Radiate Mumbai's Heat: D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay Sample
Immerse in cultural soul with D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay, the oriental woody fragrance launched in 2016 by the Brooklyn-based artisanal house. Crafted by perfumer David Seth Moltz (D.S.), this evocative gem imagines a handmade transistor radio carved from soft sandalwood crackling ragas in the stifling Bandra heat—hot copper tubes warming the wood, releasing smooth, creamy ribbons of musk, cream, peach, ambrette, coco, and cedar distillates for an elusive, deconstructed Mysore sandalwood infused with the spirit and soul of India.
Radio Bombay opens with a metallic-woody burst of radiant wood, copper, and cedar—delivering a hot, dusty, slightly aldehydic freshness with intriguing metallic sparkle. The heart unfolds with elegant depth through sandalwood, radiant iris, and boronia—adding plush, powdery floral and creamy nuances. It dries down to a rich, enveloping base of balsam fir absolute, coconut musk, ambergris, ambrette (musk mallow), and musk—warm, creamy, subtly tropical, and woody with lingering refinement.
Fragrance Notes – A Heated Sandalwood Journey
- Top Notes: Radiant Wood, Copper, Cedar Hot metallic-woody vibrancy bursts with dusty intrigue.
- Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Radiant Iris, Boronia Creamy, powdery florals and sandalwood add plush sophistication.
- Base Notes: Balsam Fir Absolute, Coconut Musk, Ambergris, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Musk Warm resins, creamy coconut, and subtle musk linger with refined tenacity.
Frequently hailed as a standout sandalwood in the D.S. & Durga lineup, Radio Bombay offers creamy, tropical-woody charm with a unique metallic-hot dust twist—often described as a deconstructed Mysore santal that's gentle yet vibrant, evoking overheated radio components and Mumbai's bustling energy. Performance is moderate: 4–8 hours longevity (varies widely by skin/clothes; stronger in heat or with overspraying, many report solid 6–8+ hours), moderate projection (stronger in opening 1–2 hours), and intimate-to-moderate sillage—evolving from metallic-woody opening to a clean, creamy-musky dry-down. Fragrance communities praise its realistic sandalwood realism (no "pickles" vibe), compliment-pulling coziness (especially in warmer weather), unisex versatility, and cultural evocation, though some note it can fade quicker or lean cedar-heavy on certain skins. Often compared to a refined, premium take on woody orientals like Tam Dao or Wonderwood, yet with D.S. & Durga's signature ghostly airiness and uniqueness.
At Perfuum, we offer authentic D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay decants and samples—so you can experience this elite niche gem without the full bottle commitment (typically $200+). All decants are sourced from authorized sellers for guaranteed authenticity, with free US shipping on orders over $60.
Why Choose a D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay Sample from Perfuum?
- Genuine Quality — Fresh, authentic, and never counterfeit.
- Versatile & Seasonal — Shines year-round with creamy warmth, perfect for fall/winter coziness or summer heat.
- Smart & Sustainable — Smaller sizes reduce waste while letting you explore responsibly.
- Easy to Wear — 2–3 sprays for subtle elegance; 3–5 sprays for warmer presence.
Whether you're craving the essence of a Mumbai transistor radio or seeking an elegant, underrated woody with creamy soul, Radio Bombay delivers pure artisanal luxury with its balanced metallic-woody-creamy harmony. Fragrance enthusiasts rave about its hot dusty cedar opening, plush iris heart, and enveloping coconut-musk dry-down.
Ready to tune in? Order your D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay fragrance sample or decant today and bring home the heat of Bandra. Free US shipping on orders over $60—shop now at Perfuum!
