Today have a generous giveaway courtesy of Bois de Jasmin’s reader John. He would like to give away a nearly full bottle of Serge Lutens La Myrrhe, 75ml (my photo is for illustration only, you will receive a bottle that is 95% full.)
John would like your help to find a new fragrance for his partner. Please see his question below. John is Germany and he can send his package anywhere, as long as you take care of customs charges.
We are not responsible for leaks or damage during transit, customs fees, or for lost packages.
To participate, please answer these questions. I will randomly draw one winner.
1. Please suggest a new perfume to John. “I hope that La Myrrhe will find a good new home. For me, the big project now is to find a new perfume for my partner of many years. He likes woods, spices and citrus. His favorite fragrances are colognes like Guerlain, Atelier Cologne, Christian Dior, but he also likes Diptyque Tam Dao and Frédéric Malle L’Eau d’Hiver. He’s also been helping himself to my bottle of Serge Lutens Cuir Mauresque, so you can tell that his tastes are all over the place. I would appreciate some guidance from this amazing community. Thank you in advance.”
3. May I contact you via email to notify you of your win and share your email with John?
The contest is now closed. The winner is Claire. Congratulations! I will in touch with you shortly.
I would like to thank our entire Bois de Jasmin community for your generosity and kindness, whether it means giveaways like this, advice or comments.
76 Comments
gordon bradley: Yes ma’am you may contact me. John—I have a wonderful partner too. Can I suggest Encre Noire a L’Extreme, Varvatos Dark Rebel Rider or Dunhill Century? September 18, 2023 at 9:10am
Nino: Hi, I believe there is no signature scent forever, they may change over time. At least this is my experience. Anyway, given his favourite ones I would suggest Andy Tauer’s l’air du desert marocain.
Good search !
Nino September 18, 2023 at 9:18am
Aki: I would like to suggest Nanban by Arquiste. It is woody and mysterious. I have a sample and I end up smelling my wrist all day long when I spray it. September 18, 2023 at 9:19am
Emily: Has he tried Jubilation XXV from Amouage? A sublime medley of sacred woods & warm spices, with sophisticated bursts of citrus & blackberry at the top. Smells very handsome (I’m projecting & have definitely bought this for my husband).
Please feel free to contact me. September 18, 2023 at 9:22am
Alessandra: I would suggest Byredo’s Sellier, Lalique’s Encre Noir and maybe even a soft but interesting combination of iris, cardamom and cuir by D’Orsay: Les Ombres Fantastiques. It is pretty sublime and seems to reunite all of those worlds suggested in the post (bar citrus). Alternatively, the latest from Malle, Heaven can Wait, is also an option.
And yes, of course my email can be shared! Good luck with the search for the perfect perfume for your loved one, John 🙂 September 18, 2023 at 9:25am
Thomas: I can recommend Lui by Mazzolari. It is woody, spicy and citric and also has some velvety patchouli as well as leathery and slightly animalic undertones. It is both a comfy sensual and mysterious scent to me and can be very sexy on a man. Also on the plus side: projection, sillage and longevity are very good September 18, 2023 at 9:31am
Thomas: Oh, and of course you can contact me or share my details 🙂 September 18, 2023 at 11:11am
Hamamelis: Hello John, I have three suggestions close to home: the Discovery Set by Hiram Green (Gouda, the Netherlands). There are at least 4 of the 6 Hiram Green perfumes your partner might love: Arcadia, Vetiver, Hyde and Arbole. As a bonus you can try them too! The second is a perfume by Frau Tonis (Berlin). Your partner could take the perfume test on their website, but I think he might like Hamburg no 22. Lastly I would suggest Goutal’s Eau d’Hadrien or Eau du Sud (Paris). Much joy in finding a perfume he will love!
You may contact me by mail, I would love La Myrrhe. September 18, 2023 at 9:43am
Orestis: My first suggestion would be Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne. It has a mix of spices and woods, really unique but super wearable. It’s sophisticated but not stuffy. Definitely worth checking out.
For something even more unique, I would go with Acqua di Sale by Profumum Roma. Slightly green marine scent with a touch of spice and a cooling mintiness coming from the myrtle. September 18, 2023 at 9:54am
Hera: Thank you for the giveaway.
You could contact me by email.
I would suggest FM Vetiver Extraordinaire. September 18, 2023 at 10:08am
Silke: Hello John,
Thank you for your generosity!
I would suggest two exquisite classics from Guerlain: ‘Arsène Lupin Dandy’ or ‘Chamade Homme’! Two great spicy-woody scents. Not easy to get though. Some say that ‘Portrayal Man’ from Amouage is a twin to ‘Chamade pur Homme’, but I haven’t tried that yet.
Yes Victoria,
you can contact me to notify me of my win and share my email with John. September 18, 2023 at 10:30am
Tara C: My first thought when reading your comments is Bois 1920 Sushi Impériale. It has citrus, spices and sandalwood. Opium for men might be an interesting choice as well. My husband loves SL Fumerie Turque,and Musc Koublai Khan, as well as L’Instant de Guerlain pour homme. Good luck on your search! You may contact me. September 18, 2023 at 10:37am
Alityke: Dear John thank you for the wonderfully kind give away.
May I suggest Frederic Malle Cologne Indelebile, Cologne Bigarade, Bigarade Concentree & Musc Ravageur. There are the discovery sets & travel sizes that might avoid expensive mistakes.
Victoria, thank you for hosting this. I am happy for you to share my details September 18, 2023 at 10:59am
Karen: Hi John! I would suggest Noir Epices by Frederic Malle. It is softly dark. The spice and wood are beautifully blended. And there is a veiled hint of citrus in the top note. A very enigmatic perfume! Best of luck in your search.
Hi Victoria! Yes, you can contact me via email and share my email with John. September 18, 2023 at 11:08am
Ana S.: Good afternoon.
First of all, thank you Victoria for hosting these marvelous giveaways. And thanks to you John for giving us the chance to participate. La Myrrhe is one of my favorites Serge Lutens fragrances and it has been on my wishlist for the longest.
John, my recommendations for your partner are the following: Terre d’Hermès by Hermès, Platinum Égoïste by Chanel and Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jane for a “colder” take on woods and Satori by Parfum Satori, Chergui by Serge Lutens and Mastro del Cuore Peccato Originale for the warmer/spicer side.
You can contact me, thank you. September 18, 2023 at 11:14am
Ramin: Le Couvent Theria
Trayee Neela Vermeire
Si Lolita Lolita Lempicka EDP September 18, 2023 at 11:17am
Adam Sultan: Off the top of my head, I have three suggestions, rather unlike each other, but perhaps in the adventurous ballpark: Vetiver 46 by Le Labo, Frederick Malle’s Monsieur, and Derviche by Rogue Perfumery. Good luck!
(you may contact me via email) September 18, 2023 at 11:22am
Brooke: John,
I have the PERFECT perfumer for him (and you) and a few suggestions to try given the notes you mention, understanding the perfumer’s in Canada: Meleg Perfumes (perfumer is Matthew Meleg). He has both a standalone website and US Etsy store presence.
https://melegperfumes.com/collections/all
If you search him on YouTube you’ll find several reviewers favorably review his creations. He is a niche/indie perfumer whose style is vintage, using high quality, non-IFRA compliant ingredients that include but are not limited to real oakmoss, civet, animal musks, and ambergris that were once staples of US perfumery long ago. The olfactory rebel in me is attracted to using IFRA-forbidden ingredients, because my experience is there are no equals. I LOVE the vintage style he weaves into almost every one of his perfumes.
One of my favorites is a limited edition that includes a very high concentration of orris butter, but leans feminine and fruity (which is not typical of his other perfumes: Winter Melon). As a female who is not attracted to typical department store men’s colognes, the first bottle I purchased for my husband (I’ve stolen a bunch of sprays) is Canadian Gentleman. I’d recommend your partner try a sample 4 (or more) pack that includes this to start. I also love, love Honey Deer Musk, and for the darker, cooler days of fall and winter I find Birch Tar Leather extremely sexy. To me, Honey Deer Musk belongs worn naked under a vintage fur coat. Birch Tar Leather belongs in a men’s drawing room as much as beneath a soft flannel or chunky sweater in front of a warm hearth.
Pacific Marine, to me, spurs a nearly photo-realistic scent memory of the US Pacific Northwest woods and coastal region I’ve soujorned in an open-top Jeep, where the smell burned into my memory.
Of note, I find the majority of Matt’s perfumes to be perfectly unisex, and I don’t use this term casually. If something has floral or fruit, to me it’s typically female. If something has vetiver or birch tar, it’s typically male. As a white-floral-in-the-summer kinda gal, I thoroughly enjoy even the more brooding blends in his collection and find them incredibly sexy, as already mentioned with Birch Tar Leather.
I’ve tried every one of his perfumes except for the newest (Jasmine Sambac/Tuberose/Violet Leaf, Datura the Moon Flower, Meaningful Work, and Scent is a Language), which reminds me to go now and order a sample pack of these newest offerings.
In my experience as a customer over the past handful of years, Matthew is not one of the many indie perfumers who uses FOMO as a marketing tactic. In other words, his perfumes don’t get rotated in and out frequently, though I have noticed some have changed names. I am fairly certain both you and your partner will find something you love in this collection. Life is too short for a signature scent, but trying to sample packs gives you generously sized spray bottles that are gorgeously packaged by Matthew. He is extremely responsive to my Etsy chats, if you are able to go that route to purchase. I also see he has a chat feature on his standalone website that I have not yet tried.
Myrrh as a perfume ingredient is a relatively newfound love, but even if someone else gets to enjoy this beauty, please feel free to ask Victoria for my email and reach out privately for further impressions of specific perfumes I have. Regardless of the contest, I really hope you are able to try something from Meleg Perfumes, and would be interested to hear your thoughts. No, I don’t work for him, nor am I related, and am not affiliated with the business. I just really appreciate his vintage style and careful selection of ingredients, and how it’s nothing like you’ll find in a department store perfume counter. September 18, 2023 at 11:41am
Berend: Damn, this sounds good September 18, 2023 at 3:52pm
Brooke: P.S. Yes, Victoria, you may contact me via email and share my email address with John. September 18, 2023 at 11:43am
Carine: Hi John, maybe your partner would need a whole perfume wardrobe 😉 Based on his love for Tam Dao and L’Eau d’Hiver, I would suggest Santal Blanc by Serge Lutens, Lumière Blanche by Olfactive Studio, or the superbly melancholic Après l’Ondée. They all have a gorgeous iris note and I would say they are quite meditative, sensual and comforting. If your partner is feeling a bit naughtier or wants something quirky, leathery and nonetheless elegant, I recommend he tries Tom of Findland by ELDO. And why not trying another Jean-Claud Ellena creation, Déclaration by Cartier? I hope this helps 🙂 And yes, I would be happy to share my details if I were lucky enough to win the giveaway ! September 18, 2023 at 11:46am
Rachel H: Thank you for this wonderful giveaway John. My number one recommendation would be L’air du Desert Marocain by Andy Tauer and I would second Jubilation XXV from Amouage. In a different, lighter, vein a possibility may be Maître Parfumeur et Gantier’s Parfum d’ Habit; patchouli, incense, leather, sandlewood. Best wishes on finding something new and exciting! Thank you for hosting these giveaways, Victoria! You may contact me via email. September 18, 2023 at 12:14pm
Lora Wooten: Thank you for the generous opportunity for a beautiful fragrance!
Yes, you may email me.
My first thought was Montabaco by Ormonde Jayne. From what you have told us I think it would be an awesome choice! September 18, 2023 at 12:16pm
Colleen Geary: Thank you John for your generous offer!
I would suggest two perfumes for your partner. One that is very popular in NYC – Le Labo 33 which is a clean woody scent. I also recommend Rose and Cuirass by Frederic Malle.
Yes, you may share my email with Jon and contact me via email. September 18, 2023 at 12:35pm
carole: Your husband has excellent taste, John! Thank you for this opportunity, and yes, Victoria, please share my email and details with John.
I sense a sandlewood theme, and a need for some strong, bracing, good quality scents. What about Santal Nabatea, from Mona di Orio? It’s such a beautiful soft sandlewood scent. Based on the idea of sandlewood and terracotta pots. It’s beautiful and subtle and has a lot of presence. Another scent fom the same house is Dojima, and that’s dry spices over amber-such an unusual scent and soooo beautiful. Good luck with your search, and thanks for this opportunity 🙂 September 18, 2023 at 12:38pm
Hélène: Thanks for your generous offer!
I would also recommend Malle’s Noir épices. Woody and spicy but smooooth… so nice heading into autumn and cooler weather.
I can be contacted by email. September 18, 2023 at 12:54pm
Sam: Thank you kindly for this generous giveaway.
I have a few suggestions for testing: Serge Lutens Bois Oriental, almost too on-the nose, but nevertheless a lovely scent highlighting the woods and spices aspect of Feminite du Bois. Serge Lutens Chene recalls an oak cask used for aging lightly spiced rum. Serge Lutens (again) Mandarine Mandarin displays one of the most interesting combinations of citrus (the candied peel of mandarin oranges) and spices (nutmeg, fennel, cloves) I’ve encountered. If your partner enjoyed the aldehydes of La Myrrhe, the current Chanel Bois de Iles EDP is a wonderful spiced sandalwood (which iirc, actually contains no sandalwood, but contains a shockingly convincing accord). Reminiscent of a less floral Samsara. Lastly, Neela Viermere Trayee combines Mysore sandalwood with the lavish spices of an Indian dessert, without ever tipping into a full gourmand. Best of luck finding a new love.
I would be happy to be contacted by email / have my contact details shared with John. September 18, 2023 at 1:19pm
Julia: Hi John! My own husband doesn’t wear perfume so I will go out on a limb and suggest my all time favorite perfume of life, Guerlain Mitsouko! I have worn it since the 80s and it is definitely a chypre a man can wear and smell divine, in my opinion. What a wonderful giveaway and yes, you can contact me, thank you so much! Julia September 18, 2023 at 1:25pm
Jean M: Thank you for the generous offer John and Victoria! The 3 fragrances that came to mind as I read this post are those that others have recommended: Nanban by Arquiste – an exquisite fragrance that is warm, woodsy and mysterious. Next would be Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne. This is a beautiful blend of wood and spice. My last recommendation is from Chanel. Platinum Egoiste is lovely and one that I would describe as a warm wood with fresh notes. Good luck in your search John.
You may contact me via email and share my email with John. September 18, 2023 at 1:30pm
Karina: Eclectic indeed.
For something similar but different (to Tam Dao) I think someone already recommended Chergui. Another option might be Kyoto by Comme de Garçon (beautiful incense) or L‘Artisan Parfumeur Dzing!
For something to challenge him to take his nose in a different direction how abaout a more complex, layered scent like Amouage Epic (woman, i like both, but I like woman more). In the same spirit I recommend Mitsouko (edt as it is fresher and more cologne-like).
Yes, you can contact me. September 18, 2023 at 2:14pm
Berend: Hi John,
My suggestion would be Violin by Guy Bouchara. Sold at leparfumoir.com
Top notes of Lemon and Grapefruit
Middle notes of Cedar Wood, Jasmin, Rose and cardamone
Base notes of Vanilla and Musk.
It was made to order for a violin maker who wanted it to smell like his workshop. Love it.
Yes, sharing email is okay and you can contact me September 18, 2023 at 2:37pm
Mer: Generous gesture! Azureé by Estée Lauder is what sprung to mind upon reading 🙃 a leathery chypre with bergamot up top.
My email can of course be shared. September 18, 2023 at 2:37pm
johaboha: Thank you for this generous giveaway!
I would suggest mfk gentle fluidity silver because when you wrote that your partner likes colognes by Dior their cologne blanche came to my mind. I do link these two scents, because of the powdery freshness they give off.
For an interesting, warm and comfy spice dose I suggest épices by miskeo perfums.
I also suggest bois des îles by Chanel for woods and a creamy sandalwood and it is also very polished and wearable.
Yes, you can contact me via mail. September 18, 2023 at 2:39pm
Perfumelover67: Thank you for such a great giveaway.
1. I recommend Guerlain Habit Rouge, Hermes Terre d’Hermes, Joe Malone Pomegranate Noir, Serge Lutens Chergui, and Chanel Bois des Iles.
2. You may contact me via email. September 18, 2023 at 3:15pm
Genevieve Fawcett: Hello, John, and thank you :-). A few favorites of mine that might fit the bill: Arquiste-Nanban (incense, leather, wood) L’Artisan Parfumeur-Vétiver Écarlate (vétiver, tomato leaf, grapefruit) and Abel-Grey Labdanum (labdanum, bitter orange, clary sage)
Yes: you may contact me via email
Cheers! And good luck with your quest. September 18, 2023 at 4:11pm
Jonathan: Thank you for this opportunity!
1. I’d recommend Hermes’ Rochabar or Equipage Geranium. They both have a zingy, refreshing aspect that would make it familiar for your partner, but their supple structures would make it much more interesting than citrus-based colognes.
They both have a leather aspect, maybe it’ll stop your partner from stealing spritz of your Cuir Mauresque! haha.
2. Yes, please contact me through email. September 18, 2023 at 4:37pm
Nina Z: I love the Equipage Geranium! So I second that. September 22, 2023 at 8:34am
Caroline: Hello and thank you for this generous giveaway!
I highly recommend Ambra Obscura by the American perfumer, Neil Morris. It’s deep and dark and full of resins and spices. It isn’t listed on Neil Morris’s website but IS available to order and he ships internationally.
Two other very nice fragrances are Fumerie Turque and Borneo 1834, both by Serge Lutens.
You may contact me via email. September 18, 2023 at 5:35pm
Simon: With a description as follows: A confection of cedar wood inspired by the warm, honeyed scents emanating from the covered stalls selling leatherwork in Morocco. This was Serge Lutens’ first unisex perfume, the olfactory revolution of the 1990s!
“This scent expresses the masculine side of femininity and viceversa. It’s all about cedar.
From what John has described this should match perfectly, Ideally in the vintage Shiseido version…
Of course my email can be shared. September 18, 2023 at 6:08pm
Claire M: I would recommend visiting a LArtisan counter and getting samples of their fragrances like Dzongkha, Timbuktu and maybe also Vetiver. Prada is another good brand to try. Someone already recommended Hermes Equipage Geranium, so I’m adding my vote too.
Good luck with your quest! Yes, you can share my email. September 18, 2023 at 6:15pm
Marian Penner Bancroft: I’d suggest “Dzongkha” by l’Artisan Parfumeur–unique, dry, woody, spicy and atmospheric. I never tire of it. Yes, you may share my email address September 18, 2023 at 7:45pm
Amanda M: Hello John,
Thank you for your generous giveaway!
May I suggest the following fragrances for your partner – all have wonderful spicy/citrus/woody notes.
1. Gentleman EDP by Givenchy
2. Bois Des Iles by Chanel
3. Mitsouko by Guerlain and
4. Le Lion by Chanel
And yes, you may contact me by email. 😊
Amanda. September 18, 2023 at 9:12pm
Damla: How about Terre by Hermes? It has a very nice flint note in addition to the notes you’ve described! I also very much enjoy Dyptique Eau Duelle which is another wonderful woody fragrance, I was between that and Tam Dao for a long time. Yes, you may contact me! September 19, 2023 at 12:01am
Fazal Cheema: If your partner likes Cuir Mauresque, I think you should hunt down vintage Chanel Cuir de Russie which, to me, looks much closer to Knize Ten than the newer version that was released under Chanel’s les exclusif line. By vintage Cuir de Russie, I mean the version which used to be ‘cologne’ or ‘eau de cologne’ back in 1970s or so.
For woods, spices, and citruses, one fragrance I would recommend is vintage Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme. But you should also check out Diptique Fleur de Peau if Malle Hiver is one of the fragrances your partner enjoys.
One designer fragrance that I think should appeal to those who enjoy Diptique Tam Dao is Azzaro Visit, especially, in the original version which tends to have blueish-greenish hue instead of the blueish-purplish hue in the latter versions. In fact, Visit is also a great suggestion for those who enjoyed and miss Gucci Rush for Men.
Yes, you may contact me through email as well as share it with John. September 19, 2023 at 12:40am
Thomas: I second Knize Ten or Gomma by Etro for a more tender and airy approach to the topic September 19, 2023 at 7:05am
Allie: Hello John, a few suggestions:
1. Fils de Dieu du Riz et de Agrumes by ELDO. Lime, fresh spices, and animalic leather adding up to something bright and cheerful.
2. Anubis by Papillon Artisan. A dark smokey leather with saffron.
3. If you are ever stateside, Sonoma Scent Studio has some fantastic woody scents. Winter Woods and Incense Pure could be worth a sample if the opportunity ever presents itself.
You may contact me and share my email with John. Thank you John for the generous giveaway and best of luck on your search! September 19, 2023 at 2:42am
Ugo: 1. Hello John, I would recommend to you partner something classic but always marvellous Habit Rouge by Guerlain, a variation on theme of Shalimar: more light and less sweet with citrus and spices, amber and leather. He can choose the best flanker (there are a lot). Another spicy and woody marvel is Io Non Ho Mani che mi accarezzino il volto by the Italian niche brand Filippo Sorcinelli: a smoky, ambery and warm spicy marvel with cinnamon and cloves, simply gorgeous. Another beautiful spicy, aromatic and woody fragrance is Equipage by Hermes: sandalwood and aromatic herbs. O he can try Special for Gentlemen by Le Galion, a fougere with cinnamon and some beautiful woody notes.
2. Yes you can contact me via mail. September 19, 2023 at 3:26am
Cybele: Hi John! Thank you for this nice opportunity 🙂 For your partner, I suggest these special colognes with an addictive quality
1. Eau d’Hermes woody, citrus, spicy, animalic
2. Le Labo Santal 33 woody, spicy sandalwood
3. Loewe 001 Man citrus, woody
I hope you will find something amazing! Feel free to contact me via email September 19, 2023 at 3:26am
Hilde: La Myrrhe has been on my wish list since I read Victoria’s review some years ago. But untill now I haven’t had the chance to smell this perfume, so it would be a delight to receive this perfume as a gift.
I would like to suggest to John and his partner Miglot Formula 58. But first of all some information about this Belgian brand, situated in Ghent. Miglot Fragrance Lab is the brand created by the sympathetic Kristof Lefebre, a former pharmacist. But his passion for fragrances made him decide to stop his pharmacy and to begin to study again. He has followed trainings on aromachology and he has also studied at the renowned perfume school ISIPCA at Versailles.
Formula 58 is a woody, leathery fragrance, with at the top some citrusses. Leathery perfumes sometimes can smell too agressive I think, but in Formula 58 the leather is very subtle. And I am sure Miglot has some other perfumes that can inspire John and his partner.
If you subscribe to Miglot’s newsletter you will receive a sample kit (and they don’t stalk you with e-mails or marketing campaigns). September 19, 2023 at 3:37am
Elio: Hi John, I really hope you can find something that your partner can enjoy! My first suggestions are Egoiste by Chanel and Jaipur pour homme by Boucheron, I find them really elegant and I think their woody warmth could perfectly fit the coming of autumn!
I recently sampled Black Calamus by Carven and it’s woody and peppery but with an overall lightness.
Victoria, you can contact me and share my mail. September 19, 2023 at 7:00am
Renate: Hallo John and Victoria, thank you very much for organizing this generous give-away.
For John’s partner, I would also suggest the already mentioned Terre d’Hermès and Déclaration by Cartier. And since those are Ellena-creations, another less known brand came to my mind: Le Couvent, and specifically their Valparaiso which is a beautiful, woody and spicy scent. They also do discovery sizes and sets. And yes, Victoria, you may contact me and also share my details with John. September 19, 2023 at 7:08am
S K: Hi John, as someone who love woody based fragrance , I would recommend Gaiac 10 by Le Labo (it’s limited edition but at the moment available to buy in all Labo shops until end of September) , secondly a very classic timeless Guerlain Shalimar a beautiful woody spicey oriental whiff to warm you up. I always go to Shalimar – in any doubt! Yes, I am willing to be contacted. Thank you! September 19, 2023 at 7:57am
Umer: Hello John! Some very good recommendations above.
Citrus-spices-woods is rich territory, I’d recommend:
– Divine’s L’Homme Infini is a more refined, gentler expression of Terre – a citrus illusion over rich cedar, pepper and oak.
– Etro’s Palais Jamais has a unique smoky-sweet greenness not found elsewhere, a remarkable perfume that covers all three notes.
– the new Amouage Search is a very clever dry-spicy-citrus-incense that somehow conveys the cleanness and richness of the traditional white robes worn ceremonially by the Arabs
I think the three above cover a wide range in time, geography and genre/mood, and would be an excellent trio to own all three. All are easily found/sampled in one place at most niche stores (Ausliebezumdufte in DE).
Victoria, this is a wonderful and generous giveaway! You have permission to contact me via email. September 19, 2023 at 8:04am
cris: Hello and thanks for your generosity.
I recommend Cartier Declaration d’un Soir, Hermes Poivre Samarcande and H24 also from Hermes. Those three have in common, in my opinion, to be suaves but with a lot of personality, very elegant and very modern. Elegantly very cool man type came to my mind, like my husband😉
Of course you can share my email.
It would be awesome if you share with us how everything went and what was your choice! Good luck and enjoy! September 19, 2023 at 8:05am
BD: LT Piver A La Rein des Fleurs
You may contact me September 19, 2023 at 9:03am
Eric Harris: What a lovely offer!
I think Bel Ami is one of my favorite leathers, though I wonder if he’d enjoy the Naomi Goodsir line as well (I’m partial to Or du Serial or Nuit de Bakelite but I think Cuir Velours might fit the bill a bit more.) I think Galop d’Hermes is stunning on a man, and I always get compliments on it. I also think you can’t go wrong with the older Guerlain masculines.
I love helping pick out a new perfume, so I hope John can report back when they’ve picked out something new.
You can of course email me. Thanks again! September 19, 2023 at 10:05am
Laura Dias de Almeida: Cuir Mauresque leads me to suggest another opulent leather, that of 1740 by Histoires de Parfums. For something a little bit more “niche”, check out 4160 Tuesdays, Sarah McCartney’s labour of fragrant love, in particular Maxed Out, a pure, enubriating delight.
Yes, do please feel free to contact me by email, also if you have any feedback on the two above suggestions. September 19, 2023 at 12:24pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Oh Lord, I‘ve been lusting after La Myhrre for ages, so yes, please do sign me in! Victoria, you are most welcome to contact me.
My perfume suggestion: Hermès Agar-Ébène because of the luminous woody notes (completely without any olfactory nuclear toxic waste), the delicious piney quasi citrus top note, and the inherent overall elegance!
Dankeschön John, hope you find a wonderful scent for your partner! September 19, 2023 at 3:21pm
Judy: I also love Cuir Mauresque. If your partner likes Lutens and woods, I suggest Chene. It has notes of cedar, birch, and oak. It also has a nice rum note. Also, Lutens Bois Oriental. It is woody and spicy.
Yes, you may email me.
Good luck in finding the perfect fragrance! September 19, 2023 at 6:51pm
Sariah: L’eau D’hiver was one of my very favorite fragrances before it was reformulated. It had such a great aura. It’s still good but is flatter now. I’m a fan of many other Jean Claude Elena fragrances as well. For spicy, citrus and woods l love Cartier Declaration Essence (spicier than the original, which has also been suggested), and Hermes Epice Marine. Thank you for the contest and yes you may contact me. September 19, 2023 at 9:57pm
Sebastian: Hi John,
thinking outwards from Tam Dao, perhaps Xeryus (Givenchy). It’ a classic Fougère, containing all the listed notes of Tam Dao. It has been reformulated, don’t know the new version. The old one was great.
Tam Dao is not so fresh to me, I find it dry. It’s a sort of a journeyman’s piece in the cabinet maker trade: dry sandalwood inlaid with cypress on cedar. So if the taste of your partner runs to the extremely dry, I would recommend Sables (Goutal): dry, sandy, immortelle-based, rather static and unlively. Or one of Tauer’s desert scents.
Thanks for your generous offer. But I still have a little bit of La Myrrhe and wear it almost never, so that’s fine. September 20, 2023 at 2:40am
Ine Espenes: Thanks for a nice and generous giveaway 🙂
1. I would suggest Chanel Sycomore, Timbuktu and Feminite du bois.
2. Yes you can contact me 🙂 September 20, 2023 at 5:49pm
Muirne: There are so many excellent suggestions already, so I’ve tried to think of some that haven’t been mentioned. I’ve been very impressed by Parfum d’Empire of late, and judging from John’s partner’s eclectic tastes, Fougère Bengale (a spicy, earthy, dark fougère) or Vétiver Bourbon (vetiver led chypre, smooth and woody) might suit. I would invest in the discovery set, as there are so many good ones.
For something lighter, Acqua di Parma Colonia Futura is a flanker to the classic Colonia that truly impressed me lately.
Dior Dune actually could fit the bill – dry, woody, spicy. It is marketed as feminine, but feels unisex to me.
L’Eau d’Hiver brings to mind Cloon Keem Castaña, an excellent chestnut-led scent that is perfectly unisex (and Irish, I might add!)
I’d love a bottle of La Myrrhe, please feel free to contact me by email! September 20, 2023 at 5:35am
CristinaM: Thank you for the generous offer! My suggestion would be:
an immortal classic, like Habit Rouge or Penhaligon Blenheim Bouquet,
or a modern masterpiece, like Meo Fusciuni Luce or Notturno.
Poetry in a bottle.
Yes, you may contact me if I win. September 20, 2023 at 9:08am
Aurora: Thank you so much for a generous giveaway John and Victoria for hosting it. I recommend two classics, Caron pour un Homme, the best lavender with vanilla, it’s my best unisex scent, and Chanel Pour Monsieur, a great chypre often forgotten.
My email could be shared. September 20, 2023 at 12:48pm
Shivani Khandekar: For something different, I recommend Issara (a barbershop style fougère I love smelling on my partner) or La Rhapsodie Noire (a gourmand fougère) by Dusita. I would also recommend Sycomore by Chanel very highly. It’s the best smoky Vetiver around. September 20, 2023 at 1:02pm
Kris S: The very first scent (or trio of scents, really, because who can try just one) that sprung to mind was Hermes L’Ambre Des Merveilles (and also closely Eau Des Merveilles amd Elixer Des Merveilles). That is, if he enjoys his citrus leaning more orange amd warm. If he prefers a fresh lemony citrus, Guerlain Habit Rouge is a classic for a reason, and one of my boyfriwnds many signatures. Best of luck finding the one(s), and of course you may contact me to discuss frags anytime! 😊 September 20, 2023 at 3:19pm
Jamal: Just wanted to say I have a bottle of La Myrrhe and congratulations to the person that gets it because you are in for a treat, it is one of the most sublime aldehydic ambers I have smelt. Do try it on blotter, skin and smelling directly from the flacon as I have noticed different proportions of facets with each method. September 20, 2023 at 4:13pm
Viktoriya Semyz: Fabulous giveaway!
Many great perfumes have been suggested already, I second Chanel’s Sycomore, wonderfully smoky and woody.
For citrusy perfume, Chanel’s Eau de Cologne from Les Exclusif range is so refreshing and bright. I would also add Guerlain’s Frenchy Lavande.
Not sure if anyone suggested YSL’s original Opium, spicy classic and still very good.
Yes please, contact me by email, thank you. September 20, 2023 at 6:18pm
AfonsoC: Thank you for such a generous giveaway!
1. I’d recommend him a fresh unisex chypre: Eau Dynamisante by Clarins is often overlooked but ticks all the boxes for me and I believe for John – it is such a joy to wear, has a birght citric opening morphs into a lovely blend of a variety of spicy, aromatic oils. Also, there’s a big plus – not that expensive 🙂
If he doesn’t mind herbal notes, Eau de Campagne by Sisley is also a fantastic one.
2. Yes, you can contact me via email.
Thank you and good luck everyone 🙂 September 21, 2023 at 8:59am
Niko: Hi John, my recommendation for something with a more vintage spin is Gentleman by Givenchy. But I also wondered if Lil Fleur from Byredo might be good as well, for something of an exploratory option.
Thank you for the give away opportunity.
You may contact me by email and share my information with John. September 21, 2023 at 12:24pm
Julia: Hi John, I have a few recommendations for your partner based on the ideas of citrus, wood, spices and leather. I hope he finds something he likes!
1. Eau de Memo by Memo Paris – Light, fresh lemon, green tea, leather and jasmine.
2. Black Leather by J-Scent – Polite leather with bergamot and a touch of smoky tobacco.
3. Cowboy Kush by Boy Smells – Warm smoky woods, suede and patchouli.
4. C’est La Vie by The Lab (Colombia) – Spicy orange blossom and vanilla barbershop scent.
I also second the suggestion of Eau Dynamisante by Clarins, I like that one too and find it very refreshing and comforting to wear.
Yes, you may email me and share my email for this giveaway. September 21, 2023 at 6:05pm
Carys: This may be a bit left field, but I’d suggest trying Soir de Lune by Sisley. It leans nicely woody/citrussy when my husband pinches mine but smells like nothing else he’s got. (Happy to be contacted) September 22, 2023 at 4:58am
Tatiana Thomas: Hi John and Victoria,
ThankYou for such generous give away.
May I suggest an original M-7 by Yves Saint Laurent. It is an amazing and very memorable scent created by Tom Ford for YSL.
I find it irresistible- definitely is worth a try in its original formulation.
I second original Declaration by Cartier, and, John, if you are willing to give it a try – Original Drakkar EDT by Guy Laroche in the Silver Grey Geometric packaging….it was a scent that one will not forget- elegant, classy, unique. Pre Ifra regulations. Etsy has a few vintage bottles…
Per Frantica:
Drakkar by Guy Laroche is a Aromatic Fougere fragrance for men. Drakkar was launched in 1972.
Top notes are Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Bergamot, Juniper and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Angelica, Pine Tree, Coriander, Basil, Rosemary, Jasmine and Cedar; base notes are Oakmoss, Amber, Tolu Balsam, Musk and Patchouli.
Per Frantica:
M7 by Yves Saint Laurent is an Amber Woody fragrance for men. M7 was launched in 2002. M7 was created by Jacques Cavallier and Alberto Morillas. Top notes are Rosemary, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot; middle notes are Agarwood (Oud) and Vetiver; base notes are Amber and Musk.
M7 embodies male sensuality. The perfumers behind the fragrance are Jacques Cavallier and Alberto Morillas.
M7 is a heavy, rich, intensive and masculine fragrance, dominated by dark, warm and dry precious woody notes and a heavy, natural, earth-like note originating from vetiver.
Yes, my email can be shared. September 22, 2023 at 8:13am
Nina Z: Most of my ideas have already been suggested, including Bois des Iles, Equipage Geranium, Noir Epices, etc. But maybe also Ormonde Jayne Woman for the black hemlock? And a good sandalwood made with natural rather than synthetic wood is Sandalwood Temple by Sana Jardin. If you can find it, Opium pour Homme is a wonderful spicy perfume. I have the vintage version.
Yes , of course, you can use my email to contact me. September 22, 2023 at 8:43am
Travis: Thanks to Victoria for your hosting the giveaway and to John for his generosity. If your partner is not ready to abandon myrrh I would suggest “Oriental Velours” by Les Indemodables. It’s a compelling, smoky, appealingly medicinal take on the resin. Quite potent too. I’ve titrated my sample with much enjoyment for a long while now and will be getting a bottle when I finish it. The brand’s sample set is also a great deal with many interesting scents. Best of luck to John and his partner in their search.
And yes, you are welcome to contact me by email.
My warm regards to all fellow fans of perfume and of this marvelous blog. September 22, 2023 at 11:23am