No. II Ground
Designed for reflective souls and lovers of grounding woody aromas, Gabar No. II Ground captures the meditative peace of remote Southeast Asian forests. It steers clear of sugary commercial sweetness. A crisp burst of saffron and fresh ginger greets you before yielding to a comforting heart of milky fig and earthy orris. Deep beneath lies a dense, tactile bed of guaiac wood, clean musk, and smoky patchouli. If you crave scents that feel organic, introspective, and rooted rather than perfumey, this bottle fits right into your weekly rotation. Wear it on chilly rainy days, during creative studio sessions, or while relaxing in coffee shops.
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Performance Metrics
160 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity averages six to eight hours on skin, stretching past twenty-four hours when sprayed directly onto wool jackets or cotton shirts. Projection radiates at arm's length for two hours before drying down into an intimate, six-inch scent bubble that stays discreet all day.
Notes Pyramid
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Gabar No. II Ground opens with a zesty burst of ginger, pink pepper, and coriander before melting into a heart of green fig, powdery orris, and cedar. The lingering base relies on damp vetiver, thanaka wood, and patchouli to establish one of the best earthy perfumes for cool, damp weather.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe blend centers on dry cedar and vetiver that gradually give way to warm spicy fragrances and damp earth. A soft dusting of orris root adds a velvety powder texture, while green fig provides subtle creaminess without introducing syrupy dessert sweetness.
Community Data
283 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
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When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward daytime. It makes the most sense for casual wear and work.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Calming and contemplative woody profile that aids daytime focus
Natural-smelling wet soil drydown without synthetic screech
Office-safe projection that never suffocates nearby coworkers
Unsweetened green fig adds unique moisture to dry cedar
Exceptional fabric longevity on wool coats and knit scarves
Rare Burmese thanaka wood provides authentic character
Balanced unisex appeal that fits any personal aesthetic
Beautiful performance in brisk autumn rain and chilly spring air
High-quality orris creates a comforting powdery undertone
Ideal comforting skin scent for relaxed weekends at home
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Opening ginger and coriander can feel sharp and medicinal for five minutes
Limited projection after hour two may disappoint sillage lovers
Damp soil facet can pull funky or ashy on very oily skin
Not punchy enough for crowded evening clubs or party settings
Fruity fig nuance fades faster than the heavy woody base
Price per milliliter is relatively high for an intimate skin scent
Lacks the mass-appealing sweetness expected by mall perfume buyers
Struggles to project in hot and humid summer temperatures
Bottle distribution can be hard to track down in physical stores
Can smell slightly vegetal if applied heavily on synthetics
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Gabar No. II Ground Editorial Review: Earthy Solace”
The first spray bites. Alcohol evaporates quickly, releasing a sharp punch of cracked coriander and ginger root that feels almost medicinal on bare skin. Then comes a vibrant kick of pink pepper perfume warmth paired with dark saffron. It is crisp, angular, and slightly prickly. You might even detect a momentary flash of herbal solvent before the formula warms up. Do not panic. Within five minutes, that prickly spike softens dramatically as body heat coaxes the deeper oils to the surface, creating an energizing yet meditative greeting.
Patience pays off here. As the top spices recede, an unexpected creamy softness takes over the midsection. Green fig emerges alongside a dusty, powdery orris root, creating a texture reminiscent of dried black saffron perfume facets mixed with chilled matcha foam. It does not turn overly sweet or syrupy. Instead, the fig provides just enough sap-like moisture to balance a dry wall of virginian cedar. The scent stays buoyant and restrained, floating gently around your neck rather than punching outward into the room.
Skin chemistry alters this bottle significantly. On warmer skin, the heart pulls noticeably powdery, while cool skin emphasizes damp roots and raw wood shavings. As hour three approaches, the base begins its shift toward realistic wet potting soil and forest loam. This is where the perfume earns its name. Vetiver and dark patchouli intertwine with rare Burmese thanaka wood and smoky guaiac. Some wearers catch a faint trace of dried tobacco or paper ash in the background. It feels thoroughly organic and grounded.
Expect moderate projection. The scent pushes out roughly two feet during the first ninety minutes, then pulls inward to form a personal aura. Total skin longevity sits reliably between six and eight hours. Spraying your clothes yields far better results. Heavy wool knits and cotton collars hold the base patchouli and musk woody perfume fixatives for well over twenty-four hours. This makes the fragrance exceptionally well suited for quiet office environments, casual autumn strolls, and reflective rainy mornings when loud scents feel overwhelming.
This is truly genderless perfumery. Anyone who appreciates artisanal botanicals, quiet minimalism, and earthy architecture will feel right at home with this blend. It deliberately avoids candy-coated florals and heavy chemical ambers, which may disappoint clubbers seeking massive attention. Creative professionals, introverts, and devotees of quiet luxury will adore its understated confidence. It smells thoughtful, grounded, and deeply personal.
Gabar No. II Ground succeeds by honoring restraint. Ruth Mastenbroek composed a fragrance that prioritizes personal wellbeing over public spectacle. A slight initial roughness is a small price to pay for such a comforting, forest-floor drydown. Buy a bottle if you want contemplative tranquility for the colder months. Sample it first if you dislike earthy soil notes.
FAQs
What does Gabar No. II Ground smell like when first sprayed?+
The opening hits with a brisk flash of fresh ginger, cracked coriander, and zesty pink pepper. This initial burst feels sharp, energetic, and slightly medicinal for the first five minutes. As the alcohol lift evaporates, warm saffron emerges to smooth down the rough edges, setting up a dry and aromatic woody path.
How does the fragrance transition into its heart and drydown?+
After twenty minutes, the peppery spices yield to a gentle heart of green fig, powdery orris, and cedar. The fig brings a touch of milky sap rather than fruit sweetness. Eventually, the drydown reveals rich vetiver, Burmese thanaka wood, and patchouli, recreating the soothing aroma of damp soil and forest floor.
How long does Gabar No. II Ground last on skin compared to clothing?+
Gabar No. II Ground typically lasts six to eight hours on skin, but easily surpasses twenty-four hours on clothing. While dry skin absorbs the lighter top spices quickly, heavy fixatives like cedar, patchouli, and musk anchor securely to wool, cotton, and linen threads, providing subtle whiffs whenever you move throughout the day.
What is the projection radius and sillage of this perfume?+
Projection radiates at roughly arm's length for two hours before pulling in to form an intimate skin scent. It generates a soft, polite aura rather than an aggressive vapor cloud. People sitting right beside you in an office or car will catch gentle woody wafts without feeling overwhelmed by heavy sillage.
Which seasons and temperatures work best for No. II Ground?+
This fragrance performs at its absolute peak during autumn and winter in temperatures between 8°C and 18°C. Cool, humid air and rainy weather accentuate the damp vetiver and earthy thanaka wood. Conversely, intense summer heat above 28°C causes the subtle fig to dissipate too quickly while turning the patchouli slightly murky.
Is Gabar No. II Ground appropriate for office and professional wear?+
Yes, its restrained projection and clean cedar base make it an outstanding choice for the workplace. Because it lacks sugary gourmand notes or loud animalic musks, it remains completely polite in shared spaces. It projects a calm, grounded professionalism that feels modern and approachable throughout eight-hour business days.
Does Gabar No. II Ground lean masculine, feminine, or unisex?+
Gabar No. II Ground sits squarely down the middle as a true gender-neutral fragrance. The combination of powdery orris and creamy green fig provides softness that appeals to women, while robust cedar, vetiver, and guaiac wood offer the classic dryness often favored in men's cologne. Anyone can wear this with ease.
How does No. II Ground compare to Le Labo Thé Matcha 26?+
Both share a soothing creamy fig and cedar structure, but No. II Ground is noticeably earthier. While Thé Matcha 26 leans brighter with bitter orange and matcha tea, Ground emphasizes damp soil, spicy ginger, and Burmese thanaka wood. Ground feels more grounded in forest flora, whereas Matcha feels like an airy cafe.
Is Gabar No. II Ground worth the retail price tag?+
No. II Ground justifies its niche pricing for wearers who prioritize botanical quality and distinct, contemplative aromas. While not a bargain purchase, the inclusion of rare Burmese thanaka wood and refined orris sets it far apart from designer counter clones. It offers solid value if you cherish meditative daily skin scents.
What fragrance notes layer well with Gabar No. II Ground?+
Clean citrus colognes and airy green florals layer brilliantly with the grounded cedar foundation of No. II Ground. Pairing it with a sparkling bergamot or neroli splash injects brightness into the top, while an extra spritz of sheer sandalwood or ambroxan boosts projection without disrupting its earthy, soil-scented core.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREFans of Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 and Thé Noir 29 will recognize the fig and cedar framework, though Ground trades tea sweetness for damp earth and Burmese thanaka wood. Those who enjoy Aesop Hwyl or Diptyque Tam Dao will also appreciate its meditative botanical approach.
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