Travel is an endless source of inspiration for artists of every kind, starting with perfumers. And the house of Guerlain is no exception to prove otherwise. The five generations of perfumers who have led the house have all been drawn to the discovery of distant lands, and more specifically to the East. It is precisely to pay tribute to this that the Absolus d'Orient collection came into being. In 2023, it is enriched with a new juice named Épices Exquises.
The Absolus d'Orient are a great collection of perfumes evoking the house of Guerlain's love for the eastern part of the planet. Indeed, this region has served as a source of inspiration many times throughout its history. It is therefore only natural that Guerlain pays tribute to its spices, precious woods and enchanting whiffs. In 2023, this array is enriched with a creation named Épices Exquises. The result is a highly contrasted juice.
Épices Exquises by Guerlain, a cardamom coffee
Let us begin by breaking down the inspiration behind this perfume. It owes its existence to master perfumer Thierry Wasser. Through this formula, he sought to render the surprising scent of the irresistibly spicy whiffs of cardamom coffee. Indeed, this is a beverage typical of the Middle East, offered to visitors as a welcome. It is therefore all the olfactory subtleties of this atypical beverage that are found in this creation.
The spicy, fresh opening of Épices Exquises
Épices Exquises by Guerlain opens with a very vivid, energizing sensation. Indeed, its top notes are composed of several spices. Cardamom, grown in India, unfolds here its camphoraceous, anise-like freshness. It is paired with pink pepper, less powerful and fresher than black pepper. Angelica, in turn, rounds out the brightness of this perfume, while lending it a greener, crisper breath.
Épices Exquises by Guerlain, a peppery coffee
The perfume Épices Exquises by Guerlain immediately surprises with its contrasts. This fresh, lively opening gives way to a much warmer, more intense heart. This is the moment when coffee makes its appearance, unfolding its intoxicating swirls, for a warm, full-bodied result. It is tickled by the smoldering presence of black pepper. The result is a remarkable play of light and shadow, immediately capturing the senses, leaving a vivid and indelible memory on the skin.
Precious woods to elevate the sillage of Épices Exquises by Guerlain
In its base, Épices Exquises by Guerlain gains in persistence and evokes the most precious woods of the Middle East. Oud wood, a particularly noble raw material, reveals here its highly nuanced breath, at times woody, more animalic or amber. It is also paired with sandalwood. Highly prized by perfumers, it lends this creation a more penetrating, spicy aspect. Highly fragrant, it also reveals a soothing facet. Finally, patchouli rounds out this creation with its earthy flavor.
Thierry Wasser says he designed this perfume in the image of the fresh accents of cardamom at the top, blending with a warm, peppery and sensual base. In his creator's own words, Épices Exquises is an intoxicating perfume.