magazine of perfumery art
by Nose Anatomy
Jan 16, 2024
Introduction: Unveiling "Hombre de Palo" by nBitor
In the realm of perfumery, few fragrances capture the essence of tradition and nature as vividly as "Hombre de Palo" by nBitor. Crafted by the renowned perfumer Miguel Matos, this scent is an intricate blend of green, fresh, and animalic notes, residing in the Verde Herbal Amaderado family.
Hombre de Palo stands out for its robust herbal, woody, resinous, metallic, and animalic characteristics. The fragrance commences with a potent herbal scent derived from Thyme, reminiscent of the Mediterranean sawmills, and evolves into a complex bouquet featuring spicy clove, camphor, and mint nuances. The foundation of the perfume rests on Oakmoss, evoking a damp, earthy, and green forest aroma, characteristic of a symbiotic lichen.
The woody aspect of Hombre de Palo is an amalgamation of diverse woods - Hinoki, Atlas Cedar, Oakwood, and Rosewood. Hinoki, or Japanese white cedar, imparts a lemony wooden aroma, historically revered for enhancing spiritual and emotional awareness. Atlas Cedar, with its warm, sweet, balsamic, and slightly floral scent, enriches the fragrance's complexity. Oakwood brings in hints of vanilla, clove, coconut, spices, and leather, alongside earthy and vegetal notes. Rosewood adds a lively, citrusy touch with a smoky undertone.
Furthermore, Geosmin contributes the fresh scent of petrichor (wet earth), while Costus offers an animalic note, reminiscent of goats, a scent that harks back to the Middle Ages and is symbolic of the horses participating in the Corpus Christi procession.
Hombre de Palo is more than a fragrance; it's a sensory journey through history. The perfume draws its inspiration from the eponymous "Hombre de Palo," an intriguing automaton and the first of its kind, crafted in the 16th century by Juanelo Turriano, a renowned engineer, architect, and royal clockmaker of King Philip II. This 40 cm tall automaton, symbolizing a Franciscan monk, was a marvel of its time, capable of walking in various directions, moving its head, eyes, arms, and even mimicking the act of asking for alms with a crucifix.
The perfume also encapsulates the spirit of the Corpus Christi procession in Toledo, where the street "Hombre de Palo" is situated. This procession, dating back to 1247, is known for its aromatic ambiance, filled with scents of myrrh, thyme, rosemary, and wood, seamlessly blending with the essence of the perfume.
Hombre de Palo by nBitor, crafted by Miguel Matos, is not just a fragrance; it's a historical and olfactory masterpiece. It captures the essence of the green-herbal woody family, intertwining nature's robust aromas with historical and cultural richness. This perfume is a tribute to the legacy of Toledo and an ode to the intricate art of perfumery.
