Wild, untamed and majestic. The Big Sur coastal region is considered one of California’s most impressive natural wonders. Between the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean, the famous Highway No. 1 winds its way through fog-shrouded forests, past rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. It is a place of vastness, tranquillity and the powerful presence of nature and it is precisely this magic that Big Sur Eucalyptus by D.S. & Durga captures in olfactory form.
Traveling with D.S. & Durga: Big Sur Eucalyptus
Big Sur Eucalyptus is a tribute to the iconic landscape and the characteristic scent of the region’s eucalyptus trees, which, together with sequoias, watch over the coast like green giants. From the clear, resinous freshness of the eucalyptus leaves to the mineral notes of damp earth and maritime accords that evoke the salty spray of the Pacific. Like taking a deep breath in the middle of the pristine Californian wilderness.
Incidentally, the eucalyptus trees, which today appear to be natural inhabitants of the coastal region, are not in fact native to California. They were only introduced from Australia in the 19th century – originally with the hope of being able to use their fast-growing, robust wood for industrial purposes. The trees found ideal conditions in Big Sur. Moist cloud forests, mineral-rich soils and the mild, oceanic climate quickly made them at home here.
Today, they characterize the image of the region. Towering, with silvery shimmering bark and that unmistakable, cool, mentholated scent that unfolds particularly intensely in humid air. When the wind from the Pacific sweeps through the treetops, it carries the ethereal notes for miles. An olfactory trademark of the Californian coastal landscape, which for many – whether vacationers or locals – is inextricably linked with Big Sur. Clear, invigorating and calming at the same time, a fragrance like a meditative embrace of nature.
The Eau de Parfum Big Sur Eucalyptus picks up on precisely this atmosphere and translates it into a fragrant narrative in which stories, landscapes and emotions flow into one another. A perfume that not only captures the magic of these extraordinary eucalyptus trees, but makes it perceptible in every spray.
The New York-based brand D.S. & Durga is known for its narrative, entertaining and extravagant compositions – just a few weeks ago I presented the article Cowgirl Grass by D.S. & Durga – A Fresh Breeze from the Wild West here. With Big Sur Eucalyptus, the label once again conjures up olfactory images. A lonely morning in one of the many nature reserves in the region, such as the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Steaming wafts of mist between redwood trees. The sound of the waves beneath the famous Art Deco-style Bixby Creek Bridge. D.S. & Durga takes us on a road trip along the Pacific coast, where the notes of woods, salty notes, eucalyptus, cardamom, rosemary, magnolia, cypress and leafy greens come together.
Excitingly, Big Sur Eucalyptus goes back to a room fragrance, namely the Big Sur After Rain scented candle, which – according to my research – was first launched in 2018. It smells of damp earth, greenish eucalyptus and the fresh breeze of the Pacific after a summer rain. The candle quickly became a bestseller. So much so that perfumer David Seth Moltz was repeatedly asked if there could be a perfume to go with it. However, as the formulas of candles and eaux de parfum cannot be transferred one-to-one, he decided to develop an independent creation – inspired by the same place, with the same mood, but specially designed for the skin. Big Sur Eucalyptus was born. An olfactory counterpart for all those who want to wear the atmosphere of the California coast not only in the room, but also on their skin.
Big Sur Eucalyptus is tart, earthy and salty from the very first moment. Transparent and airy at the same time, a mentholated freshness pervades the fragrance, interwoven with maritime accords. The salt stands out in particular – picked up and underlined by the aromatic, slightly spicy notes of rosemary, which itself always carries a hint of the sea. Eucalyptus shows its best side here: no harsh menthol hit, no cough drop vibes, but a gently balanced, woody-fresh and green fragrance with subtle camphor-like facets that blend harmoniously with the salty-maritime nuances. Cardamom emphasizes the aromatic-green, refreshing aspects, while magnolia contributes bright, aquatic floral accents – like flowing, clear water. The iconic redwoods of Big Sur also find their olfactory echo, embodied by coniferous-citrusy cypress notes. Everything comes together to form a harmonious whole, as if these components had always belonged together.
Big Sur Eucalyptus is a fragrant homage to the wild beauty of the Californian coast, an invitation to pause, dream and let go of everyday life. An eau de parfum that will delight nature lovers, adventurers, California lovers and eucalyptus enthusiasts alike: pristine, pure and breathtakingly beautiful. For me, it is a unisex fragrance that is particularly effective in the warmer months of the year – but can be worn on any occasion. 💚
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