Bonheur

If you like spicy fragrances, then this really is “happiness” The opening of the fragrance is a zesty bergamot, next to cardamom and marigold, which is a criminally underrated note IMO. The frangipani and Champaca are barely noticeable...maybe a bit of floral nectar. Much like the perfumer’s use of cardamom in VN, the cardamom here in Bonheur is well balanced, so as not to overpower anything else going on. IMO the cardamom is the star of the show in this composition. almost equal to the intensity of the cardamom is the clove and nutmeg. This is a great spicy fragrance. I get a slightly musky amber...more “grey” in color. The violet adds a nice purplish hue to the body of the fragrance. The oakmoss is more prominent than the vetiver, which is barely noticeable. There is just a hint of nice cedar. towards the end of the wear the myrrh and labdanum move to the forefront with just a hint of sweetness from vanilla and tonka. Another hit for me by Bortnikoff.

Mossy spicy reminder of old “cologne” used in barbershops decades ago. Well done, lingering on my beard all day, projecting just around myself, a cloud of perfumed happiness. For men, almost exclusively, 50 years on . Too bad it’s sold out

mostly getting cloves, resin and cardamom, which doesn't quite work for me... not much of a cloves fan, many perfumers go a little too crazy with them, i haven't come across many scents that have cloves done right, and as such, this one just doesn't speak to me. the cardamom is there too, in the background, but overpowered by the cloves. a little bit of resin there, too, but it's mostly spicy, rusty cloves in this one. hopefully there's a bit of development with this...

Mysterious Oud fell flat for me but it's basically a flip of the coin between Bonheur and Coup de Foudre. I really like both but Bonheur's dry down is so sensual, spicy, and cozy. Had to get myself a bottle. I also love the versatility of this. While I would reach for other fragrances for night time outings, I find the balance between the citrus opening and spicy dry down make this a great 4 seasons daytime offering

This is a very expensive way to smell of Cardamon sugar and vetiver. Smelling it through my shirt, It reminds me of some really delicious cookies that my grandmother used to make. It is a lovely smell? Yes. Do I want to smell like this? No. Could a lady pull this off? Maybe.