I’ve been a long time fan of the aroma M perfume line.House of Cherry Bomb is a perfume house founded by two New York City-based perfumers, Maria McElroy of aroma M and Alexis Karl of Scent by Alexis. In February, I was able to visit the atelier in Dumbo (that’ll be a different post). At the time I was slightly overwhelmed (and infatuated) and only sniffed House of Cherry Bomb Cardamom Rose briefly because I knew with a name like “Cardamom Rose” that I would probably love it. I ended up buying something else but received a sample of this one.
When I got back to rainy Seattle and tried Cardamom Rose, I was surprised by Cardamom Rose. I expected something heavy and “dense” but this isn’t. It opens with neroli, tangerines and a subtle spicy warmth. If the opening were a color, it’d be the orange/rust shades found in a blood orange peel. It wears as a citrus-cardamom with pretty citrus blossom florals. The rose appears in the heat; yet, it isn’t “rosey”. The rose is sheer and only intensifies the citrus in the perfume. It dries down to a slightly “steamy” or humid neroli.
I think of Cardamom Rose as a rose or a citrus for those usually dislike rose or citrus. It’s a surprisingly versatile perfume. I could see it working in the dead of winter as a pick-me-up or in the sweltering heat of summer. Not many perfumes fit into this category.
Notes listed include spice, Moroccan flowers and smoke. Launched 2013. PERFUMERS – Maria McElroy and Alexis Karl
Give Cardamom Rose a try if you like spicy citrus. Or if you like perfumes like Diptyque L’Eau de Tarocco, Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine, Thirdman Eau Nomade and/or Tom Ford Private Blend Rive d’Ambre. Cardamom Rose is seasonless and unisex. I also want to add that this smells amazing layered of the aroma M Bath & Body Oil.
Projection and longevity are average, wearing like an EDP (I do not know the exact concentration of this perfume).
The 1.7 oz retails for $55 at House of Cherry Bomb. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Juicy neroli and spice. It’s a rose for those that dislike rose. And it’s a citrus for those that usually dislike citrus. Really versatile and affordable.
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delish.
cardamom rose sounds appealing enough, throw in some humid neroli, and it’s go time.
This is really good. I mean, it does contain all the notes I love 🙂
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This is lovely. I loved the cardamom and citrus in Thirdman Eau Nomade, and Cardamom Rose pushes the same buttons for me but at a fraction of the price. I’ll be buying a full bottle of this one for sure. I love when I find something that is both lovely and affordable. Thank you Victoria for bringing this one to my attention.
🙂 Happy you tried this one!
I like Thirdman Eau Nomade too (I love cardamom) but I do prefer House of Cherry Bomb’s over it because it lasts longer on my skin (and the price is great).
I really want to try the new Honeysuckle one too. I think the Tobacco ones are great for the price too. It’s nice to see an indie line giving us some under $70 options!
[…] And here’s my review of another from the brand, Cardamom Rose. […]