I seem to talk about this a lot, but I’m always surprised when a perfume line chooses to launch a fragrance with “grand inspiration“. It’s too much pressure! There have been a few perfumes inspired by French novelist and icon, George Sand¹. But, if I were a new, relatively unknown small brand, I’d be so intimidated to take on such a task! Jardins D’Écrivains is braver than me and launched George.
George opens with heady white florals of camphoric, cool jasmine and that oily, rich sort of neroli that can be found in perfumes like Caron Narcisse Noir. This opening is rich and bitter but not in that classic “neroli eau de cologne” way. The citrus blossoms are oily, rich and dark with tannic undertones. The white florals become more honeyed, reminding me of beeswax paired with a bittersweet tobacco and aging oak barrels. There’s something somber and contemplative about George that I love. When I wear it, I do think of studies covered in old books and dark woods. It dries down to musk, sweet resins and hand-rolled cigarettes. And if that isn’t enough to make it amazing, there’s faint traces of leather.
This is the perfume inspired by George Sand that I wanted. It fits my image of her, plus, it smells like the sort of perfume that people that really like George Sane would wear. I know that it’s something that I’m going to wear. I love a “dark white floral”. Job well done, Jardins D’Écrivains!
Notes listed include neroli, bergamot, heliotrope, coffee, tobacco, peru balsam, musk and myrrh. Launched in 2012. PERFUMER – Anais Biguine
Give George a try if you like leather, tobacco or “dark” orange blossom perfumes. Or if you like perfumes like Caron Narcisse Noir, Knize 10, Caron Narcisse Blanc, Serge Lutens Cuir Mauresque, Etro Gomma, vintage Balmain Jolie Madame, Ramon Monegal Mon Cuir, Chanel Cuir de Russie and/or Roja Dove Fetish.
Projection and longevity are above average.
The 3.4 oz bottle retails for $110 at Beautyhabit. And that’s practically “free” in Niche Perfume World! Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – An animalic orange blossom with leather and tobacco. It’s so good and so “me” and I can’t believe I’m just now trying it. Why didn’t you guys tell me this was amazing?!
¹Perfumes like Maitre et Gantier George Sand, Histoires de Parfums 1804 and Nicolas de Barry George Sand.
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