next in my advent scent-lendar backlog was a trio of samples from Stereoplasm's 2019 winter series the Holly Jolly Misfits collection "Part 1: Hermey Doesn't Like to Make Toys".
i'm always fascinated by the unique notes and combinations that they use in their blends to create fantastic wearable experiences, and knew that this would be a wonderful set to rediscover for the season.
a quick note before diving into the reviews: these samples are from the time before Stereoplasm increased the fragrance concentration in their blends, so my experience with these ones may not be indicative of how the more recent batches would perform. that said, a year of ageing has really done wonders for these - where Stereoplasm's lower-concentration scents would previously have a very personal throw and only last up to an hour, i now can get about four hours of mileage per wear, with sillage that varies from very personal to about a foot.
first up, King Moonracer (oceanic musk, cool night air, sea salt, pu-erh tea and night-blooming jasmine) is a fantastic floral with lovely Asian influences, a scent that immediately brings to mind the iconic scene in Disney's 1998 animated film Mulan featuring the song 'Reflection' . this opens with a very sweet and realistic jasmine that develops in complexity on my skin with the addition of a soft musk and salty sea vibes; the pu-erh tea is faint but still discernible, a touch of contrasting earthiness that amplifies the sweetness of the jasmine-musk blend. King Moonracer is a lovely perfume that i was so happy to rediscover, and sincerely hope will make a return in a future winter to come. 8.5/10.
Yukon Cornelius (elderflower bark, gum juniper, blue glacier, quaking aspen and flannel musk) was a really interesting experience. in the bottle and on my skin, this smells like a smooth gummy candy, with the sweetness of confectionery but replacing the usual fruity flavours with the fresh atmosphere of a mountainside forest, with its lush woods and flowing water. i fell head over heels in love with the uniqueness of this one from the first sniff, and sorely regret not having full-sized this when i had the opportunity. 9/10.
Winter Warlock (astro red poinsettia, whispering wind, twisted candy cane and melting vanilla ice cream) was a surprising one - from the listed notes, i had been expecting something more gourmand, but the main star of the show here is an almost-ethereal poinsettia over a subtle sweet blend. hints of vanilla do come through from time to time to bring out the flower element and nudge it a little towards flormand territory, but for the most part this largely remains a pretty straightforward and pleasant floral. 6.5/10.
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this review is of perfume samples that i had received with a purchase made at regular price with my own money. i wasn’t asked to review these as a condition of receipt and didn’t receive any incentives for writing this. i’m not affiliated with Stereoplasm and as always, all opinions remain my own.
the three winter scents from Part 1 of the Holly Jolly Misfits collection are not in the general catalogue at present, but may make a return with Stereoplasm's Cabinet of Curiosity or may be available for purchase as an unlisted fragrance – just need to drop them a note in advance to check if they can make it for you.
all information correct at time of publishing.
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