The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Caitlin Hayes has long been fascinated by the olfactory memory of the Scottish Highlands, those early mornings when mist hangs low over heather and pine. Sorce approached this fragrance as an exercise in restraint, wanting to capture the sensation of standing in a wild thicket at dawn without overcomplicating the composition. Where many perfumes would layer multiple opening phases, Witchery chooses austerity, letting the heart notes speak without introduction or fanfare.
The note selection reflects Sorce's philosophy of restraint, choosing intensity over complexity. Galbanum provides the green bite, oakmoss and moss supply the earthy foundation, and blackberry adds just enough fruitiness to prevent austerity. The mineral notes bring an unexpected geological quality, while the air accord keeps the dense heart from becoming claustrophobic. Violet and silverthorn offer subtle floral counterpoints, and benzoin provides minimal warmth. No single note dominates; instead, the composition achieves balance through the deliberate omission of heavy-handed sweetness or excessive layering.
The evolution
The journey begins the moment the perfume meets skin, with galbanum and mineral notes immediately asserting themselves. Within minutes, blackberry emerges from beneath the green canopy, its dark fruitiness offering unexpected sweetness against the bitter galbanum. Oakmoss and moss take hold as the minutes progress, their earthy richness deepening the composition. Violet adds a whisper of floral softness, while silverthorn contributes an unusual silvery quality that distinguishes Witchery from standard green fragrances. Benzoin remains restrained throughout, only becoming perceptible in the later hours as the other elements slowly recede.
Cultural impact
Since its debut, Witchery has sparked conversation among niche collectors for its unapologetically green profile. Reviewers praise its authentic forest vibe, while a few note the initial mineral edge can be polarising. The fragrance is frequently mentioned alongside Aqqlepie and Dellamorte as a modern take on mist-filled woodland scents, and for those drawn to atmospheric perfumes that evoke untamed nature, Witchery offers a compelling alternative within the niche landscape.
