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