Rojo Nocturno Mérope by Castanez Parfums

On my skin, Castanez perfumes behave opposite to the declared olfactory pyramid. In this case, on my skin, it opens very smoky, which I suppose is the leather, and little by little this iris and red fruits come out (although raspberry is more noticeable) with a base of oud. Not being a perfume with much protection (and it’s appreciated that it’s not) I find it quite versatile, I just wouldn’t use it in extreme heat, but with some heat it behaves quite well. I recommend giving yourself the opportunity to try it because the aroma is very propositional, different from what is already known. Well, in itself the whole brand is highly recommended. Congratulations to Carlos and José (even though it sounds like a norteño group hahaha) for this collaboration. Update: Already in the drydown I perceive an undeclared note which is rose, it’s not a complaint, just that you feel a hint of rose.

From the first spray, this fragrance makes it clear that it’s not for just anyone. The opening of red fruits, juicy and vibrant, combined with a powdery and elegant iris… it’s simply spectacular. There is a very fine harmony between the sweet and the sophisticated that captivates from the start. In the heart, black tea and dates bring depth and a slightly dark, almost mysterious nuance, while the iris remains present, elevating the whole composition with that clean, refined, and slightly powdery sensation. On drydown, the perfume takes a more intense and enveloping turn: leather and oud appear with character, but without being aggressive, accompanied by an almost buttery creaminess that gives it a soft and addictive finish. It is definitely a sober and elegant fragrance, with a lot of presence, ideal for someone looking for something different, with personality and a very well-achieved nighttime touch. Perfect for special nights, cool climates, and occasions where you want to stand out without losing class.

Rojo Nocturno by Mérope. It’s a perfume that lasts a lot on both skin and clothes. Mérope is one of those perfumes that at first make you think and confuse you, because just sprayed, leather, iris, and at the same time other dense and earthy things predominate, as if it were going to be a marine perfume. But after 10-20 minutes, the beauty begins: the red fruits come out, giving that fruity touch to the perfume. To my nose, iris takes the lead because of the earthy or powdery sensation so present in the first minutes. But really no, this changes. And besides, I think it’s the combination of other notes (which I don’t know) that gives that sensation (maybe orris root). After a while, from 20 to 30 minutes smelling the blotter, I began to perceive that slightly creamy note of butter, which declares it addictive. The tea must provide a good balance so it’s not too sweet. The oud, honestly, I don’t smell it. Even so, it’s a very wearable perfume. I definitely don’t see myself using it daily, especially in these hot and changing climates like Monterrey’s. But I would use it for a nighttime dinner with my wife on a terrace on a cool day, or on one of those miraculous days when it’s cold at dawn. Honestly, it’s a complex perfume, not for someone new to the world of perfumery, since it totally moves away from what is commonly smelled in designer perfumery. But it’s definitely easy to like at the same time for those who enjoy the declared notes if they know them individually. Congratulations to José and Carlos! They created an excellent perfume.

Today I had the fortune to try it. They made a very small batch, but I was lucky to get one. It’s a work of art this perfume. It has a delicious opening of red fruits with raspberry and cherry standing out, on a bed of iris that smells like fine makeup, with a base of elegant, masculine, somewhat heavy woods, but not dirty oud. If you have the opportunity to get it, don’t hesitate. A gem of a perfume.

What a surprise I got with this perfume! This is another delivery from the Pleiades collection that the good José Núñez gives us. For my nose, the opening of this fragrance is an ode to the buttery and powdery part of orris root, accompanied by an extraordinarily well-crafted raspberry. After about two hours, the fragrance settles into a Russian leather; the kind that evokes a garment with a lot of history. That’s when the magic appears: a black tea of impressive quality. It’s not a fresh tea, it’s something dark, mystical, and nocturnal. And yes, it is exquisitely nuanced by a date note, which is perceptible when you put your nose to work a little. In the final drydown, there remains a base of an extraordinary oud, pleasant and very wearable; without being too challenging, but not “light” either. It’s a perfume that evolves quite a bit and is a solid proof of what an extraordinary Mexican perfumer can do. Definitely, this work has the best value for money in my already very refined collection. In terms of use, I don’t see it as excessively formal, but it’s not for a casual outfit either. As its name indicates, it is purely nocturnal.

MEROPE Rojo Nocturno Today I received this delight or rather jewel of Mexican perfumery, which represents what Mexican perfumery can achieve, the notes don’t feel synthetic, it has a butter note that surprised me quite a bit, like an exquisite gourmet butter, on the other hand the fruity profile based on red fruits and especially raspberry that stays in the drydown, while the leather unites all the notes with impressive harmony. Congratulations to Castanez who achieved the unthinkable, ready to compete internationally.

Perfume bomb!!! At the opening, the iris but not the makeup type as is customary, accompanied by red fruits, nighttime use but quite versatile, I see it for any outing, I loved it.

What a gem of a perfume José just dropped. Mérope opens with an accord of iris root that is quite earthy and of exceptional quality, adding volume and body to the fragrance, but without being harassing or heavy, followed by a very realistic note of red fruits that conjugates perfectly with the other accords of the perfume so that all the notes participate and come to light when they correspond. From the opening, it can remind a bit of the DNA of Dior Homme, because of that iris so marked, but the combination of this with the other notes gives Mérope a distinctive and unique character. As the perfume matures on the skin, the aroma of a subtle leather emerges, not at all suffocating, but with a lot of presence. Mérope is without a doubt a fragrance that manifests elegance and seriousness. Also, it is an ode to the quality and potential of Mexican perfumery.