (in the dark bottle, and meant to be mellow and sensual) for night; both are limited editions inspired by the Japanese incense ceremony.
If you found the idea of fragrances inspired by Japanese incense to be a little “exotic” for Jo Malone, you're not alone. Jo Malone is a niche brand by virtue of their size and distribution, but the fragrances themselves are rarely what I'd call adventurous. In the event, neither of the Kohdo Wood scents turned out to be wildly adventurous, but they're a nice change of pace for the Jo Malone brand…
A few nights ago I had a few friends over for dinner and we ate duck breast rubbed with fresh mint, ground coriander seeds, and pepper, with an olive and vermouth pan sauce. One of my friends brought field greens, complete with strands of chickweed and wild violets. We drank single-vineyard Oregon pinot noir and were on top of the world. On the other hand, tonight it's raining and work was a drag. I'm home alone and craving a box of macaroni and cheese. For me, this dichotomy applies to perfume, too. Sometimes I want something that is well crafted. Other times I want something, well, Kraft-ed.