PRINTEMPS by Organ Tale

What makes an interesting and original perfume? It’s the question that I get asked most often, and one that companies constantly strive to realise in every new release. In a market that is over-saturated with launches, and chock-a-block with “trends” that often seem to merely be a rehash of previous ideas, uncovering that elusive point of difference is vital if your perfume is going to stand out from the competition. One of the ways that a new slant can be thrown on scent is when its country of origin is not what you’d expect, and that’s exactly what’s on offer with Printemps from Organ Tale.

Organ Tale is one of the latest brands to launch from Korea, which is not a country that traditionally had a massive perfume output. Interestingly, it is a country that is already at the forefront of skincare however, with the tag “Korean” being a big pull for consumers around the world. Their different approach to formulation, to ingredients, and to the holistic direction of their marketing, have all contributed to the ongoing success. While skincare has taken off, the perfume industry has been a slower burn, although that is definitely changing with the appearance of brands like Organ Tale.

Founded by Shim Ilhwa, from a deeply-ingrained love of scent, he launched Organ Tale as a way of honouring his past whilst also looking to the future. His history with perfume stretched back to his mother’s vintage French fragrances, which often play a part in igniting a fascination with aromas, but it was a desire to present scented stories that also drew him to the present. He contacted two of the masters of perfumery, Quentin Bisch and Bertrand Duchaufour, and tasked them with creating a debut trio of fragrances that could compete with the big boys… and they definitely succeeded.

Bertrand Duchaufour created Devenir and Fleur de Bonbon, while Quentin Bisch realised Printemps. This later one captures the patience that Quentin had to display while waiting to join the fabled Givaudan Perfumery School, and its delicacy makes it both intriguing and unusual. In a world where perfume strength and longevity is often held in greater esteem than formulation and scentscape, Printemps provides a scented pause from the noise and allows the wearer a moment of fragranced calm. Now Quentin Bisch is equally at home with both the rambunctious and romantic, but his recreation of Spring is perfection.

Printemps is the perfumed equivalent of throwing open the window on a beautiful Spring day. You're greeted with crisp notes of lemon and apple, underscored by a delicious wash of honey, but there’s a sensual brightness to the beginning that captures a feeling of sunlight on warmed skin. This is joined by floral notes of lily of the valley and a delicate jasmine, so you have a crisp green quality melding seamlessly with a carefully controlled white floral. All of this together hints at a classic shampoo-esque aroma, but this just adds to the calmness of the scent. The development of Printemps is fascinating thanks to smooth sandalwood combining with vetiver-tinged musk, but a final watery cyclamen hints at warm days becoming still nights.

Printemps is available from the Organ Tale website at organtale.com priced at £103 for 50ml. [Sample provided by Nicola Thomis]