Zen 2000

Zen 2000 opens on bergamot brightened by gentiana, a bitter-green top that reads more cool than citrus-sweet. The heart settles into violet, iris and rose laid over oakmoss, giving the powdery-mossy character collectors associate with the turn of the millennium. The base is where this composition earns its woody 100% accord: bamboo and pear wood bring a dry, slightly sappy timber tone, grounded by patchouli and a soft musk that keeps the finish from turning austere. Powdery at 69% and earthy at 68%, it sits between a classical iris violet and a modern wood.

This is a quiet, contemplative wear rather than a statement scent. It suits collectors who favour powdery florals with moss and wood, and those curious about Shiseido's turn-of-century direction. Best in cool weather, daytime or early evening, and easy to layer understatedly. Sample if you are sensitive to oakmoss or iris, as both dominate the middle. A discontinued 2000 release worth seeking in full bottles with intact tops.

Zen 2000 以佛手柑配龍膽開場，苦綠多於甜柑橘，前調清冷。中調紫羅蘭、鳶尾與玫瑰鋪在橡苔之上，粉感與苔感交疊，正是千禧年前後的氣質。基調以竹與梨木帶出乾爽木質，廣藿香與柔和麝香收尾，令整體不至於冷硬。木質基調鮮明，粉感與泥土感並重，介乎古典鳶尾紫羅蘭與現代木香之間。

適合喜歡粉質花香、苔蘚與木質的收藏者，亦適合想了解資生堂千禧年風格的人。秋冬日間或初夜使用最為合宜，低調易疊穿。對橡苔或鳶尾敏感者宜先試香，因兩者在中調頗為突出。2000 年停產之作，選購時留意瓶口完整。