Escape on a Summer Adventure with These 18 Niche Fragrances

Last Tuesday, Merz Apothecary hosted our Summer Fragrance Event.  It was a low-key after-hours gathering of fragrance fans from the area with snacks and cocktails.  For those who really enjoy discovering new scents, it's a great way to get more in-depth than you might during a normal shopping trip. We selected a few of our favorite fragrances of the moment and arranged them according to a theme. Tuesday night's theme was A Perfect Summer's Day, with fragrances for a morning hike, a picnic in the park, and a moonstruck evening.  Scent is often said to be the most evocative of the senses, and we found that our selections actually evoked a narrative all their own, taken together. What follows is a story created to walk you through the scents at the event last week. If you want to follow along at home, we offer samples of many scents on the website. And if you're just curious about what scents we're into right now, here's a fanciful guide to some of the highlights. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________     ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Boccanera Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The hike begins with a burst of caffeine: dark roast coffee served piping hot from a thermos. Drink in the aroma of the decadent, chocolatey brew. Notes: Dark Chocolate, Ginger, Black Pepper, Chili Pepper, Sandalwood, Musk by Orto Parisi | $195 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

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Sky Father Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You begin your hike at the edge of a canyon. Gazing at the ephemeral clouds that paint the sky, you breathe in the torrid desert air. Notes: Cinnamon, Anise, Chili Pepper, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Plum, Thyme, Clove, Jasmine, Geranium, Galbanum, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk by Dame Perfumery | $85 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

"Sky Father is unique because it's so complex. There are so many distinct notes that reveal themselves over time, you can't help but be intrigued."

- Carlos, Men's Grooming Associate

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Aoud Forest Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You follow the edge of the canyon to an ancient forest. A winding path beckons you through the dense greenery, towards the sea. Gently flowing through the leaves, a fresh breeze cools you. Notes: Marine, White Musk, Ambergris, Lemon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Rose, Ginger by Montale Paris | $170 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Verde di Mare Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The cool, light-dappled forest gives way to a stunning coastline. You walk along the shore, feet in the sand, watching the sunlight sparkle off the gently rolling waves. Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Galbanum, Pepper, Juniper, Marine, Rose, Geranium, Lily of the Valley, Blackcurrant, Black Tea, Petitgrain, Carnation, Wood, Labdanum, Vanilla, Musk, Ambergris by Bois 1920 | $230 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sel de Vetiver Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The water calls to you. You go for a quick dip before the hike home and lie on the beach to dry in the sun. The saltwater evaporates in the heat of the day. Notes: Cardamom, Grapefruit, Vetiver, Geranium, Lovage, Sea Salt, Iris, Ylang Ylang by The Different Company | $195 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The return path takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself standing at a precipice with the most fantastic view. You breathe deeply, savoring an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Notes: Mandarin Leaves, Neroli, Bamboo, Green Lavender, Black Amber, White Cedarwood by Byredo | $250 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________     ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Herb Man Eau de Cologne

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] Walking through the lush, soft grass with your shoes off, you haven't a care in the world. The scent of the earth--wood, soil, plants--fills you with calm. Notes: Petitgrain, Lemon, Bergamot, Fern, Artemisia, Lavender, Sage, Amber, Sandalwood, Guaic Wood, Musk by Dame Perfume | $65 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

You Or Someone Like You Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] A daydream in the shade inspired by the green oasis that surrounds you transports you far away from the concrete jungle. A passing breeze gently tickles your skin. Notes: Mint, Anise, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cassis, Hedione, Rose, White Musk by Etat Libre d'Orange | $149 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fathom V Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] Sitting by the pond, you're lost in a reverie. You absentmindedly swirl the water with your toes, releasing the scent of earth, wood, and something more...something fresh. Notes: Juniper Berry, Tangerine, Blackcurrant, Soil, Thyme, Lily, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Ginger, Cumin, Black Pepper, Mimosa, Patchouli, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Salt, Incense, Atlas Cedar, Amber by BeauFort London | $150 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brooklyn Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The sounds of the city call you back from your daydream, reminding you of the hustle and bustle that surrounds your green sanctuary. You feel a thrill of the excitement of urban life. Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange Juice, Incense, Cardamom, Ozone, Magnolia, Orris Root, White Wood, Benzoin, Amber, Musk by Gallivant | $95 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You spread your picnic blanket out in the verdant grass, next to a patch of colorful wildflowers. The breeze gently wafts the scent of the blooms your way. Notes: African Marigold, Bergamot, Bucchu, Lemon, Neroli, Cyclamen, Jasmine, Violet, Black Amber, Moroccan Cedarwood, Musk, Vetiver by Byredo | $250 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

"Bal d'Afrique is inspired by Paris in the 1920s, when France was obsessed with African culture because of stars like Josephine Baker. The lemon in this scent is so delicious and juicy, but not too sharp. It's very sexy."

- Sharmane, Fragrance Associate

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Meliora Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You recline on the checkered blanket with your love. Opening your basket reveals a trove of juicy berries that you feed one another. Notes: Red Berries, Cassis, Blackcurrant, Rose, Lily of the Valley, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla, Musk by Parfums de Marly | $290 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]   ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Black Flower Mexican Vanilla Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] After dinner, you savor the last spoonful of a decadent dessert. The swirling flavors perfectly balance Vanilla sweetness with something deeper and headier. Notes: Vanilla, Lemon, Grapefruit, Caramel, Nutmeg, Gardenia, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk, Tonka Bean by Dame Perfumery | $85 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tel Aviv Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] After dinner, you head up to the rooftop bar. The heat of the day hasn't dissipated yet, and it heightens the smell of cigarette smoke and the flowers blooming along the perimeter of the roof. Notes: Clementine, Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Jasmine Sambac, Ylang Ylang, Rose Oil, Freesia, Sandalwood, Musk, Liatrix, Benzoin by Gallivant | $95 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aperture Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The attraction you feel to your date is magnetic, palpable. You spend the evening chatting and flirting. Brushing the hair from your eyes, you lean in close to take a picture together and feel the heat of their body. Notes: Aldehydes, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Tobacco, Jasmine, Cedarwood, Muguet, Musk, Vetiver, Ambergris, Amber by Ulrich Lang New York | $200 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

"People love Aperture because it's a super-sexy, up-close kind of scent. There are three different kinds of musk in this scent, which makes it very intense and elevating."

- Tanja, Fragrance Associate

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D600 Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] The sun sets and slowly the pulse of the city deepens, revealing a sensuality coaxed out only at night. You feel a thrill as you sense the city waking up from its afternoon siesta. Notes: Madagascan Black Pepper, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cardamom, Iris, Jasmine Absolut, Cedar Wood, Vanilla Absolut, Vetiver  by Carner Barcelona | $180 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Starry Night Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You gaze, transfixed, at the skyline, watching as a million glittering diamonds illuminate the deep indigo expanse. All of a sudden you feel so small compared to the endless planes of shimmering space. Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Apple, Patchouli, Rose, Jasmine, Powder, Amber, White Musk by Montale Paris | $170 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Black Saffron Eau de Parfum

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] You leave the rooftop bar to wander the streets and pass a vendor selling Indian street fare. Interlacing your fingers with your date's, you enjoy the treat as you head to a club to dance to Hindi pop until dawn. Notes: Grapefruit, Juniper Berries, Saffron, Black Violet, Leather, Cashmeran, Vetiver, Raspberry by Byredo | $250 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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