The Siren Song of Si: When Cassis Meets Controversy

First Impressions

The first spray of Si is a burst of unmistakable blackcurrant—tart, jammy, and unapologetically juicy. This isn't the polite whisper of cassis you might find lurking in the background of other fragrances; it's the star of the opening act, a bright pop of berry that announces itself with confidence. There's a freshness here that feels almost edible, yet refined enough to avoid veering into candy territory. Within moments, the green undertones emerge, lending an almost chypré-like sophistication to what could otherwise be a straightforward fruity opening. It's an intriguing first impression—one that promises both approachability and complexity.

The Scent Profile

That captivating cassis introduction doesn't overstay its welcome. As Si settles into its heart, May rose and freesia step forward, bringing a floral softness that tempers the fruit's intensity. The rose here is naturalistic rather than soapy, its slight spiciness playing beautifully against the freesia's airy, almost watery quality. This middle phase strikes a delicate balance—the florals never overwhelm the composition, but instead create a bridge between the juicy opening and what's to come.

The base is where Si reveals its true character as a woody-vanilla fragrance (those accords dominating at 100% and 89% respectively). Vanilla arrives not as a sugary cloud but as a creamy, slightly aromatic backdrop. Patchouli adds earthiness and depth, though this note proves divisive—for some, it's the grounding element that gives Si its sophistication; for others, it can read as too prominent, occasionally overshadowing the delicate work happening above it. Woody notes and ambroxan round out the foundation, providing a modern, slightly ambery warmth that keeps the vanilla from becoming too heavy. The aromatic accord (74%) adds an unexpected herbal quality that prevents the fragrance from becoming purely gourmand, while soft spicy notes (72%) create subtle complexity throughout the wear.

Character & Occasion

Si's versatility is one of its greatest strengths, though it does have clear preferences. This is quintessentially an autumn fragrance (100% seasonal match), with winter following closely behind at 86%. That woody-vanilla base and the aromatic spice make perfect sense for cooler weather, when the composition can fully bloom without becoming cloying. Spring sees moderate compatibility at 57%, while summer lags at just 31%—understandable given the richness of the base notes.

Interestingly, Si performs admirably as a daytime fragrance (90%), which speaks to its refined restraint despite the gourmand elements. The night-time rating of 77% suggests it transitions well into evening wear, though it may not have the intensity or projection some desire for after-dark occasions. This is a fragrance for the woman who wants to smell polished and present without demanding attention—it draws people closer rather than announcing your arrival from across the room.

Community Verdict

The fragrance community's relationship with Si is complicated, reflected in that 6.5/10 sentiment score across 89 opinions. The division centers almost entirely on one word: reformulation. Enthusiasts who own original versions from 2013 or the earlier black bottle iterations wax poetic about the beautiful blackcurrant note, the fresh and juicy character, and the satisfying dry down. For these devotees, Si represents everything a modern woody-gourmand should be.

However, more recent purchasers tell a different story. The 2021-2023 reformulations have sparked genuine disappointment, with complaints about significantly weakened performance, poor longevity, and projection that fades within hours. Multiple users describe newer versions as "generic and underwhelming," a far cry from the beloved original. The patchouli note, which once provided grounding sophistication, now reportedly overwhelms the composition for some wearers.

The praise remains consistent for those who love gourmand fragrances and appreciate fresh, juicy scents. Performance seems highly skin-dependent—while some experience excellent wear time, others find Si vanishing frustratingly quickly. The blackcurrant opening continues to win hearts, even among those critical of other aspects.

How It Compares

Si occupies interesting territory alongside heavyweights like Mon Guerlain, La Vie Est Belle, and Flowerbomb. Where La Vie Est Belle leans sweeter and more overtly gourmand, Si maintains more restraint through its woody-aromatic structure. It's less opulent than Black Orchid's dark sensuality and less explosive than Flowerbomb's name suggests. Si carves out a middle ground—modern and accessible like Mon Guerlain, but with that distinctive cassis opening that sets it apart. Among this category of woody-vanilla-floral fragrances that dominated the 2010s, Si distinguished itself through freshness and that green-fruity interplay.

The Bottom Line

With a 3.84/5 rating across nearly 20,000 votes, Si sits firmly in "well-liked but not universally adored" territory. That rating likely reflects the reformulation controversy—it's entirely possible the original formulation would score higher if judged alone.

The value proposition of Si depends entirely on which version you encounter. If you can sample before purchasing or find an older bottle, the original formulation appears worthy of its following. However, blind-buying a recent batch comes with legitimate risk given the community's concerns about performance and scent alterations.

Who should try Si? Those who love blackcurrant in fragrances should absolutely experience it, as should anyone seeking a sophisticated alternative to sweeter gourmands. If you're comfortable with woody-vanilla compositions but want something with more freshness and character than the typical offering, Si deserves your attention. Just manage your expectations—spray generously, perhaps on clothes as well as skin, and understand you may be experiencing a shadow of what once was. Sometimes even diminished magic still casts a spell.