The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Brooklyn Soap Company, founded in 2015, crafts modest niche scents that echo everyday Brooklyn moments. Their first foray into perfume arrived the same year as The Woods Beginning, imagined by perfumer Mark Buxton. The name references the raw forests that fringe the borough's industrial edges. Buxton designed this as a scent that begins immediately in its heart, omitting a traditional opening entirely.
The decision to eliminate opening and drydown phases places all emphasis on the heart notes. Myrrh and amber provide a natural pairing, both resinous and warm. Absinthe brings an unexpected complexity, while nutmeg adds depth. Musk softens the blend, preventing the resinous notes from becoming too heavy. The result is a scent that reads as one cohesive layer rather than a progressing story.
The evolution
The scent begins without fanfare, placing the wearer directly into the amber and myrrh core. Mandarin orange arrives early, offering a brief flash of citrus brightness before the absinthe asserts its sharp, aromatic presence. Nutmeg adds warm spice as the composition settles. The heart notes persist throughout, with no distinct drydown phase emerging. Musk remains a quiet presence, never fully disappearing.
Cultural impact
Since its 2015 debut, The Woods Beginning has become a reference point for niche fans seeking an unpretentious yet sophisticated woody‑spicy scent. Bloggers often cite it alongside Dior’s Bois d’Argent and Dsquared²’s Green Wood as a bridge between raw street‑level aromas and refined amber woods, cementing Brooklyn Soap Company’s reputation for translating everyday borough moments into collectible fragrances.
