Hey there Posse. I went looking for some Patricia Nicolai stuff today but whilst looking I noticed this old favourite of mine. It’s been sitting unloved for at least a year, maybe two or three. This year it’s celebrating its 21 birthday too. What better time to dust Sushi Imperiale off and give it a whirl? Many of you will remember the Bois 1920 house. It’s been a niche stalwart since its step up to niche status in 2005. Yes, Sushi Imperiale is one of the original reimagined 21st century stories.
I really like these bottles too. Currently I’m using, and pictured, a 50ml and it’s such a comfortable fit in my hand. It’s hefty and satined for grip. That glass embossing of the Bois 1920 is also very cool. Interestingly, you can buy in four sizes from Bois 1920. 2ml, 18ml, 50ml and 100ml. All of them spray! They are also a more affordable niche house. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not bargain but compared to niche prices elsewhere they are reasonable.
Sushi Imperiale by Bois 1920 2005
Bois 1920 gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, Mandarine, Lemon
Heart: Pepper, Nutmeg, Rose, Cinnamon
Base: Sandalwood, Tonka beans, Vanilla
If you are expecting Sushi Imperiale to smell like rice, fish, seaweed or soy sauce then you’re in for a big fat disappointment.
Opening is a dry pepper, citrus melange with something green that smells like coriander and cardamom. It’s very enticing and unfortunately is fleeting. If there is one thing I’d wish Sushi Imperiale did better it would be holding on to that stunning opening for at least ten minutes.
The named spices play such a background roll on me. The heart does have that strange yet oh so familiar scent of rice cooking. Sadly this moment is also fleeting. Then we head towards what the real meat of the fragrance is and stays fairly linear till dry down. It’s not like a Demeter, pure photo realistic recreation, but a kind of rice pudding dream version. Unsweetly sweet. In no way are we headed bakery or confectionary. It’s a dessert but in the tradition of many Asian end of dinner snacks it is softly sweet.
Kind of like rice pudding (a dessert I’ve loathed since birth but LOVED the smell of) but not at all.
Not a scent that is aimed at any sex. It’s a bit too sophisticated for that kind of boxing. Longevity is good, sillage moderate. This is not about beast mode everlasting blah blah blah. In my mind, Sushi Imperiale is for people who love fine fragrance and get that idea. They wear perfume for themselves and it’s nice if anyone else likes it but not important. Or even relevant.
Sushi Imperiale was on my Posse To Buy List back in 2015! Yes, I’ve bought nearly ALL of those bottles on the list. Here are the ones I did not get. NOT lack of love but lack of opportunity or funds.
- Aedes de Venustas – Original
- Ambra Mediterranea by Profumi del Forte
- Bottega Veneta parfum
- Cologne by Thierry Mugler
- eo03 by biehl parfumkunstwerke
- Moon Bloom by Hiram Green
- Nuit de Noel Parfum by Caron
- Rozy Eau de Parfum by Vero Profumo
- Silver Man by Amouage
- Tobacco Rose by Papillon Perfumery
- Wit by Parfums DelRae
Did you ever get your sniff on Sushi Imperiale?
Portia xx
It sounds like something I’d enjoy – especially if the cinnamon note is discernible. Is it?
I’m going to have to give it another wear MaggieCat and see. It’s not the MOST discernible or I’d have picked it up and written about it bUT maybe the spices that play background on me might come forward for you?
Portia xx
I sampled a few of Bois 1920.I don’t remember much about them. I am sure Sushi Imperiale was not one of them. The rice note could be iffy, but all in all it sounds pretty good.
I enjoyed both of your lists. There were a few big likes for me there but many I never sniffed and I’ve sniffed a lot. WOW! You are a hands down a champion!
HA! Thanks Maya, but honestly I have been extremely fortunate to be places to sniff or have the finances to sample. Champion, no, but ridiculous accumulator, YES!
Portia xx
Never sniffed Sushi Imperiale, Portia, but really enjoyed reading your review of it. Also recognized a few really nice ones on your “Still Haven’t Acquired ” list!
Heya DinaC,
I know right?!? There are some unicorns on that list.
Portia xx
Why do I not own some of this?!?! I remember loving it! The way you describe it is perfect. Maybe I was too wrapped up in Weird Perfumes at the time, but it sounds like it’s not too late … plus it’d be lovely in colder weather.
Me, too, and I still have a small decant. I don’t think it’s super easy to find here in the states.
Yeah, you are heading into PERFECT Sushi Imperial weather March.
Portia xx
Like cinnamon, I never got past the name! And I don’t remember any of the notes really speaking to me, either.
That rice accord… try as I might, I just can’t. Something about it makes me queasy ( and I grew up in a household where the rice pot was on 24/7!!!)
Heya Musette,
It’s funny how much of our past life frames fragrance. I’m new to rice cooking in the house regularly. Especially in Jin’s industrial pressure cooker. It’s intoxicating.
Portia xx
I have never been able to get past the name of this. It sounds worth a try if I run into it though.
That’s some list!
It’s a strange name for the fragrance that’s in the bottle Cinnamon.
Portia xx
I know I did but I don’t remember it. Other than I was sort of “meh”. I did get rice pudding, which I do love but not really in perfume. Off to StC..
I’m pretty sure if you didn’t love it then, little would have changed for now Tom.
We all can’t love everything.
Portia xx