30ml
30ml
30ml
30ml
CLUE
WITH THE CANDLESTICK
Eau De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$140
Description
With the Candlestick by Clue Perfumery is a vivid, ultra-realistic journey through the evocative rituals of church communion. Its opening bursts with bittersweet cherry wine and sharp cinnamon leaf, setting a scene of sacral drama and sacred anticipation. The heart intensifies with labdanum, rivers of melted wax, and thick clouds of burning incense, conjuring the aura of centuries-old cathedrals. Anchored by a remarkably photorealistic extinguished candle accord and molten, animalic musk, the fragrance distills nostalgia, reverence, and artistic daring into every spray.
Perfumer: Laura Oberwetter
Scent Profile
Smoky
Sweet
Waxy
Resinous
Spicy
Balmy
Chalky
Notes
Top Notes
Cherry Communion Wine
Cinnamon Leaf
Middle Notes
LabdanumMelted Wax
Burning Church Incense
Base Notes
Extinguished Candle
Hot Musk
About CLUE
Clue Perfumery is an independent fragrance house based in Chicago, founded by Laura Oberwetter and Caleb Vanden Boom. Known for its artistic and unconventional approach, the brand creates in-house, small-batch perfumes that blur the line between scent and visual art. Each composition tells an abstract story—often surreal, poetic, or nostalgic—reflecting Clue’s mission to make perfume an expressive, sensory experience rather than just a luxury object.
Perfumer
Laura Oberwetter
Laura Oberwetter is an American perfumer, artist, and co-founder of Clue Perfumery, an independent fragrance studio based in Chicago. With a background in visual arts and olfactory design, she is known for translating abstract ideas, moods, and imagery into scent. Her work blends experimentation with craftsmanship, exploring the boundaries between perfume, memory, and conceptual art to create evocative, thought-provoking compositions.
Reviews
4.3
Very Good8 reviews
Luckyscent
4.0/5 • 3 reviews
Ministry of Scent
4.4/5 • 5 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers consistently describe With the Candlestick as a strikingly realistic and artistic scent, best appreciated for its conceptual focus and photorealistic extinguished candle accord. Its smoky, waxy nature is praised by lovers of avant-garde perfumery, though many note it is more suited to special occasions than daily wear.
Pros
Performance excellence: The musk and wax base provide strong longevity and skin presence, with the extinguished candle effect lasting for hours.
Versatile appeal: Praised as an artistic conversation starter for perfume gatherings and for times when an evocative, moody scent is desired.
Quality composition: Reviewers are impressed by its detailed and immersive blend, calling the recreation of wax and smoke 'remarkably real' and 'genre-pushing.'
Cons
Specific limitation: The unusual, acrid smoky-wax accord may be too challenging or literal for those seeking traditional beauty in fragrance.
Situational drawback: Considered more of a collector's or mood scent—many find it too intense or church-like for frequent daily wear.
Comparisons
Similar to Comme des Garçons Series 3 Incense: Both share church incense and smoky profiles, though With the Candlestick is more waxy and literal.
Reminds reviewers of Maison Margiela By the Fireplace: Like By the Fireplace, it captures a realistic smoked effect, but this leans further into hot wax and religious mood rather than cozy comfort.
Vibe & Emotions
Atmosphere of reverence: Evoked during quiet moments of nostalgia or spiritual contemplation.
Curiosity and drama: Inspired when exploring scent as art or in conversation with fellow fragrance enthusiasts.
Childhood awe: Many note a sense of memory and wonder, reminiscent of first experiences in grand, ceremonial settings.
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