The Sacred Journey of Scent: Introducing St. John the Forerunner by Phronema Perfumes
In the world of artistic niche perfumery, the act of creating a fragrance often takes on the form of an intimate, almost sacred ritual—one of patience, intention, and passion. Such is the case with St. John the Forerunner, a truly one-of-a-kind fragrance that stands as a testament to five years of meticulous craftsmanship. With only 25 bottles in existence, this limited-edition release embodies a unique journey that fuses raw materials, history, and artistry in ways rarely seen in modern perfumery.
The Story Behind the Scent
At its heart, St. John the Forerunner was born out of an experimental process, where some of the best oils encountered by the perfumer were carefully added in 1ml increments. Over time, this pseudo-curated blend was tested at every step, with each new drop contributing to the fragrance's evolving character. But the journey didn’t stop there.
In a creative twist, the mixture was stored inside a micro-batch whiskey barrel, where it was left to age and develop. Over the course of five years, the oils inside matured, absorbing the subtle nuances imparted by the barrel itself. The result is an ever-evolving fragrance with layers of warmth, depth, and intrigue, reminiscent of the time and care that shaped it.
This accumulation of oils became the base, or foundation, for the final fragrance—a 'nesting' composition designed to emphasize the most beautiful elements of the scent. The goal was to round out the edges, enhance its complexity, and create a sense of longevity in the dry-down, ensuring that St. John the Forerunner offers an olfactory experience that lingers and transforms over time.
A Sacred Name, A Sacred Day
The fragrance was officially bottled on a significant date: September 23rd, which is the Feast of the Conception of the Honorable, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. This religious and historical reference is at the core of the fragrance’s identity, hence the name St. John the Forerunner. The choice of title not only reflects the profound respect for tradition but also symbolizes the sacred and mystical qualities woven into the perfume itself.
A Limited Edition Apology
Despite the uniqueness of the scent, the perfumer felt compelled to issue a humble apology for the limited nature of this release. The experimental and unrepeatable process used to create St. John the Forerunner means that this fragrance cannot be mass-produced or replicated. As a result, only 25 bottles have been made available.
What makes this release even more significant is that it introduces the brand's new bottle design, offering a glimpse of what's to come. Future releases from Phronema Perfumes will fall between the pricing of this limited edition and the brand's original line, making St. John the Forerunner not only an extraordinary scent but also a landmark in the brand's evolution.
The Olfactory Experience
Fragrance Notes:
- Top Notes: The initial burst of Sandalwood and Frankincense offers a warm, meditative introduction, setting the stage for deeper contemplation.
- Middle Notes: As the scent evolves, Myrrh and Oud bring a resinous, mysterious heart that feels both ancient and enduring.
- Base Notes: The dry-down reveals the sensual richness of Ambergris, anchoring the scent with a long-lasting, mystical finish.
This rare fragrance, St. John the Forerunner, is available to sample at Gallery by Flo. Discover it here.
