L’Entropiste honors Ethiopian incense, the sacred treasure of East Africa, within their new Ensang Noir perfume
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Among the oldest and most fascinating raw materials in human history, incense holds a unique place. Derived from trees of the Boswellia genus, this aromatic jewel has traveled through civilizations for millennia. Although its historical cradle lies in the southern Arabian Peninsula, it is today in East Africa, and particularly in Ethiopia, that incense reveals one of its most authentic and precious expressions. In Ethiopia grows Boswellia Papyrifera, an emblematic species whose white resin, harvested by hand using ancestral techniques, is renowned for its exceptional olfactory quality. Drops of gum-resin slowly exude from the incised trunk, then dry in the open air before being collected. Over time, the resin gains richness and depth, offering slightly woody and resinous notes, characteristic of great incense.
Since then, many perfume houses have developed incense inspired fragrances. Among them, we are glad to introduce you the new Ensang Noir jewel, imagined by L’Entropiste and its star perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour. By AL & ST
Above all, generated since Antiquity, you have to know that Ethiopian incense lays since ages, at the heart of trade routes linking the Horn of Africa to Egypt, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. It was used in sacred rituals, divine offerings, and purification practices, symbolizing the link between the earthly and the spiritual worlds. Legend even tells that the Queen of Sheba transported this sacred resin from present-day Ethiopia to King Solomon (photo credits: L’Entropiste).
Even today, Ethiopian incense remains a pillar of contemporary perfumery, bringing a true structure, mystery, and depth to oriental and woody compositions. At once a cultural heritage and a living material, it embodies a fragile patrimony that must be preserved. A true aromatic soul of East Africa, we can say that nowadays Ethiopian incense remains as an eternal symbol of spirituality, but also luxury, and olfactory magnetism.
Created by Bertrand Duchaufour for L’Entropiste, the new Ensang Noir fragrance, based on a play on words around incense, unveils in 2025 some tension and contrast. Conceived as a radical love letter, written between burning passion and profound darkness. From the head note, a dark and smoky rose emerges, streaked with metallic and aldehydic accents that create an almost cutting vibration. Thereafter, once sprayed on your favorite part, this perfume may sooner gain density, with a warm and textured incense, able to assert itself at the heart, blended with an impression of black ink, evoking paper, leather, and of course those indelible traces of blooded words. Let’s get yourself bewitched by this amazing wake, gradually deepening with a base of opoponax, patchouli, and even smoked woods, creating a deep, charismatic signature, deliberately non-sweet. A barely perceptible bitter softness rises in the background, reinforcing the dramatic and sensual dimension, emanating from this composition without ever displaying any gourmet facets.
As far as we know, Ensang Noir embodies his vision, notably by provoking a certain imbalance to spark emotion. In this Eau de Parfum, concentrated at 25%, boasting genuine long-lasting wear, composed of noble materials and of course handcrafted in France, this unisex fragrance is intended for those who seek to display a strong presence, ideal for any evening, winter, and moments, really charged with intensity. A smoky rose, a sacred incense, an unforgettable imprint to share with your beloved ones. Available in 50ml and 100ml.
More details on their official website.
