901 Eau de Parfum – Muskatnuss, Mandel, Patchouli – Probe

What does ginger smell like? Fiery ginger presents a surprising duality that runs hot and cold. It releases intensely fresh and peppery facets with accents of rose. Now you know why it has a devilish reputation! It is said that Louis XV used this ingredient as an aphrodisiac. He would regularly scent the places he met his sweetheart (Madame du Barry) with the spice and she fell for his charms thanks to its aroma. A feminine and masculine note, it refreshes top notes and warms the heart of creations. Its bright and energizing character pairs very well with citrus, oriental and woody notes. Ginger rhizomes are grown in China, Japan, Jamaica and Africa, and their essence is extracted by steam distillation or CO2 extraction.

How to recognize nutmeg? This Indonesian treasure with spicy, dry, warm, aromatic and camphoric accents adds depth and an earthy leathery dimension. Its spellbinding olfactory complexity fascinates perfumers. It is said that the streets of Rome were scented with nutmeg for the coronation of Emperor Henry VI in 1190. The nuts are protected by a membrane called mace. It therefore yields two essences – mace and nutmeg – which smell different to one another. Only unsellable or broken nuts are distilled as the best specimens are destined for use in cooking.

What does almond smell like? Almond essential oil isn’t used in perfumery. Fragrances recreate the notes of almond using tonka bean, heliotrope, vanilla and others. Almond is floral, vanillalike, balmy and sweet. By adapting the different facets of the accord, the almond can be made more or less green and given dimensions of cherry, frangipani, orgeat syrup or calissons. It propels “balsamic” notes, also known as vanilla notes, and offers delicate powdery facets.