Nirvana Bourbon

This was an INSTANT love for me after receiving a sample in a swap. First things first, this is definitely unisex. It does lean more feminine, but I don't feel out of place wearing it at all, and the girlfriend likes it on me as well. I originally purchased it for her, but she preferred Nirvana White, so I gladly kept this one for myself. Nirvana Bourbon is the most unisex of the line, in my opinion. It definitely shares the same DNA with the other Elizabeth and James Nirvana scents, specifically, there's something in all of them that reminds me of magazine pages (in a good way). The notes are almost unexpected for the clean smell they create. Cedar, vanilla, tuberose, tobacco, and a little bit of incense and elemi resin. I also wouldn't be surprised if there were a touch of some sort of citrus in this that isn't listed. I get a very faint wisp of the same grapefruit blossom that's in Dior Homme Cologne at the top, but it might just be my imagination. It definitely has that same sort of brightness, in spite of the ingredients, which are usually deeper and more smoky. With that being said, I don't find this boozy in the alcoholic sense, but instead it will remind you a bit of a charred oak barrel, in the best way possible. Maybe it's because I'm a man and I'm not used to women's scents, but on me this lasts pretty well and performs pretty consistently! The projection is very low compared to most women's perfumes, but still moderate compared to men's scents, and it also projects very consistently. It has lasted on me at least 7-8 hours every time I've worn it. It does sit close to the skin and it's easily forgotten after about 4-5 hours, but then suddenly you'll catch a whiff and realize it's still there, lightly. Wearing Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille today, Nirvana Bourbon is somewhat similar to it, but definitely much more feminine. That's by no means a bad thing, even for me, because although I LIKE Tobacco Vanille, I find it utterly deep and somewhat unwearable. Tobacco Vanille is not very versatile, but Nirvana Bourbon takes what I like about the dry down of Tobacco Vanille and makes it more wearable and more cheery. Also, Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose is similar to a lighter version of Tom Ford's Noir de Noir to my nose. I honestly believe that's where the inspiration for these two fragrances came from, and that's by no means a bad thing! If the price doesn't make you squint, this is definitely a scent worth checking out - for men and women alike - ESPECIALLY if you're looking for a more wearable or more feminine alternative to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille!

Burning Match BOURBON VANILLA... This is fairly linear, but this is how I notice the notes: opens with a burst of bourbon vanilla with sweet, spicy & flinty nuances, that continues & deepens into a vanilla heart with creamy & green-vanilla tones from tuberose, all resting on an oak base. Overall I get a spicy oak-cedar Bourbon & near-Mexican vanilla with a tobacco-like burning match note, combined with a honey dew-drop green-vanilla. In the long drydown, on the skin I get a faint shampoo vibe, followed by a faint spicy-oud-ambroxan. Has reminders for me of Spiriteuse Double Vanille Guerlain, Vanille Noire Laurence Dumont & Zaharoff Signature Tabac. Performance requires a few months of dark storage, after which it's average or slightly above average. Contrast to Spiriteuse Double Vanille Guerlain: These are different, but there is an overall similar vibe with different kinds of vanilla. SDV is richer & more complex with superior performance, while NB has the more forward oak-wood & burning match quality. Contrast to Vanille Noire Laurence Dumont: These are different, but with a similar spicy vanilla vibe. The burning match quality is more forward in Nirvana Bourbon, but over time it resembles Nirvana Bourbon more & more. Both require a few months of dark storage after first sprays to develop performance. Contrast to Zaharoff Signature Tabac: These are different, however the burning match quality is present in both. ZST is richer and more complex, with a more forward honey. ZST also requires dark storage after first sprays, but in the end it outperforms. Overall: Beautiful spicy Bourbon vanilla scent and average performance with dark storage following first sprays. This is the perfect scent to wear for sublimating your inner firebug. It's a love for me. Enjoy!

To whomever is responsible for discontinuing this line: GET BACK IN HERE AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF! I very recently bought samples of the other Nirvana perfumes I haven't had the chance to smell before (so basically: Bourbon, Rose, French Grey, and Amethyst), and I plan to spend the next few days trying them out, but...jeez...I can already say: This line is (was) genius. Nirvana Bourbon sits wonderfully on my skin! At first spray, I get an almost-citrus smell. It's brilliant; don't get me wrong, just entirely unexpected. Then it blends to this *amazing* honeyed-vanilla oak that does have a kinda....sexy...classy...boozy note to it. The bourbon is a perfect touch. I honestly have yet to detect any tuberose. Which is fine, really - Tuberose tends to be hit-or-miss for me. I was worried about this one because of some reviews that mentioned smelling of "wood-paneling" or being very "smoky" or like "varnish". Thank God, it doesn't smell that way on my skin! It's a wrist-sniffer; I've brought it up to my nose at least 5 times in the last 5 minutes. Projection has been quite good. I get whiffs of it as I'm typing. I continue wrist-sniffing because - Gosh darn it - I want mooooooooooore! Longevity remains to be seen, but...if I'm honest with myself...I don't think I'll hold out much hope. Definitely want a full bottle, though. San Frantastic. *** Kitty rating: 8.5/10 (Pending longevity and confirmed projection). EDIT (06/09/2020): Amended: Kitty rating: 9/10 (It's just so good).

Beautiful fragrance. Can’t wait to test it in winter when I think this will truely shine. On me it opens with a very smoky note, but quickly settles into a comforting, smooth bourbon vanilla. A grown up vanilla. Its not a sickly sweet, cupcake or air freshener vanilla. It’s deep and woody. I can smell the tuberose but it’s not overpowering or bubble gum sweet either, it’s just a lovely creamy floral scent. The veil of smoke remains for the duration and it dries down a little powdery. It’s long lasting on me, and I find considering the notes that it wears closely to the skin, it’s not loud at all. The bottle is gorgeous. Dark amber coloured cut glass, in the shape of a flask or possibly a zippo lighter. Reminds me of a vintage glowmesh clutch purse. It’s a very classy looking bottle with a lovely hand feel about it. The fragrance matches the bottle. It’s classy. For some reason it reminds me a little of Gloria By Cacharel. Gloria has the pink pepper note where this one is smoky. However they smell similar from memory. Feeling depressed that they have discontinued this line. Bottles are almost impossible to get a hold of now, will search for a back up as all I managed to get was a 30ml.

This is such a chameleon! It starts EXTREMELY sweet, like an unctuous slice of cake, you know, the wet kind, not biscuits or dry snacks. But that phase lasts literally half a minute, and then it turns very fast into a woody smell, but very dry this time, almost like sawing a log, hence producing all the tiny particles and dust. I wish I could stop the time at this point, because it's very unique now, truly, deeply woody, and just very slightly sweetened by the vanilla. But about half an hour in, it transforms again into an almost purely vanillic scent, the realistic and bitter kind, which reminds me very much of Eau des missions. The difference is that the latter is oilier and sweeter, while this one is drier, more dusty and sits closer to the skin. I haven't smelled Spiritueuse so I cannot say if that one is more similar. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, I think its evolution is beautiful and captivating. My only regret is, again, that the woodiness doesn't last a while longer... Edit: 12 hours later, I still smell a very faint drydown on my skin.

This is one of the most unique fragrances that I own and one of the first that I started my collection with. This is truly a unisex scent which can't be said for many fragrances marketed as "unisex". This is absolutely gorgeous in the fall & winter time. I just finished my 50 ml bottle while frolicking through an autumn market & apple picking day in this fall season! 🧡 Absolutely wonderful. When you smell this, you do instantly think : BOURBON. I don't know how they made bourbon smell so beautiful but it smells authentically like that... dry woody bourbon. Smells smooth, sexy, lil smokey spicy and a little sweet and 100% can be worn by any adult! I would classify this as a sexy fall/ winter fragrance that can be worn day & night. Not all cool weather fragrances are sexy but this is. Def not a teen scent by any means. It smells sultry for sure and isn't a boring scent in my opinion. Even though it is linear, it has a complexity that doesn't fall flat... Good sillage & projection. Worth the price! Enjoy xox

I bought the set with the dry shampoo and miniature perfume in my birthday in aug 2024 Before That I made my research and learned that the brand is discontinued and that made me think im getting my hand on a ✨️rare gem✨️ (i like collecting "rare gem" ☺️) Woody vanilla is not that rare , however this scent is rare to me , it like a vanilla scented old book or vanilla rain (i wish lattafa or maison alhambra would make a clone of it) A lot of ppl are saying tuberrose is not noticeable, however i think it just supports the vanilla sweetness And cedar gives it depth , however I think if sandalwood is added it will add more to the depth whilst increase the creaminess and gourmand notes It 2025 oct , I still have the bottle , currently wearing it while Im at work and I'm enjoying the experience of this rare gem 💎 ✨️

I bought this during the start of the pandemic out of curiosity.....I don't even like the twins.....but the name caught my attention so I decided to add it to my cart. The twins did not disappoint!!! I actually like that the note breakdown is not so complex. And while the scent does become linear, it remains true to the scent of the initial spray....and it's lovely! I don't get any of the smokiness everyone is talking about. What I'm getting is this aged vanilla...like if the vanilla had been stored in oak barrels (like wine)....I basically forgot that I picked this up because I was drawn to the name "BOURBON"...which I don't get any of either. All in all, the scent is beautiful, a little deep and blended well. THANK YOU MARY-KATE & ASHLEY!!!!.....UNCLE JESSE FOREVER! FOLLOW ME ON IG @MoctezumaC

Its really a shame this line has been discontinued, Ive repurchased this bottle 3 times and have veen complimented while wearing it almost every time I wear it. It leans more masculine but as a woman, it's been my signature for years! The fragrance reminds me to a seductive speakeasy, where the air is thick with the aroma of strong, smoked whiskey drinks. Imagine a bartender lifting a cloche off a cocktail infused with oak wood smoke, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. You sink into a well-worn, soft leather couch, and catch the lingering scent of a woman's sweet vanilla perfume. The fragrance remains smoky with a rich amber depth, all softened by the sweetness of vanilla. It’s mysterious and undeniably sexy, perfectly capturing the essence of a night filled with intrigue and allure.

An absolute stunner, and I can't believe it took me so long to test it! It definitely does have what some below call the "sterile doctors office scent", but to me this adds a "dry paper" quality to perfume that I adore. I definitely get a strong whiff of bourbon/cognac, the sort of dry golden middle note you get when you've only just swallowed the drink. This dry woody scent is supported by rich boozy vanilla that merely adds warmth but does not overpower. I had no idea it had tuberose before seeing the notes here to be honest. The scent does have a faint creamy floral somewhere on the outskirts but it acts merely as glue to keep the main notes working together as well as they do. I'd wear it day or night. Definitely signature scent worthy.

I love sooo much that both Bourbon & Amethyst are soften with a creamy white floral note. Both are my favorites scents of the whole line. Bold fragrances, bold bottles. Amethyst is a beautiful tobacco, soften by the honeysuckle while Bourbon is a beautiful woody bourbon vanilla soften with tuberose. So beautiful, unique, fierce & edgy yet so classy & feminine. IMO, Elizabeth & James fragrances are a vibe all alone. An effortlessy chic vibe with an edgy side, exactly like both Mary-Kate & Ashley. So so sad, it’s a shame that they discountinued it, I just discovered this beautiful line. Bourbon & Amethyst will definitaly be my 🍁 fall 🍁signature scents 🍂🖤

This is one of the quietest Elizabeth and James offerings I've tried to date. Nirvana Bourbon starts out with a more masculine combination of fresh and smoky wood but becomes progressively soft and sweet. It's a beautifully blended minimalist vanilla fragrance that manages to be interesting and alluring. Tuberose is not my favorite note, but here it adds a beautiful whisper of femininity to the overall composition. NB is definitely more of a skin scent but has decent longevity. It's the perfect fragrance for cold days when you want to feel cozy while being gentle on your nose. I might just need a backup bottle before this fragrance disappears forever.

It’s like a more diluted version of By The Fireplace and along the same veins of Eau Duelle and Nuit et Confidences. Basically, it’s a woody, sweet vanilla with a hint of smoke and evergreen needles. It’s predominantly vanilla, but it’s such a faint scent, overall. Although unisex, it’s feminine-leaning, but I think this would smell great on a guy. The only problem might be it’s too linear and simple...but so far, on my skin, it works, and I love how uncomplicated it is. I’m really liking this one, maybe more than Nirvana Black...and maybe more than White? It’s too early to say. I should keep testing, but it is a mixture of Nirvana Black and White.

Discontinued or not, I tracked down a new bottle online and it was worth it. Nirvana Bourbon has that smooth, slightly smoky, bourbon kissed warmth that feels effortlessly unisex without losing its sensual edge. The vanilla keeps it from going too masculine, so it stays rich, balanced, and easy to wear. It’s beautiful alone and even better layered. If you want to add vanilla to your collection, but hate anything overly sugary, cakey, or candle-like, this is such a good option. I love that it’s a woody, slightly boozy, androgynous vanilla that feels somehow worn in and so fucking effortlessly cool.

Just snagged this for a really good price along with Rose. It smells very similar to ‘By the fireplace’ I feel like by the fireplace is stronger and richer, and it has a very synthetic smokiness to it almost like smoked bacon lol... which I cannot wear for too long since I find it too heavy for me. With Bourbon there is no smoked bacon note. You can def smell wood and yes I do get the sauna smell. Maybe same wood is used? But you also get the sweet vanilla for the dry down but it isn’t overly sweet.. but sweet enough to not make it too masculine which I was afraid of. I’m in love with bourbon !

This is a woody and boozy scent that makes me think of someone sipping on a whiskey by a fireplace, on a REALLY nice leather couch. I am OBSESSED! Downside? It dries down to a dirty vanilla quite quick (a nice vanilla though) and it doesn’t last very long on the skin, you’ll have to reapply it throughout the day. Still, this is my first heavy wood fragrance and I will cherish it dearly. + The bottle is so bloody sexy! EDIT: October is here and I’m loving this scent! Downside? My boyfriend keeps stealing it from me... Just bought another bottle of this fragrance just to store it for later.

This is my favorite wintertime fragrance and I am so sad it has been discontinued. I’m nearing the end of my bottle and am desperate to find something with a similar vibe! I’m so glad I didn’t let the heavy blast of oak in the opening turn me away from this fragrance because the dry down is amazing. I’m usually not a fan of vanilla notes, but this one is so warm and comforting. There is just enough tuberose to soften the oak and give the fragrance a subtle but sultry and mysterious femininity. If anyone has found a fragrance similar to this one please let me know!

I've had a tester of this for awhile now and decided to try it... Very nice. It's a slight lighter version of Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille which is lovely and I love on my hubs, but I find a little too manly/strong for me. This one I find is perfect for me and the hubs. The dry-down is soft and sweet with all the notes staying put. Projection is good, but nothing like TF, and longevity on my skin is about 6+ hr Love it and will have to get a full bottle. Update: I have a full bottle :) Hubs can wear his TF and I'll use this :)

I really do love a good vanilla perfume, and though I've tried most of the very expensive fragrances Nirvana Bourbon is compared to, I still prefer this. It's linear, but complex enough to keep my attention–a high-quality vanilla combined with boozy, woody, and floral facets. I also prefer the fact that NB isn't too sweet. It's truly a vanilla done right. Perhaps the others listed above have better longevity, but I NB is a vanilla with soul. It's cozy, a touch sexy, and intriguing without being challenging.

Really beautiful wood and vanilla scent. Perfect for a cosy afternoon in winter. On me it’s soft and a bit powdery in the dry down. The opening is sweeter and more boozy but nothing harsh. The vanilla is dry and powdery, not too sweet or eatable. I have a rollerball and even applied generously it’s quite gentle but long lasting. I would have liked a bit more projection - and I don’t want a perfume to fill a room - on me it is almost a skin scent. I would say it is unisex but leaning femme.

This could easily be a niche fragrance! I usually wear this in the cooler months but can totally see this as a date night fragrance in other months. I usually layer it with vanilla 28 and have been addicted to this combo for awhile (I’ve gotten complimented with this combo and have been asked what I’m wearing). It is very sexy on its own though too. It’s reminiscent of whispers in the library but not a dupe, they just have a very similar vibe. Highly highly recommend if you find it

A beautiful dry smoky tobacco vanilla. Unisex for sure. I adore everything about this scent, I just wish I didn't have to over spray as much as I do to get what I want from it. For that reason I have 3 backup bottles, as it is discontinued and I can't be without this one. I bought Nuit et Confidences Goutal, as I heard it was a dupe and they are very similar. Nuit et Confidences is slightly more floral and less dry. A more "feminine" version I would say. I prefer E & J Bourbon.

Love this scent!! The opening smells like clean pencil shavings but as it settles down it smells like leather and vanilla. The vanilla is the backbone of this fragrance and some leathery scent in the background, I can barely smells any woods once it dries down. This almost reminded me of roses vanille of mancera with its metallic note, but this one is not as heavy on the nose and more wearer friendly. Not a safe blindbuy if you’re easily put off by anything metallic/plasticky.

This is literally my go-to fall/winter scent! I was honestly taken aback when I first smelled it.. So intoxicating. Warm sweetness but accompanied by a beautiful musk/powdery woods. I receive so many compliments when I wear it. I've never smelled anything that compares! So unique and just amazing. I can't believe this has been discontinued! I will forever re-purchase if possible. **fun fact: this is basically the night time/fall/winter version of Junoon Noir by Al Haramain

I have a 5ml sample. This is a gorgeous scent. It opens quite sweet and vanillary in the first spray, lasts for about 30 seconds before the oak becomes prominent. On me it stays oaky for about 1-3 hours then suddenly it becomes very rich and sweet. I worked in a pub and this reminds me of a spilled whiskey with a dash of coke which has dried on the wooden bar back and is waiting to be cleaned after everyone has left. Sweet, slightly sticky, woody and boozy. I love it.

This is very good, I am impressed with the MK & A perfume line. Starts off thick, syrupy, and UBER sweet, like vanilla-toffee scented syrup. After a while, the woody notes emerge, similar to rich oak-scented whiskey. The vanilla-toffee syrup note is a lot mellower at this point, but still present. They should definitely consider releasing a flanker, an elixir that really plays up the opening notes. 8.5/10, would layer very well with a spicy-sweet fragrance.

I got a Nirvana rollerball set that included this. At first, I really didn't like it, it felt too heavy. But then my husband mentioned liking how it smelled and I decided to give it another go. Now I'm in love. This is perfect for wearing with a sweater and sitting under a blanket. It smells deep, creamy, and woody in a delightfully sweet way. Once I heard it was discontinued, I snapped up a full size bottle. I typically wear this in the fall and winter.

A leather couch in a fancy smoking establishment, in the best way possible! I love this fragrance, I remember getting a tester from Sephora back when they carried this line (rip) and felt sad when it ran out, but never went back to purchase it. It did stay on my memories and now that I got a little tester again I remember how much I enjoyed it. Warm and cozy, grown up vanilla and oak barrel without being too “boozy” and overpowering.

What a lovely autumnal fragrance this is! I have the rollerball, have had it for years--and I love pulling it out for these cool, transitional months. It is woody, deep, boozy, and sweet. It conjures up images of cozy scarves, leather boots, and bonfires. I can see a man or a woman wearing this. It's such a balanced, well-blended, beautiful fragrance. Nothing synthetic or "screechy" about it. Wish it wasn't discontinued!

Hands down the best boozy fragrance I have ever smelled. Unfortunately, the Olson sisters are now only focusing on The Row, leaving the Elizabeth & James brand high and dry. Nirvana Bourbon definitely has niche quality with a designer price tag. Not to mention the packaging design is sleek and modern, prettier than many niche counterparties. The scent is deep and sophisticated, both men and women could rock it!

Oh my dear E&J Bourbon, I adore you! Let's hangout together everyday! Or at least until I use you up! And I will use you up my love! Layered or on its own this scent rocks my nose and brain and makes me happy. Layered with E&J Rose, it really keeps my attention and I think "what smells so darn sexy?" ME! I try to keep it toned down so as not to offend anyone at the office. So Shhhh don't tell anyone about this.

I acquired a tiny rollerball of this along with some other samples, and it was love from first sniff. I saw someone describe it as smelling like a sauna, and I can see what they mean but I want to smell like this boozy, woody vanilla all the time. Update: I found the 1 oz bottles at Kohl's and bought two. Hopefully by the time I get through both, I'll have found something that feels as right for me. :)

Dirty woody smoky vanilla! A vanilla for vanilla haters for sure. Opening starts with boozy bourbon, then I get the oak / pencil shavings / metallicy touch that other reviewers mention. Drydown is woody with a dry vanilla; this is not an overly sweet syrupy vanilla like I fear of so many vanilla scents. Very nice and comforting, not too much in any direction. Becomes a skin scent at like 5 hours in.

My signature scent for the colder months. Woody and smoky like singed oak and burning tobacco. A glass of expensive bourbon in a Victorian gentleman’s lounge. Sophisticated vanilla bean with a hint of creme brûlée, that burnt sugar sweetness. It’s rare to find a woody gourmand done well- this one is a triumph. I can still smell it at the end of a long day, and I get compliments whenever I wear it.

My absolute ultimate signature. Warm woody vanilla & heavenly tuberose that is magic with my chemistry. Many a memory associated with this one. I’ve gone through 3 bottles now and will continue to repurchase as long as I can. Still bitter that the line was discontinued. I love the concept, the packaging, the simplicity of notes, everything. The coupling dry shampoo is worth trying as well.

I love this one, but don't wear it as a perfume; I wear it to just think about it. I'm glad others generally have the same thoughts about this one in their reviews below. There's something transportive with this one for me. It's really a beautiful deep woody, boozy (without being stomach-turning) blend. A beautiful room to sit in.

Perfect oak and vanilla bourbon perfume! I love this one so much BUT the longevity could be better IMO...but it’s also not stopping me from getting a bottle because it’s that good!!🙌🏽 I think this would could be worn year round as long as you don’t over spray in the summer.....but it’s amazing in the fall and winter months.

I wore this back in 2016 and just picked it up again. This is soooo beautiful. I’d forgotten how beautiful. Like, it could give Gris Charnel or Khamra or even my beloved Althair a run for their money. Don’t sleep on this. Smokey vanilla sweet bourbon deliciousness. Ultra cozy right before bed. So glad I have this again.

This is boozy and yummy! Perfect for fall and winter or a date night. It absolutely smells like you've stuck your nose inside the oak barrel that the bourbon was aged in mixed with a soft and warming note of vanilla. The dry down is truly lovely. Tip: I love layering this fragrance with Maison Margiela's Coffee Break.

Love this! So worth the price. It's smoky and woody at first but then morphs into a stronger vanilla. I find it interesting and can't stop sniffing my wrists when I put it on. It's got a great booziness to it as well. I bought a sample but will be buying a full bottle.

This smells like a beautiful vanilla bourbon smoked cocktail right after you take away the smoke cloche. It brings to mind an elegant smoking lounge with cigars and leather chairs. This is a hidden gem considering the brand went defunct.

Like a lapsang souchong tea latte with a swirl of vanilla. Overwhelmingly warm but with a very smoky edge. Something about this one demands to be worn in a dimly lit art deco cocktail bar. On dry down hours later, a sexy, cozy hug.

Just like SDV, I get a 'sterile tongue depressor' smell for the first 10-15 minutes, and then it blossoms into a rich vanilla extract scent with an undertone of bourbon. It's very, very close to SDV for a much lower price.

Such a Pretty and Versatile fragrance, what a pitty is discontinued :( Woody, green, tuberose and vanilla. Perfect for people who enjoy woody/sweet fragrances. I've been layering this under No. 04 Bois de Balincourt

I like to layer E&J Nirvana Bourbon over Nirvana White once Nirvana White has had a chance to settle on my skin a bit. If wear NB alone it is too woodsy for my taste. I need a little more going on sometimes.

Simple woody with dry vanilla and vague peppery spices, not a sweet scent. I get no tuberose at all. A worthy purchase for the price, smells more expensive than the price would suggest.

Smokey, woody vanilla. A bit boozy. Unisex. A bit linear. Great for fall. I have a giant bottle but I don’t think I will wear much of it. It is a casual scent, yet somewhat serious.

I’m here to say that jajajaja is right. Layering with Chocolate Greedy pretty much optimized this scent for me. Happy that I’d recently gotten a decant of chocolate greedy.

A smokey vanilla. Absolute hidden gem. smells expensive. Definitely a dark/deep vanilla not too sweet but very addictive and mysterious. does not last long(2-3 hours)

this to me is the perfect vanilla scent, earthy, warm, not too sweet, slightly woody. i love it so much, wish i got the full instead of the 50ml 🥲