Hailing from Melbourne, Australia. Student.
With a strong and continuing background in philosophy and critical analysis at the University of Melbourne, combined with a lifelong passion for sensuous pursuits and the aesthetics, I not only drive a fragrance blog, but a blog that touches on and questions the nature of justification, aesthetic value, and draws parallels to visual art, wine, food, geometry, and music.
Most recently, I have untaken the painstaking quest to argue for a degree of objectivity that is to be found in any practice of reviewing a sensible product. This is only possible through fragrant exegesis, echoing a devotion to scent as a medium that demands respect.
Laying down maxims used in reviewing and consequent justification, I undertake what I describe as a polygonal approach. In order to reach the most objective view, the entire gamut available must be taken in: breadth and depth of fragrance. My contract, to you, reader, can be found in its fuller form here (note: it is forever incomplete).
A bit about me, fragrance wise: I have worn scent all of my life, at least to as far back as I can remember. I started this blog as an exercise in practising my writing skills, and to test my sensory skills in deconstruction in tandem with critical analysis while in secondary school. Every critic needs a medium, and despite food being an equally worthy contender, fragrance to me seemed to be an untapped niche, in a way more permanent and obtainable than food. In reflection, this desire underscored my passion for philosophy and the social sciences, which I currently pursue at university.
With fierce dedication the blog grew week by week. What followed was an audience and a readership which expanded rather quickly. Chandler Burr, Fragrances of the World, Serge Lutens, Amouage … Following with appearances and quotes in The Age, GQ, Men’s Health, Esprit Magazine, and the wide world of social media.
In my final year of secondary school, I was whisked into the world of Men’s Biz, asked to be their fragrance curator, a role tailored to me and my ever-developing skill set. I accepted the role a day after my final exam. For a bit more about me, please visit my timeline.
Outside of the fragrance world and when I’m not out and about, I read and write meticulously and work diligently. I urge for a classical approach to food and dinning, for “food should boost moral”, said the wonderful Keith Floyd. I collect ties. I have a love for formal clothing. I don’t have a favourite colour but I like grey and periwinkle, and navy looks stunning on me. One day I will own a Tom Ford suit … It will look amazing … Peak lapels and all. Atychiphobia is serious. My first fragrance I remember is Calvin Klein’s Obsession. I enjoy polishing shoes because it is a repetitive process where my mind can go places. My handwriting is atrocious, and I think my vocabulary is refined and sometimes come off as a little ostentatious. But that’s ok.
Photo by Grace Petrou
To judge a perfume is, above all else, a matter of taste. Taste evolves under the influence of the environment, but this fact must not prohibit judging the environment. Taste evolves chiefly with the acquisition of learning, with the knowledge of facts and of aesthetic accomplishments, which makes it possible to analyze them and to provoke instructive comparisons. It is thus that each of us can progress along the road of beauty and of art. To deny the usefulness of this training would be like refusing to admit that a symphony is better appreciated after one has studied music – Edmond Roudnitska
From Chistopher Chong’s Instagram. He is a gentleman.
Meeting Chandler Burr. An absolute pleasure.
Meeting Michael Edwards 2015
Olfactics 
Liam this is so fantastic. I will forward this to all my colleagues you love for all things refined and exquisite reminds me why i love what i do….Yes all hail King Jean- Claude Ellena. Look forward to serving you again with pleasure
Hello Caroline! Thank you so much for subscribing – I’m very happy the interests are mutually shared. You were right – Italian Cypress is MY kind of fragrance – now I’m torn between Oud Wood and Italian Cypress as favorite suit scent! Oh no! Glad I own both!!!
You’ll be seeing me soon – I need a cologne for the approaching summer and from what I’ve read Costa Azzura sounds very unique to the typical cologne (driftwood in the notes!)…Unless you see me purchasing either Tuscan Leather or Noir De Noir sooner!
Thanks again, humbly yours,
Liam.
Hi Liam
I have just registered with blog
We actually work in vanuatu and steam distill sandalwood oil
Santalum austracalidonicum
Have a look at our FB page and web site pacific Provender
Send me an email as I do codistillations where I will form a unique essential oil by combining my botanicals in my distillation vessel and distilling oils out as one
It’s much different perfumery method than having your individual oils and blending
The distillation process I feel locks the chemical bonds together much better
Talk soon
Jeff allen
Hello Liam! I met you with Ainslie the other day after at the Burr installation. It was lovely to meet you. Just wanted to drop in and say hi, and let you know about my new perfume blog too! http://perfumepolytechnic.wordpress.com/
Hi ‘Polly’! The pleasure is mutual. It’s great to finally meet other like minded individuals in this creative sphere. I have subbed to your blog and look forward to all future posts. Thank you for sharing the day with me Friday and thank you for finding my blog – let me ‘figuratively’ take your coat whilst you skim through my blog posts/reviews. Have fun and importantly keep smelling!
Have a fragrant day! Keep in touch,
-Liam.
Thanks Liam – nice of you to follow back, much appreciated in these very early days of my blog! I’m glad to see you have given Shalimar a 5/5 rating, it’s my favourite fragrance of all time!
Cheers,
Polly (aka Melita)
You’re welcome Melita. It would be a travesty if Shalimar got any less than 5/5
-Liam
Indeed it would!
This is exquisite! Very inspiring and insightful. We should get in touch, I would like to meet you as I’m sure I would appreciate your company
Email me at cologneman1451@hotmail.com
Hi Cologneman1451,
you can contact me though my facebook page and twitter.
-Liam
I loved reading your work Liam
Tony Paatsch
Hi Liamsardea!
I am into perfumes lately and frequent Fragrantica all the time to learn more about them. I fancy Amouage Dia Homme and I saw your review on the website, which I thought is completely spot-in with what I feel about the perfume. Personally, I can’t really describe it in better words than you.
I just have two questions:
1) Have you tried Dior Homme before (including Intense and Parfum)? I’m a huge fan of the latter two but I would love to see you review them if you’ve tried them.
2) I have a friend who’s also into niche perfumes in Melbourne right now. He’s wondering where to find places that have them. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, and keep on writing those reviews!
Nazrul from Singapore
Hi Nazrul. Thanks for getting into contact with me and your kind words of course.
I have tried all of the Dior Homme fragrances before, yet I don’t own a full bottle of any! At best I have a vial of the Intense and the Parfum version of Dior Homme somewhere. Dior Homme Intense is by far my favourite – it’s powdery cocoa notes are rather pleasant. I will eventually write a review for you, and I will take your message as a prompt to properly draft one for a full review. Despite this, my blog’s facebook page as a mini-review. Here it is: http://goo.gl/p7OdAt .
Your friend is in a lucky position. Melbourne is awesome! I will recommend two places to start, however feel free to ask more questions. The first is Mecca Cosmetic on Bourke Street in the city. Here you can find Le Labo, Lutens, Frederic Malle, Comme Des Garcons, Byredo… Many more. A wonderful place! The other place is Peony in Hawthorn, however the owner at this current time is in Europe, so the store may be closed. The owner, Jill, carries Mona Di Orio, James Heeley, Creed, Amouage, ELDO… etc. True niche and lots of rare goodies.
I hope I was able to help you out. Do not refrain from following the blog or myself on various social media either! I am here to serve, fragrantly.
-Liam.
Hi Liam. Thanks for the prompt reply!
I feel so honoured to get a review from you. Really looking forward to reading it once it’s done! Also quite a coincidence that my friend just mentioned a few hours ago that he’s interested in dropping by Mecca Cosmetic in particular.
Thanks again; you’ve helped my friend and I, indeed!
Mr. Sardea,
Consider me a fan. Also, we MUST talk ties. They’re kind of my thang. I possibly need help.
Brendan Tollit
Hi Liam, just wondering if you have encountered ESCENTRIC MOLECULES, and if so, your thoughts on it?
Hi Jackson.
Thanks for contacting me.
I have indeed encountered Escentric Molecules. They are an interesting brand that does what they set out to do, if that makes sense. Molecule 01, consisting of the one molecule ‘ISO-E Super’ is a scent, not a perfume. But – that is no reason not to wear it! Some like the principle of simplicity and laconic styling. But, here’s the thing: Hermes’ Poivre Samarcande has more than 50% ISO-E in its structure too; and unlike Molecule 01, it maintains an oratory function. It is a literary device captured through scent.
I like to think of 01 as the perfect layering device, as well as the other scents in the lineup: I appreciate as scents, not perfumes. It’s for those who want to smell good, but not smell themselves. There’s a lot to say about the brand, its a very nichey idea, and I have no doubt that it sells well – I have been informed that it has.
-Liam
Thanks Liam, very informative as always. I had read about the Molecules and was super keen to check it out. I love the notion that a scent can adapt to its wearer. Anyway, I was shopping with a friend the other day, she sprayed something on her wrist, asked my opinion, and my complete review read “Chalky nothingness,” even as the afternoon progressed. She later told me the name of the mysterious substance, and of course I was shocked, given the coincidence and that I had high hopes for the Eccentric Molecules. So, the search continues I guess. Will have to check out the Hermes fragrance you mentioned.
Thanks again.
Jackson.
How may we contact you for licensing of one image from your blog (Jicky bottle image)?
Thanks,
David
Hello – please send me an email at liam@sardea.com
I share your love of ties. Unfortunately, they don’t look great with yoga pants, a tunic, and ballet slippers. But, my Father loved his ties, and I bought every one of them. Father’s Day, Birthday, Christmas, he’d open the long flat box with a smile, knowing full well the contents. It was “our thing”, and I miss it with each special day that comes around.