Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 Guerlain 2023

I was completely beside myself when I heard about the new Guerlain Extraits. And then Iris, Vanilla, and Tonka! When I saw the price, I nearly fell off my chair...

First, a few words about the name of the fragrance. I have been wondering from the start what the numbers in the names of the new Extraits stand for. Fortunately, there’s Google and the Guerlain website: in the case of "Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 | Guerlain," the 75 refers to the percentage of natural coumarin contained. And that leads me to the rest of the name: I initially thought (I can read, or so I thought) that the fragrance was called "Tonka Sepia" :D until I realized that the sample says "Tonka Sarrapia." And this riddle was quickly solved: Sarrapia is the tonka bean tree, which contains the 75% natural coumarin. Et voilà!

Now, onto the actual scent. After the first test, Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 presented itself as a full-blooded gourmand. Very warm, spicy, and sweet, I also got a minimal coconut association.
After several wearings (and a half-empty sample), the fragrance showed various facets that absolutely thrilled me. I am continually amazed, but the scent shifts from a powdery marzipan cloud to a leathery, oily tonka bean. I can’t get enough of this oily note! I also perceive a hint of cocoa, as well as a minimal dose of vanilla. Towards the drydown, a beautiful woodiness comes in, which complements the sweetness very nicely.

What the fragrance is at all times: warm-spicy. And that distinguishes it from its siblings
Tonka Impériale and "Shalimar Millésime Tonka | Guerlain." These two tonka beauties are darker and less warm compared to "Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 | Guerlain."
I find there are worlds between Tonka Impériale and the Extrait. Tonka Impériale contains a lot of rosemary, has much less spice, and is, for me, more marzipan-like. Shalimar Millésime Tonka comes a bit closer to the Extrait; this leathery note is present in both. However, the Shalimar Millésime Tonka is clearly a Shalimar and cooler, lacking the warm spice. But: all three are an absolute dream!

Ah yes, I love the Extraits I’ve tested so far. Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 evokes wonderful memories, Iris Pallida Extrait 6 is always a go-to, and Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 is just so wonderfully multifaceted and much more than just sweet. The price is, of course, more of a nightmare, but the poor fragrances can’t help that. And fortunately, due to the enormous longevity, even small samples last a very long time. Well, Guerlain has (unfortunately?) hit a nerve with me!