Vetiveria By Ormonde Jayne: A New Love Letter To The Land of Gods
Written by Angel Hoque
I share a deep connection with the land of Indonesia. It’s undeniably one of my favorite places in the world—a country I've returned to time and time again.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
Indonesia truly embodies the essence of a tropical paradise: lush greenery that stretches endlessly, the intensified fragrances carried by the humid air, warm waves crashing along the shores, and the earthy scent that rises after the first rain, leaving everything vibrant and serene. Its rich cultural heritage, the heartfelt warmth of its people, and the charm of beautifully crafted tropical villas with intricate local architecture are just a few of the many reasons that draw me back, again and again.
So, when Ormonde Jayne released a fragrance inspired by Indonesia as part of their "Four Corners of the Earth" collection, I was naturally intrigued—and fortunate enough to experience it firsthand. Centered around the note of vetiver, the scent is aptly named Vetiveria. It unfolds as an aromatic, earthy composition, enriched by a lively blend of sizzling pepper, bright citrus accents, and a luxuriously creamy balsamic resin. These elements form the heart of the fragrance, while additional supporting notes contribute to its nostalgic charm and layered complexity—all while maintaining the signature elegance that defines Ormonde Jayne.
The fragrance opens with a burst of bold Sicilian lime, energized by the vibrant, aromatic kick of Timur pepper and uplifted by sage and juniper berry. While I haven’t experienced the raw material firsthand, what I’ve read suggests that the method of extraction plays a crucial role—higher quality oils retain more delicate, nuanced facets of the note. I'm not certain whether Ormonde Jayne used CO₂ extraction or steam distillation for this blend, but the result is vivid and peppery, with a uniquely fruity-green character. From the very first spray, you can detect these subtle layers, with the piney essence of juniper weaving through the basil-like brightness of lime.
On my skin, the heart notes—featuring lavender and snowbell—were not particularly prominent. However, as the fragrance evolves, it gradually takes on a creamy, satiny texture that becomes more pronounced over time.
The vetiver reveals itself with a lush, earthy character and a hint of subtle smokiness. It strikes a perfect balance—neither overtly masculine nor overly feminine—thanks to two other key notes that support it with equal presence. Rock rose brings a resinous depth, adding a warm, sweet charm to the composition. The perfumer masterfully incorporated just the right touch of labdanum, enhancing both the richness and the inviting quality of the scent. Meanwhile, tonka bean weaves through the base, lending a semi-sweet, spicy, and woody nuance that makes this fragrance a refined, everyday elixir—elegant yet relaxed, with just the right touch of flair for summer wear.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
However, this fragrance is versatile enough to be worn year-round, thanks to its well-balanced composition. And, being an Ormonde Jayne creation, you can afford to be a bit more generous with your sprays—courtesy of the brand’s finely calibrated pressurized atomizer. True to Ormonde Jayne’s signature style, it carries an air of understated elegance and never crosses into overpowering territory.
The projection is consistent with what you’d expect from most Ormonde Jayne fragrances—subtle yet present. In my opinion, the longevity could be improved, but I’m hesitant to label it as a moderate performer just yet. I still need to experience it fully in both the height of summer heat and during cooler weather to form a more definitive impression.
It’s a beautiful release from the brand, checking all the right boxes for a woody, aromatic, balsamic fragrance staple. It certainly manages to encapsulate the beauty and sense of multi faceted aroma that lingers in the air of Indonesia without a flaw. I'm glad to have it in my collection and will be picking up a full bottle once my travel size runs out.