Quartana Forest of the Golden Dream Review (2025): Scent Profile, Longevity & Buying Guide

Quartana Forest of the Golden Dream
Eau de Parfum • Unisex Niche Fragrance
Perfumer: Quartana (Six Scents / Parfums Quartana Collection)
Launched: 2016 — part of the Les Potions Fatales series
Price Range: $165 – $200 depending on retailer and availability
Scent Type: Green • Herbal • Woody • Mythic-Nature Inspired
Quick Snapshot: A mystical niche fragrance inspired by botanical folklore and forest alchemy. Dark, atmospheric, and resinous, Forest of the Golden Dream has earned a quiet cult following thanks to its unusual green-smoky character.
Fragrance Notes & Overall Vibe
- Top Notes: Green herbs, bitter citrus, forest sap
- Heart Notes: Resin, wild florals, earthy moss
- Base Notes: Woods, smoke, ambered resin
Forest of the Golden Dream is a deep, immersive green scent that evokes ancient forests, damp moss, and ritualistic herbal smoke. It blends resin, wood, and earth notes into a meditative, mythic perfume experience—a perfect choice for lovers of atmospheric, nature-inspired niche fragrances.
Our quick Perfume Notes Explained Guide will make you a pro!
What Is Quartana Forest of the Golden Dream?
Forest of the Golden Dream is a niche fragrance within the Quartana Les Potions Fatales collection, a series inspired by plant mythology, ritualistic folklore, and botanical symbolism. The line was created in collaboration with Six Scents to explore the darker, mystical side of perfumery.
This fragrance in particular channels enchanted woodland environments—shadows, herbs, sap, resin, and the atmospheric depth of an old-growth forest. It is intentionally artistic rather than mainstream, designed for fragrance enthusiasts who enjoy conceptual scents with narrative depth rather than mass appeal.
Because Forest of the Golden Dream has limited distribution and small-batch production, it maintains a “hidden gem” status among collectors and fans of green, smoky, and herbal niche scents.
Scent Profile Breakdown (How It Actually Smells)
Forest of the Golden Dream opens with sharp, vivid greenery—herbal, bitter, and forest-fresh. The first few minutes feel like stepping into a dense woodland, where crushed leaves, aromatic herbs, and living plants fill the air.
As it settles, resin and moss create a deeper, earthier heart. This phase is rich with forest-floor dampness, wild vegetation, and a meditative stillness that’s rare in modern perfumery. The resinous elements give the fragrance weight and warmth while still keeping the aura distinctly green and natural.
The dry-down moves into woody smoke and ambered resin. It becomes darker, more introspective, and ritualistic. The smoke note is subtle—not a bonfire, but gentle, herb-infused incense rising through the trees.
Compared to mainstream green scents, Forest of the Golden Dream is more herbal, more resinous, more earthy, and far more artistic. This is not a fresh meadow fragrance; it is a deep forest at dusk.

Longevity, Projection & Performance
Because of its resin-forward composition, Forest of the Golden Dream has impressive staying power, typically lasting 7–10 hours on most skin types. Resins and woods cling well to warm skin, so those with naturally warmer skin chemistry may experience even longer wear.
Projection is moderate to strong during the first few hours, thanks to the herbal and resinous brightness. As the scent dries down, it becomes softer and more introspective, sitting closer to the skin but still noticeable in cooler air or on clothing.
This fragrance performs best in:
- Cool weather — the smoke and resin bloom beautifully
- Nighttime — ideal for reflective or quiet moods
- Low-light settings — complements atmospheric environments
It is not ideal for:
- Hot summer days
- Office environments
- People new to niche perfumery
Forest of the Golden Dream is designed to be experienced thoughtfully, not worn casually.
Is Forest of the Golden Dream Worth It? (Expert Opinion)
For niche collectors who value art-driven perfumery, Forest of the Golden Dream is absolutely worth the investment. Few fragrances explore green woodland themes with this level of depth and mythic storytelling. Its use of moss, resin, and smoky woods creates a one-of-a-kind forest experience that stands out in a market filled with fresh citruses and sweet gourmands.
The bottle design is another highlight: dark, elegant, and symbolic—an object that feels both conceptual and collectible. Within the Quartana lineup, Forest of the Golden Dream is one of the more atmospheric and haunting creations, appealing to fans of herbal, smoky, and earthy compositions.
That said, it is not for everyone. If you prefer sweet, floral, fruity, or modern designer-style scents, this may feel too dark or unusual. But for lovers of incense, deep greens, and ritualistic scents, it can become a signature staple.
| Perfume | Vibe | Longevity | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartana Forest of the Golden Dream | Dark green forest, resinous | 7–10 hrs | Moderate–Strong | $$$ |
| Nasomatto Black Afgano | Smoky, resin-heavy | 8–12 hrs | Strong | $$$$ |
| Imaginary Authors The Soft Lawn | Green, grassy, nostalgic | 6–8 hrs | Moderate | $$ |
| Hilde Soliani Stecca | Earthy, fresh-cut wood | 6–10 hrs | Moderate | $$$ |
État Libre d’Orange “La Fin du Monde”
A powdery, smoky-woody fragrance with cinematic darkness. Shares Forest of the Golden Dream’s moody, unconventional edge.
Imaginary Authors “The Soft Lawn”
Green and grassy with a nostalgic, earthy undertone. Lighter and more playful but still evocative of natural landscapes.
BeauFort London “Vi Et Armis”
Intense, smoky, resinous, and ceremonial. For those who want an even darker, ritualistic alternative.






