WHAT I SMELL: Triomphe opens with a spicy bergamot and a little pepper; it’s warm and inviting and well blended. After a few minutes the rose makes it presence, but it’s really muted by the warmth of the base which is rather smooth and creamy. As time progresses, the fragrance projects the patchouli woodiness and seems to sink deeper in a warmish pool. The fragrance begins to dry out, but it’s so full-bodied with the florals that help to give this so much shape. After around 30 minutes the fragrance really dries out and that rounded floral makes way for the balsam and the patchouli takes the center stage. In the end, you’re left with a lovely slightly smoky, nutty and peppery woody scent.
From the Rance 1795 website:
Only the word Triumph could describe Napoleon’s immense glory. And Triomphe was the name of one of the perfumes François Rancé dedicated to the idol of his life.
Napoleon loved the fragrances of his native island, and François Rancé drew inspiration from these: the light perfume of citrus fruit merges with the fragrance of roses and orange blossom, adorned with Grasse jasmine and Florentine iris. Cedar wood and musk, with hints of vanilla, give the fragrance intensity.
A decoration which represents the military virtues of the Victor was etched onto the glass by a Parisian master glassmaker. It is today as it was 200 years ago.
The precious perfume is made entirely of the rarest and most highly-prized natural essences, obtained from the best years, i.e. “millésimé“(vintage) mixed, stirred and left to age according to Rancé tradition.
Head Notes: bergamot, neroli, mandarin
Heart Notes: Bulgarian Rose, magnolia, wisteria, nutmeg
Base Notes: patchouli, cistus labdanum, tolu balsam, Reunion vanilla
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: The sophisticated hound
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE TRIOMPHE: classic, classy, gentlemanly
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT TRIOMPHE: None to be found. How is this possible given how fantastic this is?!
BOTTOM LINE: Rance has been operating in perfumery since the 18th Century and I can see why. If this is any indication of their products, I need to do some more exploring. And how pretty is that bottle?!
- Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Aromatic Fougere
- Classification: Masculine
- Expense: $110 for 50ml EdP
The Scented Hound 
March 30, 2014 at 8:09 am
This sounds absolutely lovely. I’m so glad you’ve shared this brand as I’m completely unfamiliar with it. And yes, that bottle is really pretty and elegant as well. Thanks!
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March 30, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Holly, I love these little rediscovered treasures, especially when they’re just so elegant and refined!
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March 30, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Houndy, this sounds positively lemming worthy! How did you get (re)introduced to the line? Does it lean very masculine? The dapper dog sketch is so cute!
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March 31, 2014 at 5:37 am
Hajusuuri – I have no idea where I picked up this sample. I was cleaning up my mess of samples and trying to organize them and found it and decided to give it a try. Thanks, I thought the dapper dog fit the fragrance’s essence perfectly. 🙂
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April 2, 2014 at 11:30 pm
The bottle does look nice. The only perfume from this line I’ve ever tried was Josephine – and I don’t remember what I thought about it.
Have you seen the brand anywhere in B&M stores?
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April 3, 2014 at 5:04 am
U – I have. It’s one of those brands that you see in non-perfume stores where they might have some perfumes. One of the stores in town here that sells luxury items from furniture and china to bedding to soaps carrries Rance.
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April 10, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Notes sound very inviting, especially when I see nutmeg among them. I’ve seen them every year at Esxence, but haven’t tried anything from them yet. They seemed very sophisticated and aristocratic. That was my “non nosy” impression ;-).
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April 14, 2014 at 6:00 am
Speaking of Esxence…did you have a wonderful time? What was the new hit of the show?
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May 5, 2014 at 9:08 am
I’m getting more and more critical from year to year and I can hardly choose one. A Sacre du Printemps from Ys Uzac is something special and the line of Mendittorosa was rally something. That includes Le Mat. That doesn’t mean the other perfumes are bad, no, they just don’t stand out in such a mass. Most of the perfumes are above average stuff on the market (commercial). Most of firms play safe and make one rose, one orange blossom or white flower and one oud perfume….and you come across 20 repettitions of this with just a little difference among them…
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May 5, 2014 at 5:56 pm
I would agree with you that we do find that many scents are “nice” and nothing special. For the cost of these fagrances, you really need for something to stand out from the bunch. This is nice, but it doesn’t truly stand out. That said, I have been jonesing to try Le Mat just because the picture you posted of the bottle!
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