Jordan Samuel Fragrances

Jordan Samuel Fragrances was created by Jordan Pacitti, a former corps de ballet member of the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. When I say “former” I mean he just retired from the company this summer and is now focusing on his business full time.

Jordan Samuel launched in 2007 while Pacitti was still dancing with PNB, and has now made the complete transition from established professional dancer to burgeoning natural fragrance artisan. Currently his website and etsy shop are stocked with four soy candles and a fragrance called Before. All of his products are handmade without the use of synthetic or toxic ingredients. Additionally, Jordan Samuel Fragrances are all certified organic, wildcrafted or natural.

The fragrance Before is dedicated to several people in Pacitti’s life who have struggled with cancer. Clearly, it’s a very personal creation, one that is sharp and vibrant, as well as soft and serene. Before is heralded with a mighty dose of crisp bergamot and juicy lemon, not for those who shy away from bold citrus notes as they move from the opening well into the heart. The exhilaration is tempered slightly by rose and vanilla in the middle and with more smoothing of the brisk edges in the drydown.

Before is also a candle that smells nearly identical to the fragrance. The main difference being an abundance of lavender that mingles with the bergamot and lemon. Before, the candle, is a well-balanced citrusy lavender that suffuses a room gracefully. It has a nice throw, but does not overpower the air with its scent.

There are three other candles currently on the Jordan Samuel website, all of which are cocktail inspired, my favorite being Mojito. The brightness of spearmint smells of freshly picked sprigs while a touch of lime and vanilla bring forth a lively sweetness that is cheerful and refreshing.

Margarita continues the citrus theme as lime mingles with mango and pineapple. The result is not as sugary sweet as the notes suggest though. When burning, this candle fills the room with a boozy margarita fragrance that’s heavy on the lime, the way I like ’em. Then we have Bellini, a creamy/fruity concoction that smells of apples dipped in milk. The candle’s notes do not include apple, but rather organic peach, nectarine and champagne. Whatever the produce, it’s simultaneously fruity, crisp and velvety.

A fitting end for this review comes from the words of PNB Founding Artistic Directors Kent Stowell and Francia Russell. I can’t think of a more loving and heartfelt sendoff. “As both a performer and a friend, he created his own unique place within the Company and will be sorely missed. The wonderful consolation is that he is the perfect example of the retiring dancer who is fully prepared for his transition and as passionate about his second career as he has always been about dance.” Bravo!

Jordan Samuel soy candles are $25 for an 8 oz candle or $25 for the cocktail travel set.  Before the fragrance is $56 for 2 oz spray or $40 for a 0.5 oz roll-on.

Posted by ~Trish

1st Image: Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Jordan Pacitti in Agon. Photo: Angela Sterling ©. Source: The Seattle Times.

2nd image from JordanSamuel website

Disclosure: Samples were sent to me for consideration by Jordan Samuel Fragrances. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.