Black Powder by Jusbox

Jusbox’s Black Powder is pleasant from the first sniff, with lots of variation and note evolution as the fragrance develops on the skin; giving it a prolonged workout is a pleasure. It features evolving notes of sweet-sour apple, blackcurrants, and a sensation of spiced/sweetened chili. The base consists of incense, tobacco, and some suede. The apple and most elements are notably synthetic, yet in a way, they smell well crafted. This combination of concepts forms a sweet, fruity, smoky tobacco perfume. As the fragrance settles on the skin, the fruits lose strength, and while the tobacco remains, the darker incense base starts to stand out more, along with the tonka bean notes that maintain the perfume’s sweetness. After an hour and a half of spraying, it becomes more linear, losing that initial evolutionary characteristic. Smelling this doesn’t really remind me of Kurt Cobain, but I understand why the notes were chosen and executed to represent the Nirvana vocalist. Interestingly, it does remind me of photos, films, and movies from the era Nirvana was singing, but more specifically, this particular bohemian sensation comes from the incense and patchouli/sandalwood base. If I had to describe this perfume in a few words, I’d say it smells like an astrology and psychic shop or an extremely old, dark, and luxurious store selling incense, wood, objects, and various statuettes. Perhaps the most standout piece from the Italian brand Jusbox, it seems well-received to me but not as known as it should be, as it’s a very easy-to-please perfume. Made by Julien Rasquinet, who is the author of other works from the Italian brand like Golden Serenade and Suit Of Lights. Designed for any gender, though statistically it might appeal more to men due to the smoky and dominant tobacco character. I’ve found it ideal for winter and autumn, but also suitable for spring if the temperature cooperates. For a more casual-formal outfit for women, but for men, it’s more flexible with whatever clothing they wear. Longevity is medium-high depending on sprays; the first hour projects very noticeably and strongly, but after an hour and a half it becomes more linear, still strong but without the high evolutionary spectrum it had. It can cause discomfort to others if overapplied, as the apple note combined with the chili note in the opening can be pungent. The next day, it still projects on clothes, and even after washing, sweet traces are felt if applied to the garment. At a high price depending on where you get it, I think as a tobacco perfume it’s worth it, although it feels more youthful than other options with the same ingredient, which leads to a matter of taste. I think if you find this perfume around $180, it’s worth it. As a final note, I recommend reserving this essence for night outings and night in general. In my opinion, easy to like, with a well-executed inspiration by Jusbox, and it leaves me anxious to discover other concepts from the brand.

Black Powder opens with fruity notes that gradually blend with suede, tobacco, and incense. On my skin, the note that stands out above all others is the apple, which I perceive as acidic and somewhat artificial. It’s a note that lasts from start to finish. In the heart phase, the apple is much more balanced alongside the other notes. The tobacco is subtle and perceived as somewhat dry, along with the suede, and also a slightly smoky base from the incense. These nuances come and go; sometimes the suede is more noticeable, other times the incense, and other times the apple. In the final phase, tonka bean and sandalwood take the lead, giving the perfume vanilla and woody nuances. Here, the tonka bean fuses with the apple to create a sensation like caramelized apple. This is where the perfume becomes sweetest (not cloying). The patchouli is one of the listed notes I barely perceive. The perfume smells unisex to me, but I see it more suited for male skin, and it has excellent performance. Very potent at the start and especially with above-average longevity. I think it could be worn in any climate except excessive heat. Personally, I liked it, though I must say it doesn’t smell natural at all. It’s the typical perfume that smells super artificial but hooks you and you can’t stop smelling it; one of the cool artificial ones. I like how it smells, and the only downside is that the apple note on my skin smells too acidic, especially at the start, luckily it calms down later. In summary: a good perfume, original, and with high performance, but at an excessive price. That said, if you find it on a bargain, I totally recommend it.