Cloon Keen Atelier Bataille de Fleurs: luxurious, sophisticated and fantastic

It says something about a brand - particularly a small Irish one - if they launch their first super luxe fragrance collection in the middle of a recession.

It tells me that not only are they supremely confident about the quality of this product but that they have the guts and the determination to put their money where their mouth is.

And dear readers - we like that don't we.  Yes we bloody love it.

This is Cloon Keen Atelier.  And as someone who's acquainted with their stupendous luxury candle collections and the quality of their output I was only dying to get my hands on this fragrance.

My interest was further piqued by the fact that Bataille de Fleurs was chosen by Dublin Castle as the signature scent of the Queen's Visit earlier in the year.  This scent perfumed the soaps, lotions and diffusers for the State Dinner in May and was used to fragrance all the private apartments during the visit.

Cloon Keen say: "Bataille de Fleurs has a deep round sensual yet bright note which is enhanced by a green aqueous freshness.  Top notes of fig, lemon tree and bergamote blend into  a heart of mimosa and jasmine with base notes of sandalwood, cedar and musk."

It's a rich scent and a very sophisticated blend.  Not one you will like if you're a fan of single notes and sweet perfumes - but if there was one word to describe this fragrance it would be seduction.

I've been wearing it for a few days now and while I haven't actually seduced anyone I have had lots of compliments.  The scent, which can seem quite strong at the start, quickly beds down into a warm, wearable fragrance.

I'm so delighted to see a luxury collection like this launching on the Irish market: and I just have one thing to say.

Love.

Price: €70
Buy this from Cloon Keen in Galway, online and in Arnotts Dublin from August (when there will be more scents joining the Mowbray collection - watch this space)