No. II Ground.

Gabar set out to capture the feeling of being rooted, of standing on solid ground while the world shifts around you. No. II Ground, launched in 2021, translates that concept into scent, drawing on the Burmese idea of earth as a living memory. Perfumer Ruth Mastenbrœk blended peppery spice, bright saffron and green ginger to echo the bustling markets of Myanmar, then layered fig and cedar to suggest the quiet shade of a teak forest. The base of Thanaka wood, guaiac, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, musk and oud grounds the composition, echoing the house’s dedication to place‑based storytelling.

What makes this blend striking is the daring partnership of pink pepper’s sharp bite with saffron’s sweet, almost metallic glow. Add ginger’s clean heat and coriander’s herbaceous edge, and the top becomes a lively, almost tactile spice market. The heart’s fig offers a subtle fruitiness that softens the powdery orris, while cedar anchors the middle with a dry, resinous timber. In the drydown, the rare Thanaka wood, a Burmese bark traditionally used in skin care, adds an earthy, slightly smoky nuance that pairs unexpectedly well with the deep, animalic oud, creating a finish that feels both ancient and contemporary.

The opening erupts with pink pepper’s crisp pop, quickly followed by saffron’s golden shimmer and ginger’s clean heat; within ten minutes the spice settles into a green, aromatic haze. As the initial spark fades, fig emerges, sweet yet restrained, intertwining with the powdery veil of orris root, while cedar introduces a dry, forest‑floor timber that steadies the heart. By the hour mark, the base notes assert themselves: Thanaka wood and guaiac wood lay a smoky, bark‑rich foundation, vetiver and patchouli add earthy depth, and sandalwood smooths the edges. Musk provides a soft, skin‑kissed veil, and oud crowns the composition with a lingering, dark incense that can be sensed on the skin well into the next day, offering a quiet, lingering warmth that feels both grounded and elegant.

Since its 2021 debut, No. II Ground has become a winter favorite among niche collectors, praised for its elegant balance of spice and deep wood. Wearers often cite its ability to feel both intimate and assertive, making it a go‑to scent for evenings when a subtle statement is desired.