Enders
Reviews
100 Years of Shalimar
Shalimar, first sold in 1921 under a different name, didn't become "Shalimar" until 1925.
As a lover of Guerlain fragrances I figured there is no better time to add Shalimar to my collection than during Shalimar's 100th anniversary this year. Having smelled the EDP, and the modern version of Shalimar Extrait / Parfum I was always left curious how the vintage version would compare, so I went hunting.
Before I begin, a note about the modern version of Shalimar. Both the EDP and Extrait were satisfactory for me. Guerlain does a great job keeping their classics intact. You shouldn't feel the need to go vintage just because that's the decision I made!
During my hunt for a vintage version of Shalimar I made the choice to wait until the right opportunity presented itself. I ended up waiting 7 months until the bottle I bought popped up. A suspiciously good looking listing popped up. "1970 SEALED Vintage Shalimar Extrait". The pictures looked great, and I used many sources to validate it was real, so I bought it.
Apparently, the bottle of Shalimar Extrait I bought was from between 1967-1974 based off markings. According to the seller this bottle sat in a dark closet in his Mom's house for 50+ years, totally untouched. I documented the entire unboxing, which can be found in the video I linked.
Upon opening it and removing the stopper I was instantly hit by a massive waft of top notes coming from the bottle. That bergamot was waiting 50 years to escape, and it smells amazing. I couldn't have asked to find a better bottle. Nothing was off about it at all. Same amazing bergamot opening, it was powdery, vanillic, slightly leathery, ambery, floral, and later on that civet made it's present known as well. The depth was amazing. Long live SHALIMAR
As a lover of Guerlain fragrances I figured there is no better time to add Shalimar to my collection than during Shalimar's 100th anniversary this year. Having smelled the EDP, and the modern version of Shalimar Extrait / Parfum I was always left curious how the vintage version would compare, so I went hunting.
Before I begin, a note about the modern version of Shalimar. Both the EDP and Extrait were satisfactory for me. Guerlain does a great job keeping their classics intact. You shouldn't feel the need to go vintage just because that's the decision I made!
During my hunt for a vintage version of Shalimar I made the choice to wait until the right opportunity presented itself. I ended up waiting 7 months until the bottle I bought popped up. A suspiciously good looking listing popped up. "1970 SEALED Vintage Shalimar Extrait". The pictures looked great, and I used many sources to validate it was real, so I bought it.
Apparently, the bottle of Shalimar Extrait I bought was from between 1967-1974 based off markings. According to the seller this bottle sat in a dark closet in his Mom's house for 50+ years, totally untouched. I documented the entire unboxing, which can be found in the video I linked.
Upon opening it and removing the stopper I was instantly hit by a massive waft of top notes coming from the bottle. That bergamot was waiting 50 years to escape, and it smells amazing. I couldn't have asked to find a better bottle. Nothing was off about it at all. Same amazing bergamot opening, it was powdery, vanillic, slightly leathery, ambery, floral, and later on that civet made it's present known as well. The depth was amazing. Long live SHALIMAR
Fruity licorice immortelle
My sample just arrived.
Another banger from Les Indemodables. They consistently find ways to take my money. Licorice and dried fruits are clearly present against the slightly sweet, dry, herbaceous qualities of immortelle. A slight leathery, maybe smoky/gritty facet if I put my nose close. Comes off quite aromatic and sweeter than I was expecting. It isn't TOO sweet though, certainly well balanced. Unisex leaning masculine in my opinion. It doesn't instantly remind me of any other fragrance at the moment. MAYBE a hint of Serge Lutens La Proie Pour L'Ombre due to the licorice.
Another banger from Les Indemodables. They consistently find ways to take my money. Licorice and dried fruits are clearly present against the slightly sweet, dry, herbaceous qualities of immortelle. A slight leathery, maybe smoky/gritty facet if I put my nose close. Comes off quite aromatic and sweeter than I was expecting. It isn't TOO sweet though, certainly well balanced. Unisex leaning masculine in my opinion. It doesn't instantly remind me of any other fragrance at the moment. MAYBE a hint of Serge Lutens La Proie Pour L'Ombre due to the licorice.
A summer staple for me
Chypre Azural tricks you right off of the bat. This is no chypre haha.
The other reviews ring true, this is a very natural smelling citrus fragrance that works well in high heat.
The orange note in this fragrance is the most persistent and ringing orange note I've ever come across. and I'm a sucker for orange in fragrances. It's light, airy, transparent, and dances around in the air for hours somehow. I'd describe this orange note as more of the rind of the orange because of the slight green bitterness and astringent quality. Truly a unique citrus experience from what I've tried so far.
Deeper in the scent you can smell the tarragon which gives it a slight green herbaceous quality underneath the persistent orange blanket. I have to say I don't personally pick up on much rose or patchouli. If anything, the rose may give a slight soapy quality in the drydown.
If you want a unique orange citrus fragrance that has uber high quality this is one to consider.
The other reviews ring true, this is a very natural smelling citrus fragrance that works well in high heat.
The orange note in this fragrance is the most persistent and ringing orange note I've ever come across. and I'm a sucker for orange in fragrances. It's light, airy, transparent, and dances around in the air for hours somehow. I'd describe this orange note as more of the rind of the orange because of the slight green bitterness and astringent quality. Truly a unique citrus experience from what I've tried so far.
Deeper in the scent you can smell the tarragon which gives it a slight green herbaceous quality underneath the persistent orange blanket. I have to say I don't personally pick up on much rose or patchouli. If anything, the rose may give a slight soapy quality in the drydown.
If you want a unique orange citrus fragrance that has uber high quality this is one to consider.
