Miyako by Auphorie

Miyako, from the sadly defunct Auphorie, attempts to capture the serene beauty of a Japanese garden in fragrant form. The opening is a delightful dance of osmanthus and yuzu, bright and sunny yet grounded with a touch of green tea. It’s initially promising, hinting at a delicate, refined experience.

As it dries down, Miyako reveals its darker, more complex heart. The sandalwood emerges, offering a creamy, woody base, but it’s soon overtaken by a somewhat cloying apricot note. While intriguing, this apricot can feel a little synthetic and ultimately detracts from the initial elegance. The longevity is impressive, lasting a solid 8+ hours, though the evolution becomes somewhat linear after the first few.

While not without its charm and offering some beautiful accords, Miyako ultimately falls slightly short of its ambitious vision. The apricot, intended as a key player, becomes a distracting element, preventing the fragrance from achieving true harmony. A solid composition, but not a masterpiece.