Bitter Rose, Broken Spear Ds&durga

Unisex
Eau de Parfum
Year: 2013
Moderate
Sillage
Good
Longevity
Fall, Winter
Best Season
Evening
Best For

Fragrance Story

Bitter Rose, Broken Spear by DS&Durga is a Woody Aromatic fragrance for women and men. Bitter Rose, Broken Spear was launched in 2013. The nose behind this fragrance is David Seth Moltz. Top notes are Ember, Thyme and Cubeb or Tailed pepper; middle notes are Rose, Thistle and Nutmeg; base notes are Hot iron, Larch and Amber.

Composition Profile

woody 100%
rose 85%
aromatic 70%
fresh spicy 60%
herbal 50%
green 40%
hot iron 35%
amber 30%
floral 25%
smoky 20%

About the Perfumer

David Seth Moltz

David Seth Moltz

David Seth Moltz is the co-founder and perfumer of D.S. & Durga, a brand known for its conceptual and evocative scents. His catalog includes King Majesty Bergamot Chypre, Wipeout!, and historical-inspired pieces like 1538 Rheims and Amber Kiso. Moltz’s work often blends natural and synthetic materials to create immersive olfactory narratives.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

First impression · 15-30 min

Ember Ember
Thyme Thyme
Cubeb or Tailed pepper Cubeb or Tailed pepper

Heart Notes

Core character · 2-4 hours

Rose Rose
Thistle Thistle
Nutmeg Nutmeg

Base Notes

Lasting impression · 4+ hours

Hot iron Hot iron
Larch Larch
Amber Amber

Character Profile

The Warrior Archetype: Portrait of Bitter Rose, Broken Spear Ds&durga

Essence

The Warrior archetype is forged in conflict and tempered by loss. Bitter Rose, Broken Spear captures this duality with a clash of ember and thyme, a sharp, smoky opening that speaks of battlefields. The rose, thorny and defiant, rises from the heart, not as a symbol of romance but of resilience. Hot iron and larch in the base ground the scent in the aftermath, where victory and grief are inseparable.

Style & Aesthetic

Their style is functional and formidable, favoring dark, durable fabrics and sharp lines. They wear leather and metal, boots that have seen mud, and coats that hold the memory of rain. Their aesthetic is one of controlled power, with an undercurrent of vulnerability. They might have a single, faded scar or a piece of jewelry that is a talisman from a past battle. They are beautiful in a way that is hard-won.

Philosophy & Values

They believe that strength is not the absence of pain, but the ability to endure it. Honor, loyalty, and sacrifice are their guiding principles. They understand that some things are worth fighting for, and that the fight will leave marks. They value truth, even when it is bitter, and find nobility in standing firm against the odds. For them, a broken spear is not a failure but a testament to the fight.

Relationships

Their relationships are intense and often forged in shared adversity. They are fiercely protective of those they love, but can be guarded and slow to trust. They seek partners who understand the weight of their past and do not flinch from their scars. Their love is a quiet, steadfast presence, more felt in actions than in words. They are loyal to a fault, but can be distant when the battle within rages.

Lifestyle

Their life is one of discipline and purpose. They rise early, train their body and mind, and seek challenges that test their limits. They might practice martial arts, run long distances, or work with their hands in demanding trades. They are drawn to solitary pursuits like hiking or forging, where they can confront themselves. Their rituals are about preparation and reflection, like sharpening a blade or tending a fire.

Shadow

The shadow of the Warrior is a tendency toward isolation and bitterness. They can become so hardened by their battles that they forget how to rest or receive comfort. Their strength can turn to rigidity, and their loyalty to a narrow, unforgiving code. The bitter rose of their heart may close off entirely, leaving them alone in the cold iron of their own making.

Conclusion

Bitter Rose, Broken Spear is a fragrance of profound complexity, a scent that honors the warrior's journey. It is the smell of smoke on a cold night, of a rose that blooms through the ash. It speaks of wounds that have healed into strength and a spirit that refuses to be broken. To wear it is to carry the memory of the fight, and the quiet dignity of survival.