QUIET CHORD | Aesop TACIT Impression | Woody Aromatic Perfume

Core Fragrance Details

• purelyBlack Name: QUIET CHORD
• Inspired By: TACIT by Aesop
• Olfactory Family: Woody Aromatic
• Format Available: Roll-On 10ml, Spray 2ml, Spray 10ml

What is the scent profile of QUIET CHORD?

QUIET CHORD opens with a radiant burst of Japanese yuzu citrus — naturalistic and gentle, not sharp and bracing, more like hands after peeling a mandarin than a bracing cologne. The yuzu is accompanied by supporting citrus notes that brighten the composition without overpowering. Within minutes, the heart reveals itself: an impressive amount of Grand Vert basil, the spicy, dashing variation grown in the Mediterranean, creating a strikingly intense green heart; in the base, an earthy, well-spiced vetiver is given an extra dimension from an invigorating blend of cloves for a fresh, spicy, natural-feeling fragrance to the very last moment. Created in partnership with perfumer Céline Barel, Aesop TACIT is a fresh yet warm fragrance — an elegant composition that evokes coastal vegetation, sun-warm citrus fruits, laundry drying against a blue sky; opening notes of Basil Grand Vert and Yuzu give way to a herbaceous heart, underpinned by an earthy base of Cedarwood and Vetiver; the fragrance was born of diverse inspiration: the Mediterranean coastline, the old-world grace of traditional colognes, a film (Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love), an artist (Giorgio de Chirico), and a particular shade of green (Pantone number 363).

Longevity & Projection

• Longevity: Moderate longevity, typically lasting between 4 and 6 hours on the skin; roll-on format anchors to skin for extended wear
• Projection: Subtle yet present, offering a personal and refined aura without overwhelming the surroundings
• Best Season: Spring/Summer
• Best Occasion: Daytime office, casual weekend wear, outdoor gatherings

What Makes Aesop TACIT a Unique Woody Aromatic Fragrance?

Aesop TACIT was launched in 2015 as a contemporary interpretation of classical colognes, inspired by the fresh notes of traditional colognes and the culture, topography, and fragile perfumed vegetation of the Mediterranean coast. It was the first brand-new fragrance release from Aesop in 10 years, featuring a stunningly bright, invigoratingly aromatic green scent with an impressive amount of Grand Vert basil — the spicy, dashing variation of the plant grown in the Mediterranean. This distinguishes it from conventional citrus colognes that rely on bergamot and lemon.

What Are the Scent Notes in Aesop TACIT?

• Top Notes: Yuzu and Citruses
• Middle Notes: Basil (Basil Grand Vert)
• Base Notes: Vetiver and Cloves

Fragrance Family: Woody Aromatic

What Is the Scent Journey of Aesop TACIT?

Opening with a mouthwatering, yuzu-led bouquet of citruses, Aesop TACIT quickly distinguishes itself with a strikingly intense green heart featuring an impressive amount of Grand Vert basil. The fragrance starts with refreshing citrus notes, among which the most prominent one is yuzu; the heart offers intense green basil to provide the scents of the Mediterranean; the spicy, long-lasting base closes with vetiver and cloves to ensure subtle warmth. Created as a collaboration with perfumer Céline Barel, the fragrance features yuzu-inspired citrus notes that lend a familiarity, while basil delivers a uniquely green accord with delicately spicy undertones. This basil variety — Grand Vert, a sweet one containing methyl-chavicol with a touch of linalool — is naturally reminiscent of phenols and bitter camphors, with healing associated smells of warm clove, anise, fennel, and spicy greenery.

For a detailed breakdown of Aesop TACIT's scent profile, visit our Aesop TACIT notes & scent guide.

How Does QUIET CHORD Compare to Aesop TACIT?

QUIET CHORD is our interpretation of Aesop TACIT, capturing the aromatic DNA of its yuzu-basil-vetiver structure. Our formulation shares the same green, citrus-forward opening and the earthy, spiced vetiver dry-down. Formulated at EDP concentration with 20–30% perfume oil, QUIET CHORD delivers moderate longevity in the roll-on format, where Fractionated Coconut Oil anchors the scent to the skin for extended wear.

Who Is Aesop TACIT For?

Aesop TACIT is for those who appreciate subtle, understated fragrances — it refrains from sending off shockwaves, living up to its name with calm sophistication that sways neither masculine nor feminine, both day and night. Perfect for all genders; suited to revivalists, aesthetes, and sunseekers who appreciate a crisp and modern scent. It appeals to wearers of minimalist, naturalistic niche perfumery who value quality ingredients over loud projection.

What Fragrances Is Aesop TACIT Frequently Compared To?

Reviewers note similarities to Comme des Garçons 2, though Comme des Garçons is brighter. Some compare it to Tom Ford Grey Vetiver EDT, though Aesop TACIT features a more pronounced basil heart. Within the Aesop range, it's often displayed alongside Virēre, though the two are distinct in structure. For purelyBlack comparisons, explore VIOLET BREEZE or DARK ROSE 31 for similar fresh, green, naturalistic profiles.

How to Wear QUIET CHORD

• Pulse Points: Apply the roll-on to inner wrists, behind the ears, the base of the throat, and the inside of elbows. These warm spots activate and project the fragrance throughout the day.
• Layering Tip: Layer QUIET CHORD with JASMINE AFTER RAIN for a Mediterranean floral-green accord, or with MUSC ARDENT to amplify the earthy vetiver base and extend longevity.
• Seasonal Wear: QUIET CHORD is ideal for spring and summer wear, though its balanced spice notes allow for year-round versatility. Perfect for daytime office settings, weekend brunches, or casual outdoor gatherings where a clean, understated presence is desired.
• Longevity Tip: Apply to moisturised skin for maximum longevity. The Fractionated Coconut Oil base adheres to hydrated skin significantly better than dry skin.
• Customise Your Scent: Add 1–2 drops of sweet orange essential oil to brighten the yuzu citrus opening, or vetiver essential oil to deepen the earthy dry-down and extend the grassy, green character.

Curious how it compares to the original? Read our Aesop TACIT dupe review Australia.

You May Also Love

• Our Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste impression — VIOLET BREEZE shares the same fresh, green sensibility with floral woody musk undertones.
• Le Labo Rose 31 alternative — DARK ROSE 31 offers a similarly minimalist, naturalistic aesthetic with spice and woody depth.
• Hermès Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate dupe — RHUBARBE MYSTIQUE complements with bright, crisp green-fruity character.

Our Perfumery Philosophy

purelyBlack creates high-quality impressions of designer and niche fragrances, formulated at EDP concentration with a 20–30% perfume oil ratio. We are an Australian-owned perfumery committed to vegan and cruelty-free formulations.

Choose Your Format

• Roll-On (Long-Lasting Anchor): Suspended in 100% alcohol-free Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply 2–3 swipes directly to pulse points — behind the ears, temples, or wrists — to anchor the fragrance to your body heat. Shake well before use.
• Spray (High Projection): Formulated with a natural alcohol base (produced via sugar fermentation). Designed for use on both skin and clothing for broader projection.

Quality & Purity

• 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free: No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals.
• Australian Owned: Proudly Australian-owned and operated perfumery.
• EDP Concentration: Formulated at 20–30% perfume oil ratio for Eau de Parfum longevity.
• Alcohol-Free Roll-On Base: Fractionated Coconut Oil ensures long-lasting skin adhesion.

Brand Disclaimer

• purelyBlack creates high-quality impressions and alternatives to designer and niche fragrances. purelyBlack is an independent Australian entity with no affiliation, association, or connection to the original brand, its manufacturers, or its products. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. We operate in strict compliance with comparative advertising policies.

Free Shipping & Returns

• Free shipping Australia wide. Return within 30 days for a full refund or replacement — no questions asked.