The Majestic Vanilla

I very much disliked this scent when I first wore it. It’s really not so much about vanilla as it is about resins and spices, and yes even tobacco though not listed. I’ve never been a fan of peach in scents, and here it is coming across extremely unnatural, but it’s also extremely intriguing. On my second wearing I started to fall for this majestic oddball of a vanilla. Soft, a little powdery and smoky, with almost zero projection except for a few minutes during the brief opening. Even writing these words makes me wonder why I like this so much but I’ve fallen head over heels. The only other Alexandre J I own is Zafeer Oud Vanille, and that one is a sweet bomb of a vanilla, with no real detectable oud. Here the brand has done a 180 degree turn and turned out a lovely, unpredictable scent. The dry down is my favorite part. No one may compliment you, but when I pulled my husband in tight, even he could not deny there’s something beautiful....and odd going on with this scent. I don’t think I would have ever put these particular notes together, but from one vanilla fan to another, I’m so glad the perfumers did just that. The only word I can think of is different. And I like this different. Good performance means that I’m looking for a deal on a bottle for sale or swap.

Gorgeous, warm, resinous. I bought this as a replacement/upgrade form the sadly discontinued Nirvana Bourbon which although this is quite different they share the trait of being a strong warm vanilla. Starts out with a bit more citrus but overall it does feel true to description--ie something a flapper would want. I think it's perfectly unisex, and really appreciate the addition of labdanum for added depth--sadly no tobacco I think that poster may have just been haunted by some flapper grandmother summoned by the familiar smell. I wish I could get into the package design more because it feels a bit cheesy but the product inside is actually pretty elegant. I believe it will make a good unique date night perfume.

I love this! In the opening I can smell the citrus, especially the mandarin orange, accompanied by the cinnamon. I agree with MrEleven1181 that there seems to be tobacco in this too. Not sure which notes cause this effect, but I generally enjoy tobacco fragrances and this is no exception. In the drydown the vanilla and amber become more prominent, but the mandarin and cinnamon are also still there. This is perfectly unisex in my opinion. I am really enjoying this, but I wish the sillage was a bit stronger. It is quite a soft scent. I need a full bottle so I can bathe in this!

I agree with the other users that mention tobacco. In fact there's something magnetic about this scent to me that keeps me coming back for more. I think about it and crave it when I'm not wearing it. I really only experience that with Mugler perfumes. It's very warm and comforting to me with a little spicy extra something I just can't put my finger on. I'm on my third sample so I think I'm going to have to go ahead and buy this! Edit: Nov. 25th 2021~I bought it :)

I liked this scent so much - I want to buy the whole line now! This reminds me milder version of Kenzo "Jungle". But spices are less prominent and very well balanced with mandarin. Bought it for Christmas time but because the scent is so well made I see myself wearing it on the hot summer day as well. Like an Indian summer vibes - kind of Darjeeling Unlimited movie vibes.