Was™

The past in this scent is not dusty; it opens with yerba mate, spices, and a new molecule that transforms iris into wood. NEANDERTAL Was™ is the richer and deeper half of the Is™ and Was™ duo, positioned between human tradition and synthetic life.

Yerba mate, bergamot, and cardamom provide a bitter-fresh and warm opening, along with nutmeg, geranium, and clove. The spices feel familiar but are not composed into a nostalgic vintage formula.

With the entire duet, Neandertal questions the future of our species and our relationship with artificial intelligence: one fragrance was shaped by master perfumers, the other by advanced AI technology. Was™ responds on the skin with complexity, not a simple verdict.

At its heart is Diviniris, a new molecule that combines the familiar texture of iris and wood. Cistus and vanilla add softness, while cedar, vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood build a deep base.

Amber, styrax, and musk smooth the late stage, while clove and geranium remain bitter-spicy. If you want an airy iris or a pure woody scent, Was™ will be too warm and layered for you.

In the drydown, Diviniris remains on sandalwood and amber, with a trace of mate — an answer from the past that sounds new enough that you're no longer sure who wrote it.