WHAT I SMELL: The first spritz is oh so boozy, but where’s the vanilla? There’s some spice and it’s almost herb like….oh wait, after a few minutes you can start to smell the vanilla along with a very weighted and buttery incense. I’m not a huge fan of incense, but this is different as it’s almost like a warmed blanket of smoked spice. As it develops there’s a point where this smells almost like hot buttered rum. After some time the booziness retreats and out comes some cedar and it becomes a bit more woody. Based on the name, one would expect that all you would get would be vanilla. You know it’s there, but combined with the other notes you never feel like you are drowning in vanilla. The smell is intoxicating and sensual and very grown up. Double Vanille develops over a long period of time and it’s a great ride. Finally, After many, many hours, you’re left with a comforting light honeyed vanilla.
Spiritueuse Double Vanille notes: Top notes are pink pepper, bergamot and incense; middle notes are ylang-ylang, cedar, bulgarian rose and jasmine; base notes are benzoin and vanilla.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Effortless confidence and sophistication.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE SPIRITUEUSE DOUBLE VANILLE: warm, smooth, intoxicating
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SPIRITUEUSE DOUBLE VANILLE: PereDePierre, Olfactoria’s Travels, That Smell
BOTTOM LINE: At first, SDV is weighted, bold and is a fragrance that will fill your lungs with a heavy and moist concentration. As time goes on, it mellows beautifully and for a vanilla fragrance it never gets very sweet. And it develops and develops and develops in a way that is seamless. I have the feeling that Spiritueuse Double Vanilla will be my signature scent this winter!
- Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Oriental
- Nose: Jean-Paul Guerlain
- Classification: Marketed as a feminine fragrance, but I believe this suits both men and women
- Expense: $250 for 75ml EdP
December 7, 2012 at 6:23 pm
I am more and more becoming a Guerlain Guy! And now this baby has my name on it. I can’t wait to get down to Neiman Marcus (The only place in San Francisco that has the entire Guerlain line ~ and the lovely Lana who knows her stuff.) and test it out. I am so in love with incense and orientals at the moment. And for you who are not a huge fan of the temple smells I am so happy you found an incense that you love. Wonderful Post!!
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December 8, 2012 at 7:22 am
Lanier – I look forward to hearing what you think about this and any of the others that you test. To me, this is very un-Guerlain which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because there is an underlying edge to some of their fragrances that I don’t particularly like but I’m not sure how to describe it.
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December 7, 2012 at 7:10 pm
A boozy vanilla sounds perfect for winter. Enjoy your fragrant souvenir.
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December 7, 2012 at 8:27 pm
What would happen if I drank it? No, seriously, it sounds delicious in a fragrant way. Love it.
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December 8, 2012 at 7:23 am
Vickie – it is one of the fragrances that coats your lungs when you first apply… so in a sense you are drinking it in 🙂
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December 8, 2012 at 4:51 am
I want, I want, I want, I want to tryyyyyy it! Buuut Guerlain has no boutiques in Poland. I guess I would either have to buy a sample or pay a visit to the nearest Guerlain Boutique abroad. Germany?
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December 8, 2012 at 7:23 am
I think you need to go on a vacation to Germany immediately!!! 🙂
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December 8, 2012 at 7:27 am
Impossible for me! I can’t skip university just like that 😉
Will eventually get to it one day
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December 8, 2012 at 7:06 am
Beautiful write up Houndy – have you got yourself a bottle of this goody then? I need to find “MY” vanilla – I think it may be Agonist’s Vanille Marble, but more tries are needed… maybe that’s not a good sign. Anyway 🙂 Yep, you had my mouth watering, I’ll be sure to give this another try next time I see it.
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December 8, 2012 at 7:24 am
Please do..it’s very yummy. In fact, I just got up, I’m going to spray some on right now 🙂
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December 9, 2012 at 8:36 am
I’m glad you like it. I couldn’t find better words to describe this perfume. I like the fact that is not so sweet like the name suggests.
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December 9, 2012 at 7:03 pm
It is pure heaven Civava!
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December 15, 2012 at 11:49 am
Heaven on Earth ;-).
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December 10, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Lovely description of SDV. It makes me feel so classy every time I wear it.
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December 10, 2012 at 5:50 pm
I wore it to work today… perfect for beating the Monday blahs!
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December 20, 2012 at 10:09 pm
I’ve tried SDV recently for the first time and though all I had was a dab vial it was very nice.
When you say “signature scent” – how many wears (per week/month/season) are we talking about? 🙂
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December 21, 2012 at 5:13 am
I am finding that I am wearing this at a minimum 3 times a week since I bought it. It’s what I keep coming back to and what I crave.
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December 22, 2012 at 9:24 pm
I can’t get this review out of my head. Or, rather, the SDV! Ever since I read it weeks ago, I keep coming back to it. I’ve spread the word/link today to 2 people who I think will like it, too. I’m definitely going to get a sample of this shortly, along with the Anima Dulcis by Arquiste that a blogger friend of mine reviewed (in a drool-worthy way). Both sound delicious and perfect for the start of the new year which is often a cold, drab month without oomph or fun. I think it’s your use of the word “boozy” that really sold me on this. Boozy….. hmmm. 😉
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December 23, 2012 at 11:20 am
I wore it last night out on the town…it’s just a dream. I know you’ll love it… and yes, it’s oh so boozy in the beginning…perfect with your favorite cocktail!
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