Ares.

Named for the Greek god of war, Ares captures the clash between bright aggression and quiet resolve. In 2026 the Velixir brothers turned to the myth’s fiery spirit, seeking a scent that would echo the clash of sunrise and battlefield. Drawing on their Jakarta workshop roots, they paired the zest of local citrus with the deep, aged woods that have long defined Indonesian perfumery, forging a modern tribute that still feels rooted in the archipelago’s aromatic legacy.

While many modern releases chase fleeting trends, Ares leans on the brothers’ family spice‑trading past, letting the citrus burst act as a bright front before the woods settle like a seasoned commander’s calm. The cedar and sandalwood are sourced from Indonesian plantations, echoing the same soil that nurtured the sandalwood of their earlier Apollo, while the amber‑musk‑patchouli base grounds the composition in a warm, powdery resolve that lingers long after the initial spark fades.

The opening fifteen minutes blaze like sunrise over a tropical pier, grapefruit and mandarin explode with a clean, electric zing that lifts the mood. By the half‑hour mark the citrus softens, yielding a smooth, creamy blend of sandalwood and cedar that adds structure without muting the brightness. Around the one‑hour point amber surfaces, turning the woody heart into a golden haze. As the drydown settles, musk and patchouli emerge like distant drums, delivering a powdery, earthy finish that clings for the rest of the day. The evolution is linear yet surprising; patchouli never overwhelms, it simply deepens, letting the initial spark linger as a quiet ember long after the citrus fades.

Since its 2026 debut, Ares has become a quiet favorite among collectors who appreciate a balanced citrus‑woody scent that bridges Velixir’s Indonesian roots with contemporary minimalism, often mentioned alongside Apollo and Artemis in niche forums. Its cultural resonance grew as it was featured in several indie fashion shows, symbolizing a modern reinterpretation of mythic themes and reinforcing the brand’s narrative of heritage fused with avant‑garde aesthetics.