The Scent of Sun and Fun: Summer by Dasein

What smells come to mind when you think of summer? For some of us, no doubt the list includes such obvious references as coconutty suntan lotion, swimming pools, tropical fruity drinks, trees and flowers in full bloom and freshly mown lawns. I'm thinking, too, of some less-appreciated but no less summery scents like hot pavement, homemade salsa with tomatoes and cilantro fresh-picked from the garden and the warm and salty smell my skin has after spending all day on a boat, bathed by sun, wind and sea.by: Jodi Battershell

It should come as no surprise that Sam Rader of Dasein, who so perfectly bottled my fragranced memories of the snowy season in Winter, has managed to encapsulate the light, heat and joy of the sunny season in the newest Dasein fragrance, Summer. Continuing the seasonal theme initiated with Winter (2014), and followed by Springearlier this year, "Dasein's Summer unisex fragrance is sunshine and cocktails at the ultimate summer pool party. With notes of cilantro, grapefruit, grass, jasmine, and orange blossom, Summer is a light, bright celebration of the funnest season," according to the Dasein website.

With a bright coral-colored juice that evokes the colorful movie poster for the classic surfer film Endless Summer as much as it does a cool cocktail in a frosty glass,Summer delighted me before I had a chance to try the fragrance or even read about its notes. Just like Winter, Summer's simple and elegant package so perfectly embodies the scent and its mood.

Notes of cilantro, grapefruit, grass, jasmine and orange blossom—Summer looks like a refreshing cocktail on paper. Heavy-duty white floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom suggest a classic feminine bouquet, but keeping in mind that Dasein fragrances wear their unisex nature on their sleeves (literally), I knew there was sure to be more to this story.

Having tried the fragrance several times now, I find the grapefruit is actually the dominant note on my skin. I've had mixed results with grapefruit fragrances in the past, with scents that ran the gamut from "eau de cat pee" to ethereal beauties that were oh so nice ... for the fifteen minutes they lasted on my skin. Summer's grapefruit offers a different variety of the fruit, keeping its tart and juicy aroma throughout the life of the fragrance, bolstered by surprisingly complementary notes of green grass.

Orange blossom and jasmine can easily take over a scent but seem to be supporting players in Summer, adding depth while trimming the sharper aspects of the grapefruit. I get no waxy white orange blossom aroma as an individual note, nor any indolic fecal jasmine nuances. Men need not fear that the white florals in this fragrance will render it too feminine.

The cilantro note—bitter green but somehow dry, with a slight hint of sweat or body odor—adds a unique twist to the fragrance. The combination of grapefruit and the herbal tones of cilantro and green grass kept bringing to mind a particular tasty cocktail I once had whose name I could no longer recall. After looking online at cocktail recipes featuring grapefruit, I found it: the Salty Dog, which is gin and grapefruit juice served in a highball glass with a salted rim. Summer's grapefruit and green notes echo this refreshing cocktail and its delightful mix of herbal, citrusy and salty flavors.

Summer's sillage is moderate and its longevity is excellent, and it's equally suitable for both work and play. Summer will be a fragrance both men and women can appreciate and wear all summer long, or year-round, really. I'm of the opinion that there is no time of the year when the lift provided by sunny citrus and refreshing green notes is unwelcome.

Dasein will complete its seasonal fragrance wardrobe with Autumn, later in 2015. Fragrantica will share news about the scent as it becomes available.

Thank you to Dasein for the opportunity to celebrate Summer with your delightful new fragrance! Summer and the other Dasein season scents are available for purchase onthe Dasein official website, at Twisted Lily and at select retailers in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

All Images: Dasein