Onyx
A detailed look at Onyx by Maese Pau, a unisex balsamic fragrance launched in 2024. Created by perfumer Pablo Emanuel Locascio Poletto, this scent blends Ceylon cinnamon, dark Dominican cocoa, and Somali opoponax. Read our review to see how this resinous, earthy composition behaves on skin in cold weather.
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Performance Metrics
33 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
It provides a solid eight hours of longevity on skin with a moderate, arm's length sillage that thrives in cold, dry winter air.
Notes Pyramid
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Onyx by Maese Pau is a dry, resinous unisex fragrance featuring Ceylon cinnamon, bitter Dominican cocoa, and earthy Java patchouli, offering a warm and textured wear.
Main Accords
8 MAPPEDThe amber and balsamic accords behave like a thick resinous blanket on skin, showing a dusty texture that slowly warms up to reveal earth, wood, and cocoa.
Community Data
63 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and fall. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Features a very unique blend of Ceylon cinnamon and bitter cocoa.
Solid longevity that easily clears the eight hour mark on skin.
Artisanal composition that avoids the typical clean mall scent tropes.
Perfect companion for heavy wool coats and cold winter nights.
Unisex balance that works well for both men and women.
Resinous opoponax base stays noticeable on clothes for days.
Incorporates a sophisticated saline undertone via authentic Bahamian ambergris.
Showcases a beautifully smooth Brazilian rosewood that adds a refined woody texture.
Balsamic warmth from Tolu balsam provides an excellent slow-burning sweetness.
Flashes a bright, sunny Sicilian lemon contrast before transitioning to darker elements.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
The medicinal opening of sage and cardamom might turn some buyers off.
Cocoa note is very dry and offers zero sugary gourmand sweetness.
Can feel too heavy or suffocating in warm spring and summer weather.
Hard to purchase without sampling first due to the resinous profile.
Fails to project loudly if you are looking for a room-filling scent.
The Java patchouli has a raw, earthy edge that some find dusty.
Features Nepalese black cardamom which adds a dark, smoky tone some might find harsh.
Balsamic elements like Tolu balm can feel cloying if over-sprayed.
The Sicilian lemon top note is extremely short-lived, disappearing almost instantly.
Himalayan cedar contributes an dry woodiness that can feel overly dusty in the drydown.
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Maese Pau Onyx Review: Raw Resins and Cocoa”
Onyx opens with a brief splash of Sicilian lemon and Roman sage, but do not let this fool you. Within minutes, the fleeting citrus sweetness vanishes. A dry wave of Nepalese black cardamom and Ceylon cinnamon takes over, introducing a warm, slightly medicinal spice profile that commands attention.
The heart of the fragrance reveals a dusty, unsweetened Dominican cocoa blended with Brazilian rosewood. This is not a sweet chocolate scent, but rather a dry, woody interpretation of cocoa. The earthy facets of Java patchouli emerge early, anchoring the spices and preventing the blend from turning into a sugary dessert.
On the skin, the dominant amber and balsamic accords feel thick and chewy. Somali opoponax and Tolu balsam dominate the dry-down, giving the perfume a heavy, resinous texture. A clean salinity from Bahamian ambergris helps break up the density, keeping the woods and resins from feeling completely flat.
Onyx is a solid performer, lasting around eight hours on skin. Its sillage is moderate, creating a cozy bubble rather than filling a whole room. This makes it a great choice for cold autumn and winter evenings, especially when paired with a wool coat or a heavy sweater.
This fragrance suits individuals who appreciate artisanal, woody profiles. It will not appeal to fans of clean, blue designer scents. Its unisex character leans slightly rustic, making it a great match for someone who wants to stand out without being loud.
Ultimately, Onyx is a successful study in resins and dry spices. If you enjoy the raw feel of patchouli and the warmth of Tolu balsam, this is a rewarding wear. Those sensitive to medicinal undercurrents should definitely sample it first.
FAQs
What does Onyx smell like at first spray?+
Onyx opens with a bright spark of Sicilian lemon and green Roman sage. This fleeting brightness quickly yields to a warm wave of black cardamom and hot Ceylon cinnamon. The opening feels spicy and slightly camphorous before the heavy resins take over.
How does the dry-down of Onyx develop on skin?+
As the fragrance settles, the early spices blend into a dark heart of Dominican cocoa and Brazilian rosewood. Somali opoponax and sweet Tolu balsam create a thick, sticky resinous base. Java patchouli adds a dry, earthy touch that keeps the cocoa from becoming overly sweet.
How long does Onyx stay on the skin?+
You can expect this fragrance to last between seven and nine hours on skin. The rich balsamic base of Tolu balsam and Somali opoponax clings well to sweaters and collars. It persists long after the spicier top notes of black cardamom have faded away.
Does Onyx project loudly or stay close to the body?+
Onyx projects at arm's length for the first two hours of wear. After that, it settles into a warm skin scent. The earthy patchouli and dry Himalayan cedar keep the projection moderate rather than overwhelming in close indoor spaces.
In which season does Onyx perform the best?+
This heavy balsamic blend shines during the cold days of winter and late autumn. The warm cinnamon, cocoa, and ambergris accords need cool air to breathe. Wearing it in hot summer weather makes the sticky Tolu balsam feel heavy and cloying.
Is Onyx suitable for formal office wear?+
Onyx is better suited for casual weekend wear, evening dinners, or outdoor gatherings. The prominent note of dark Dominican cocoa and earthy Java patchouli gives it a relaxed, slightly mysterious character. It might feel too dense or unconventional for a quiet office.
Does this fragrance lean more masculine or feminine?+
Onyx is a true unisex option that avoids traditional floral or sharp cologne tropes. It balances sweet Dominican cocoa and warm cinnamon with dry Himalayan cedar and Roman sage. Anyone who appreciates dark, resinous, and woody blends can wear this comfortably.
What age group is Onyx best suited for?+
This scent appeals most to independent spirits and fragrance enthusiasts who enjoy resinous, non-traditional profiles. The combination of opoponax and earthy patchouli feels mature and artistic. It suits those who prefer unique, craft-style scents over simple fresh designers.
Can I layer Onyx with other fragrances?+
Onyx layers well with simple vanilla or citrus scents. Adding a clean vanilla note softens the bitter Dominican cocoa and dry Himalayan cedar. A bright orange or bergamot top note can help lift the dense opoponax base during transitional spring days.
Is Onyx a safe option for a blind buy?+
This is not a safe blind buy unless you love heavy, resinous amber scents. The combination of dry patchouli, bitter cocoa, and medicinal opoponax can surprise unprepared buyers. We recommend ordering a small sample vial to test on your skin first.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORELook to Guerlain L'Instant for a cleaner cocoa patchouli, or Tom Ford Amber Absolute if you want a much smokier incense profile.
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