When it comes to olfactive categories, gourmand scents is an irresistible niche. Usually highlighting notes such as vanilla, cacao, and honey, gourmand fragrances combine a heady blend of sweet, creamy accords while some may even be spicy and savoury.
This olfactive origin can be traced back to the 90s when designer Thierry Mugler commissioned perfumer Olivier Cresp to craft a fragrance reminiscent of the Strasbourg funfairs, a memory from the designer’s childhood. The result was Mugler’s Angel, a decadent fragrance of cotton candy, jasmine, cacao and patchouli. Whatever your taste, we’ve highlighted some of the best gourmand scents in the market today.
Byredo Vanille Antique
Centred around a smoky vanilla bean centre, this fragrance brings out the earthiness of the vanilla as opposed to its syrupy nature. With a mix of cashmere woods, amber, freesia and plum, the blend creates an intoxicating scent that radiates throughout the day.
Replica Maison Margiela Afternoon Delight EDT
Master perfumer Carlos Benaïm was inspired by Marcel Proust’s 1913 novel À la Recherche du Temps Perdu and the feeling of being transported to a Parisian cafe with the sweet scent of madeleines filling the air. An indulgent scent, this comforting fragrance blends creamy and woody notes of sandalwood with Madagascan vanilla.
Killian Paris Love Don’t Be Shy
Soft, sweet marshmallow sugar accord with notes of honeysuckle, neroli and orange blossom replicates the emotion and innocence of first love. The warm amber base, meanwhile signifies the exhilarating feeling that comes with getting to know another soul.
Fendi La Baguette
The iconic Fendi Baguette bag is captured in fragrance form by perfumer Anne Filipo who was inspired to unite sweet flowery notes of iris and Madagascar vanilla, underlined with a leathery musk base.
Tom Ford Café Rose
Roses and coffee may sound like an unusual blend but results in a sensual fragrance of sweet roses with the unexpected twist of dark bitter coffee. With notes of Turkish rose and dark coffee and ylang ylang, this sweet and spicy scent simmers with cardamom notes, resulting in a sensual fragrance for day and night.
Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka
A noble and intoxicating blend of Omumbiri Myrhh and its warm balsamic notes of amber are fused with the tonka bean, creating a warm and rich fragrance with hints of warm almond and lush vanilla.
Maison Kurkdjian Grand Soir
This ambery and woody fragrance is defined by cinnamon notes where the Maison distilled the leaves of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum, creating a pure leaf essence compared to the usual cinnamon essence. The result? An irresistible spicy cinnamony note with hints of clove that feels like a warm embrace.
