Many years ago when I first became interested in niche perfumes, I was obsessed with ambers and sandalwoods. Over a decade later, I rarely wear perfumes that fit into this genre. It’s not that I dislike them, I just don’t find myself wearing them that often. They don’t fit with my current mood or environment. However, there are a few that I still wear. Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Santal Noble is one of them.
Santal Noble is like spicy, saffron coffee beans with oak. It’s bitter, green and woodsy. When it comes to sandalwood perfumes, I like a little bit of that sourness. And Santal Noble has that. It starts to wear as “buttermilk” sandalwood with a slightly smoky cedar incense with a sweet beeswax. The dry-down of Santal Noble is so cozy. It’s warm, soft and sweet like a vanilla-amber incense but balanced by the astringency of green moss.
Santal Noble is a “classic”.On paper, it leans more traditionally masculine since it is lacking in florals or other such notes that are usually paired with sandalwood. I feel like it’s one that works with your own chemistry. On me, it’s greener but that is what works for me. I’ve sniffed it on others and it becomes more creamy, like a vanilla sandalwood. All of the different “versions” are really good.
Notes listed include coffee beans, spices, incense, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, vetiver, ambergris and oak moss. Launched in 1988.
Give Santal Noble a try if you like sandalwood or woodsy scents that lean more traditionally masculine. Or if you like perfumes like Penhaligon’s Endymion, 1833 Santalum Feuguia, Montale Wood & Spices, Burberry for Men and/or CREED Bois du Portugal.
I’m usually anti-layering but this one does layer very nicely with many of the florals that I already own from jasmine to roses. Projection and longevity are above average for an EDT. I think it wears more like an EDP.
The 3.4 oz bottle retails for $130 at Luckyscent. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A sweet, cozy sandalwood with bitter greens. It’s one of my favorite sandalwoods.
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*Purchased by me. Product pic from Luckyscent. Marlon Brando pic from Getty Images.