Quetzaly by Daniel Josier

This is the most disgusting perfume I’ve ever tried. They offered me a partial bottle, and I’m glad I didn’t buy it blind.

Warm, spicy, and gourmand-leaning. I don’t see it as super challenging, but be careful if you’re not used to pepper, because it’s very noticeable. It’s very wearable given its originality. Works for everything, but avoid wearing it in heat due to the spiciness. Lasts well on skin with moderate projection; it hits in bursts, which is great so it doesn’t suffocate. By the way, the official store sometimes has good discounts.

Personally, I’ve loved it. Everyone talks about how ‘Desierto’ opens another dimension, but for me, it breaks all the molds. It’s different from everything I’ve tried, a peculiar and rich aroma. Bright but spicy citrus top, dark heart that stays spicy, and a creamy base. Great longevity and moderate sillage. I’ll be using this a lot.

I’m head over heels for Kisses Rain by Daniel Josier, so I looked for something different and ended up with Quetzaly: I wasn’t wrong. It has evolution, something rare these days; the opening is a chili in a sea of citrus that overwhelms on the first spray. Then it releases a resinous and incense-blended mix that, as the spice fades, leaves a woody and creamy base where sandalwood shines. Medium-high trail and over 12 hours on skin. It’s a fresh, wearable incense, not ecclesiastical, but smoky and mysterious, almost addictive. Although it sounds complex, it’s perfect for everyday wear. Totally unisex and all-terrain, though I see it as more elegant for men than for seducing at formal events, given my bias toward sweetness in those settings. How much I wish to travel to Mexico to live this scent among its lands and customs. Did Daniel manage to portray the country? Scent 8/10, Longevity 10/10, Sillage 8/10, Value for money 7/10, Packaging 8.5/10. Would I buy again: yes.

I’m obsessed with this scent. It reminds me of many things but none all at once. I detect it as sharp, citrusy, and incense-like simultaneously. It’s hard to describe, and that’s where its magic lies. And it lasts forever on the skin.

Today I have sprays of Quetzaly in my room. Inspired by Mexico with iconic ingredients, but its olfactory story transcends the formula. I won’t list the notes to avoid biasing the appreciation. It’s warm, mysterious, and sensual. Overall, sweet, spicy, ambered, and woody with bright and semi-floral contrasts. Contrary to some opinions, I wouldn’t classify it as green. To my surprise, it’s quite versatile and wearable, though it would be fabulous for afternoons and nights in any weather. On the opening, it emerges gracefully and fiercely, wrapped in copal and incense, nothing overwhelming but with presence. In the heart, a floral and almost fruity sweetness harmonizes with the incense, transporting you to a musky, creamy base of sandalwood and cedar, sensual and captivating. Once settled, the magic begins: flashes of a slightly green, citrusy, and spicy composition that play with your nose. Its projection is discreet but good. It’s rare to find an incense that isn’t invasive; it’s inviting and delicate. It lasts over 8 hours. Does it smell like Mexico? It makes me think of pre-Hispanic Mexico with mystical pyramids and natural beauty. A real jewel for my nose and collection.

I’ve liked Quetzaly; it smells like Mexico and is very versatile, an incense with its own character. Although it doesn’t smell like gummy candies, it has a sweet touch that reminds me of them, but it’s more spiced and fresh. The chili is present, and the base of sandalwood, cedar, and musk comes out right from the start. It reminds me a bit of Jesus del Pozo’s Dahlia, so I imagine that’s the note. The trail is discreet but lasts over 8 hours, though it stays close to the skin. It reminds me of Xerjoff’s Zefiro, although here the incense has less protagonism. It’s unisex, original, and different. Scent 8, Longevity 8.5, Sillage 6, Value for money 5, Versatility 8, Originality 8.5, Overall 8.5.

Describing Quetzaly is an impossible mission; no words do it justice. Daniel Josier created it thinking of Mexico, its culture and colors, managing to capture the essence of a country he doesn’t know but feels like he lives in. Its structure is captivating, the warm notes envelop, and the alchemy is enchanting. Upon application, a haze of clear, magical incense mixes with green notes that fade quickly, leaving the king of incense shining through. In the heart, something pulses: flowers and fruits play with the incense without taking its strength away, reminiscent of red berries with a sweet acidic touch. I love this phase that clings to my skin. After two hours, the dry-down is fantastic; incense, flowers, and fruits coexist with cedar and sandalwood, adding cleanliness and more mysticism. It’s a beastly beautiful perfume, lacking nothing and having nothing extra. Wearing it is like traveling to ancient times, imagining Moctezuma in full regalia or celebrating Day of the Dead with altars full of food, candles, and flowers. It doesn’t just delight the nose but stirs memories and fills the soul. Although made for Mexico, it connects with Guatemala, Peru, and even Egypt. What pride that Quetzaly tells our story with the wind and spreads our essence.