Spiritueuse Double Vanille

Today’s review turns toward one of the most talked-about releases from Guerlain’s L’Art et la Matière collection with Spiritueuse Double Vanille. This is a fragrance that carries a near-mythical reputation in the community, with many people calling it not just a great vanilla, but the best vanilla fragrance ever created. At the same time, it’s also a fragrance surrounded by debate, with just as many voices claiming that its performance doesn’t live up to its luxury price tag. Praised for its smooth, indulgent, and elegant take on vanilla, yet criticized for being too soft or fleeting, Spiritueuse Double Vanille sits at the center of one of the most divisive discussions in modern perfumery. Let’s step into the hype and see whether this legendary vanilla earns its crown once worn. Opening: The opening is sweet, balsamic, and spicy. The primary notes I get are vanilla, benzoin, bergamot, and pink pepper, with vanilla and benzoin clearly leading. True to the name, vanilla greets the nose first with a creamy, warm, and very natural sweetness. It feels rich and indulgent without becoming sugary or artificial. Benzoin joins almost immediately, deepening the vanilla with an ambery, resinous warmth that gives the opening a glowing, balsamic feel. Beneath that richness sits bergamot, adding a light citrus freshness that brings clarity and keeps the opening from feeling too heavy or dense. Lastly, pink pepper rounds things out with a soft, sparkling spice, rosy and slightly fizzy, lifting the sweetness just enough to add dimension. There’s also a subtle boozy nuance woven through the opening, blending seamlessly into the vanilla and benzoin. Upon further review, Guerlain does list a rum accord in the official breakdown, which explains that gentle alcoholic warmth. Dry Down: The dry down is sweet, balsamic, and powdery. The primary notes I get are vanilla, benzoin, ylang-ylang, and rose, with vanilla and benzoin still firmly at the center. The core of the fragrance doesn’t change much—creamy vanilla and rich, ambery benzoin remain steady and dominant. What does change is the texture. Ylang-ylang and rose slowly emerge to form a soft, powdery veil in the background. They don’t turn the fragrance overtly floral, but they do add a powdery smoothness that wasn’t present in the opening. This gives the vanilla a velvety finish that feels elegant and refined. Outside of that added powdery layer, the fragrance remains very linear, staying true to its vanilla–benzoin heart. Performance: Projection in the first hour is strong, reaching out at least six feet. Sillage is equally present, leaving a noticeable but refined scent trail. After a few hours, projection remains around five to six feet, with the trail slightly softer but still easy to detect. At the seven to eight hour mark, projection drops to around three to four feet, and the trail becomes lighter but remains perceptible. It settles into a skin scent around the ten hour mark. When to Wear: Spiritueuse Double Vanille is a fall and winter fragrance best suited for evening wear, but also wearable during the day. Its rich, warm, sensual vanilla profile makes it excellent for special occasions. It’s also smooth and refined enough to be worn in formal settings, yet cozy enough to be worn casually should you desire. However, it still feels too rich and present to be ideal for office wear. Blind Buy: With its extremely high price point, Spiritueuse Double Vanille is not something I could ever recommend as a blind buy. Even though it’s beautifully done, it’s still a fairly simple vanilla fragrance at its core. If you love vanilla or balsamic fragrances, this absolutely deserves a sample, but the cost alone makes blind buying unrealistic. Final Verdict: Spiritueuse Double Vanille is one of the purest expressions of vanilla I’ve experienced, built around smooth, natural vanilla and glowing benzoin with very little distraction from novelty notes. During my wear, my wife mentioned that I smelled like a “vanilla cupcake,” but more like high-quality baked vanilla than anything synthetic. In terms of performance, it doesn’t scream and punch people in the nose from across the room, but it’s not weak by any definition either. It has what I’d call “reserved power.” It’s there, and people will notice it, but not to the point of being obnoxious, which is especially important with such a sweet and gourmand fragrance. The million dollar question here is whether it’s worth its price tag. While I can confidently say it is beautifully executed and easily one of the best vanilla fragrances I’ve worn, the $440 retail price is honestly extremely hard to justify. At the end of the day, it’s still a very safe, straightforward vanilla, and frankly there are plenty of excellent options in that category that cost far less. If I ever find it at a major discount, I’d gladly add it to my collection, but at full retail, it just simply isn’t worth the asking price. Scent: 9/10 Longevity: 7/10 Sillage: 8/10 Versatility: High Mass Appeal: Very high Gender: Unisex Value: Extremely overpriced

SPIRITEUSE DOUBLE VANILLE by Guerlain. Vanilla fragrances are all by their nature cut from the same cloth with the same defining DNA running throughout and so learning to differentiate them and the difference in the notes is a meaningful and educational task for new noses like me. There is a lot to cover. My all time favourite vanilla fragrance is Vanilla Powder Extrait by Matiere. I love it because it has a lot of other things going on, a lot of rich and refined interest but still with the powdery, not over-sweet vanilla at its heart. I've smelt several vanilla frags that I've simply not got on with and a couple I have outright not liked at all. But this, Spiriteuse Double Vanille by iconic Parisian house Guerlain, is very similar to my all time favourite, and - so pleasingly - just about different enough to justify having both in my collection, alongside Dark Vanilla by Montale which is a darker evening fragrance I absolutely adore as well. What we have here then, is the eponymous vanilla from top to bottom, darkened a little by the incense notes and benzoin. The slide in the accords from a fresh and sweet opening into the woodier, deeper depths is managed by some interesting other notes that deliberately sit behind the vanilla and do not ever fully reveal themselves but serve mainly to widen and deepen the vanilla. It is beautifully judged as you'd expect from this house. The drydown is absolutely lush. The sweetness dries off and you get little frissons of the floral notes, a piece of pink pepper here and a dusting of ylang-ylang here and there. It is there but when you try to focus on it, it disappears. There is this ethereal quality to it that characterises the move away from gourmand and spiced rum in the openings into something richer and spicier and woodier. The result is utterly beguiling. Jean-Paul Guerlain has done this to stop this fragrance becoming sickly over-sweet in the drydown (as with AdP's Vaniglia which proves you can have too much of a good thing) and and the wearability just soars as a result. After a couple of hours the vanilla starts to hide behind the incense and floral notes a little. It is still there but it isnt shouting at anyone any more. Fundamentally the mixture of the bottom notes that sit on the skin afterwards is gorgeous. It is all anyone could ever want from a fragrance. It goes from something I need to be in the mood for, to something I wake up desperate to find a reason to wear. I love how non-linear the smell is, how it changes and alters without ever changing character. I dont know if it is the best vanilla fragrance out there. For my money it is a slightly more refined and arty version of the very similar Vanilla Powder Extrait but a little bit prettier. Vanilla Powder Extrait is a hardier, bigger projecting creature that has a very similar profile and drydown but maybe leans a little more masculine than the Guerlain. Which one do I prefer? That is a tough question. I'm just so fortunate to have them both in my little collection. And we are so fortunate to enjoy a hobby where we have perfumes like this absolute art-in-a-glass-bottle to enjoy and adore. Scent - 9/10 Sillage - 6/10 Drydown - 10/10 Bottle / Packaging - 7/10 Performance - 7/10 43/50

Update: I came back to this fragrance about a month after writing my review (a few days ago), and it's truly one of the most beautiful scents I've ever smelled: natural, hyper-realistic vanilla extract with florals, some spices, and a beautiful dry sweetness, with an airiness, a lightness that makes it versatile. The only downside is the fact that this fragrance has horrible performance (it might be a dealbreaker). I almost bought a bottle, but decided to buy a bunch of decants, including a host of popular vanillas, just to make sure nothing impresses me more than SDV. I also bought a 5ml sample of this to hold me over until I grab a 100ml bottle, if the performance doesn't prevent me from doing so. I would be shocked to find a better vanilla (besides Vanille Planifolia, which I refuse to try given the fact price) on the market, but I might as well look! Original review: Admittedly, the opening smelled a lot like paint to me, and I was expecting little from this fragrance because of this. I was surprised when a beautiful, slightly sweet, almost floral vanilla revealed itself a few minutes later. A little spicy, not syrupy or dense, a smell that feels layered yet singular. The vanilla is realistic and has an incredibly specific, distinctive quality I can't put my finger on. This fragrance is helping me realize that I don't necessarily prefer fragrances that are incredibly sweet, and instead might enjoy dry, refined options like this. As a result of the restrained sweetness, Spiritueuse Double Vanille has a smoothness that is intoxicating and addictive. There is, indeed, a boozy quality, but it's subtle and takes the back seat to the vanilla. Something about this fragrance has me sniffing the arm I sprayed it on like a madman. The paint-like quality is still detectable up close but it's not at all unpleasant now that it's minimized. I'm starting to wonder if what I thought was paint might just be a realistic bourbon, as I have made the association between bourbon and paint before. This fragrance is elegant, smooth, fancy, and high-quality. It's also notably quite mature. I hate to say it, but Spiritueuse Double Vanille screams "wealth" or "luxury" to me. I can't imagine this being MY signature scent, but on the right person it could work. Oddly, this fragrance doesn't feel too seasonal to me. I can imagine people classifying this as a winter or fall fragrance, but I think it could work in any season due to not being too sweet or cloying. It does, however, feel like a nighttime fragrance, possibly for a classy date. Overall, I love how this fragrance smells. I can't imagine adding it to my collection, but I see the appeal of this one more than I typically do with popular niche fragrances.

This fragrance opens as rotten fruit on me. I presumed that I'd love this based off the name, and I was in denial due to - 1. the price tag; and 2. the ingredients list. I knew that this would work well on me, so I gave it time. This is easily one of my top five fragrances I've smelt to date. I absolutely am in love with the dry down despite the opening. It doesn't evolve in any majestic way: It is exactly as described and the notes blend into a beautiful, symphonic marriage; however: There is no projection [on me]. I hate that for me. I can't tell if I just go smell blind to it or what, but I don't smell anything even minutes after spraying. It's extremely faint. I'm trying to make fetch happen with this one. I want it to stand alone; however, in an attempt to make it carry and worth the coin, I paired it with Lira by Xerjoff. Someone immediately complimented me upon my arrival to work. I can't tell if it's my girl Lira or the brilliant Guerlain or an amalgamation of the two. Either way, I'm going to make this work for me. It's absolutely divine, and if the sillage where where I needed it to be, I'd buy a full bottle. even in this economy. beautiful. Edit: I did 2 sprays instead of 1, which I'd prefer would work given the price point, but it 'tis what it 'tis. It's projecting. I'm feeling ethereal and lovely. I need to try my other scents in this discovery set, but this fragrance has me in a chokehold. I love this. It somehow smells boozy on me. I get a hint of incense, a note my skin doesn't typically care for, and I thoroughly enjoy it. This is done so well. I also love the bottle: It looks the part. It looks classy, effortless, and expensive. It makes me feel similarly with an added comfort. I'm just going to shut up now. I love it. I'm newly engaged and this is an e a s y contender for a wedding day scent.

Probably the quintessential fermented boozy vanilla. Like all we good women, I was just in the kitchen, trying to avoid Australia’s colosseum fight to the death, State of Origin, whereby jaw dropping hunky young men, athletes, no padding or helmets, chase and throw an elongated ball around, pounding the crap out of each other, for a couple of hours. Because I’m a country lass, I barrack for Queensland, as I find them more rural than those thugs from Sydney. This puts me at odds, because I live in New South Wales. It’s fun, because going to some venue watching , there’s only ever one other Queenslander in the NSW crowd and we acknowledge each other. So I go out to my rough old kitchen where I have the usual ingress of Winter mice. I’ve set my Swiss mouse trap (have we heard the jokes about the Swiss and their mouse traps?). (This Swiss mouse trap is a veritable Rolls Royce). Anyway, there’s a terrible snap of one second, right in the trap. Swiss mouse trap, yairs, it’s a thing. I’m traumatised and have to move into the new part of the house and spray something to take my mind off the horror. I go to my Guerlain trove, and think, give the boogeymen vanilla perfection. The rum in it smells like Bundaberg Black, no longer produced since some megacorp bought them out. There have been many try to expand on this beautiful trope, but SDV is perfection. There is some leather but it’s not too masculine, but it’s not exactly feminine either. So utterly beautiful...sweet but not cakey, rich through the ages of vanilla, the beating heart of tropical rum, vanilla pods stewing and fermenting, the cane mills and molasses, a masterpiece

This one was an immediate "wow" for me. The vanilla is beautiful—rich, warm, natural, and realistic. It doesn't smell like frosting, cupcakes, or other sugary dessert scents. To me, it smells like opening a fresh bottle of vanilla extract. As it develops, the fragrance reminds me of spilling that vanilla extract inside a dark wooden cabinet. At first it's fresh and recognizable, but as it dries down it begins to soak into the wood, becoming deeper, warmer, and more complex. By the end, it smells like that vanilla has been sitting there for months, absorbed into the wood and transformed into something richer and more interesting. The vanilla stays front and center, but there is enough depth underneath it to keep it from feeling simple or overly sweet. I don't think this fragrance is as complex or as interesting as Angélique Noire. Angélique Noire takes you on more of a journey and has more contrast and movement. However, Spiritueuse Double Vanille doesn't need to be as complex to be beautiful. It does one thing exceptionally well and feels incredibly polished. What surprised me most is that while Angélique Noire is still my favorite in terms of complexity and artistry, it isn't necessarily an everyday scent for me. Spiritueuse Double Vanille is much easier to reach for. It's warm, elegant, comforting, and effortlessly wearable. This is the kind of fragrance that makes me want to keep smelling my wrist. It's truly beautiful and a very serious contender for the title of my favorite fragrance.

This is luxury and perfection for fragrance-sensitive perfume lovers. If you want to smell exquisite, but don't like "beast mode" fragrances, then this is the one. SDV has presence with it's sexy and slightly spicy vanilla, but the woodiness adds refinement and distinction. Where ylang-ylang and rose notes can take over a scent, here, it's present to serve the vanilla base. Neither are loud, in fact, they're--to my nose--barely detectable. Incense adds character without giving "smoke" and benzoin provides depth. After a few hours, the fragrance fades. Where that's a negative for some, it's a positive for me. It allows my senses to have a break. I can choose to reapply or not. I'm torn about the price. On one hand, it's costly. Right now, I can buy a decant. However, when I'm able to buy a full bottle, I'll appreciate the cost barrier that protects against everyone wearing the same fragrance (*cough*cough* BR540) and making it hard to produce a 1-to-1 dupe using cheaper ingredients (*cough*cough* the 3 million BR540 dupes). Last point: is this a "basic" vanilla? It's basic in the way that it takes an hour to perfect "natural" looking makeup or create beachy waves or a messy bun or look like you just stepped off a Ralph Lauren runway in your crisp, white button up, relaxed blue jeans, and camel-colored trench. A lot of effort goes into making something this smooth and elevated, and honestly, I think that's the magic of SDV.

Guerlains vanilla is legendary for a reason! It’s just so beautiful! And this fragrance represents that in such a woody, yummy, gorgeous way that truly feels unisex! I have yet to find a woody vanilla I prefer, however I do have issues with the longevity and projection when the price is considered. I know my bottle is real because I got it directly from the Guerlain Website and I even had it engraved with my dogs name after I lost her. The bottle itself is lovely and the website allows customizations and It is extra special to me because of that. I do find the liquid is getting darker and perhaps even more potent with age. I also have a bottle of Guerlains Rose Cherie I purchased around the same time from this same collection and it projects and lasts like nobody’s business! That one only takes one spray so I’m not sure why SDV doesn’t work the same for me. I still love it so dearly and find myself wanting to wear it often. It likely would be crowned my all time favorite if I didn’t struggle with potency when considered with price and the amount of sprays I need each use. I’m just not certain I will spend such a large amount to repurchase again as the value is hard to justify. But then again it is one of the most heavenly scents on earth! So maybe I would repurchase!

I have a 4-8 yr old branded vial of this before they changed the bottles. It’s darkened with age and smells better than I remember, causing me deep regret for not splurging on the former slim taller bottle with spray valve vs the boxier ones they now are currently presented in (I know it’s not a uber recent change, just wish they hadn’t replaced the aesthetic in the first place). I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the longevity (or lack there of) they have encountered are from the newer bottles (as shown in photo), or if the reformulation/longevity was before that happened? I don’t want to waste money on a new bottle if it’s going to fade within the hour, as I’m seeing on many of the reviews. Any input would be appreciated. It still smelled the same when I sprayed on card and in the air at my local Saks the other day, but can’t attest to longevity as I was saving my skin for a few scents I never tried. I always thought of SDV as a beautiful boozy vanilla that smells deep and rich, timeless and elegant. But if it no longer lasts long like the one that used to exist, I won’t bother. Any feedback on experience in longevity on the current bottles vs older or when/if the reformulation changed, would be greatly appreciated! Thank you 😊

It would be difficult to me to look someone in the eyes, and truly with my heart of hearts say that this fragrance is worth the price point. I could tell you that when I first ordered a sample of it online, my wrist was glued to my nose for like 4 straight hours, I could tell you that the moment my next paycheck came in I immediately dropped $440 on a bottle and never looked back, I could tell you that's probably emblematic of some bad habits of mine and not inherently the quality of the fragrance but... Look here's the thing, when I first tried this fragrance my go to fall/winter was Ombre Oud Intense by ARMAF (which I'm pretty mostly sure is a Xerjoff Ebra Pura dupe). Its another very amber-y vanilla fragrance that I quite liked wearing. However, once I first smelled Double Vanille, Ombre Oud dropped a few pegs. Never have I smelled a vanilla note *this* good, every time I wear Ombre Oud now a part of me gets hit by that vanilla note and just thinks "Damn, I could be wearing Double Vanille." Am I saying that this fragrance will ruin other vanilla-based fragrances for YOU like it did for ME, probably not. Am I saying you should find a decanter and at least give it a chance? Probably yes.

Okay, I adore this. Instant love. I do not get the reviews regarding SDV's mediocre performance but have to say, after the very first spritz I became noseblind very quickly. Now i don't experience nose blindness and consider this a good performer. Blind buy and would buy again. Do try to get your hands on an official sample vial to properly test it. It's not a light airy vanilla. It's very boozy, dense and sweet. Chamomille? Where? I have eau duelle edt. I get no similarity here. Eau duelle for me is a very dry, airy, herbal dusty vanilla with virtually no sweetness and is based on a lot of iso E super. For me, Angelique Noire shares much more similarity with eau duelle then SDV. Drydown of AN is very similar to the drydown of eau duelle. Lot's of ISO E super and vanilla. Like 'm both though. PS big cheer to Belgian niche perfume store Place Vendome. The customer service is out of this world. Let's just say they are VERY generous when it comes to adding samples with purchase. Amazing 👌.

How are the notes soooo WRONG on Fragrantica for this scent. And yes ppl Guerlain's WEBSITE ITSELF says there is a rum note. So the lady (@Creamy_ambrette) that does her research in the comment further down do BETTER, cretinous. I see the notes as (and Guerlain's website agrees) Vanilla, jasmine, ylang-ylang, benzoin and cedar along with rum and syrup accents with cedarwood. Listen I loathe, LOATHE vanilla scents, but this one is by far the most AMAZEBALLS. It's so bloody good I want to bathe in it. It has a super boozy opening that smells like rum vanilla soaked tobacco to me. As it dries down there is a wonderful dark cherry scent that comes forward that I can't find in any of the notes listed for sure. It reminds me of Tom Ford's Lost Cherry in a number of ways there, but even better. After dry down it stays super true to the opening notes, excellent sillage and projection also. Great performance. An all around great scent esp in the cooler climes and months!

As a huge vanilla lover SDV is one of the most sultry and addictive vanillas I have ever smelt personally, and I have smelt many. Absolutely overpriced, sure, but none the less, genuinely gorgeous. Silky smooth, almost velvety vanilla extract like vanilla, brilliantly contrasted with ylang ylang juxtaposing the sweetness with a slightly sour, tropical tartness making the vanilla perfectly palatable without becoming overly syrupy or sticky. Subtle florals and ambiguous woods poke through but beyond the pink pepper and ylang the vanilla is the main player and it’s a good one. Are there better vanillas? From the comments it appears so... That being said, this is a one of my favorites, and it has an identity that has been mimicked as much as Baccarat and Aventus and for good reason. Worth a smell at the very least. Classic, timeless, elegant perfumery...

@SabrinaDuncan is so right... It is nice to have something that many others do not and would not. The clone-craze hasn't touched SDV and that feels...good....exclusive....special. Yet, it's not so expensive that I dread wearing it... While I consider "VPE-21" my "Signature Scent" and wear it more often than any other fragrance that I own...I find myself retreating to my bottle of "SDV" when seeking peace. I find myself retiring to this fragrance when I am worn out and tired of trying the newer things and just want a warm cozy softly smoky vanilla that I can rely on to soothe me and comfort me. This vanilla is the most comforting vanilla that I own, not too sweet, not too loud, not too enduring, not too harsh...just perfectly balanced in all ways. Like that perfect island paradise or vacation home that you can jet to... and get away from it all...

When I think of vanilla, this scent I consider the note at its purest. Nobody does vanilla like Guerlain, and this is a prime example of that. This stuff is phenomenal. The fragrance was made in 2007!! So ahead of its time. Most vanilla fragrances are gourmand-y, and extremely sweet, this one is not that. This one is balanced to perfection, and should be used as a guide for any new vanilla scent. Spiritueuse double vanille is my second favorite vanilla scent of all time, only behind Vanille planifolia. SDV is a (well obviously) vanilla forward scent, with hints of incense, wood, benzoin and a slight booziness. A great everyday wear in the colder months. Lasts around 6-8 hours, with comforting projection. Overspray all you want, and the scent will never be a headache. In my eyes, this scent is worth all the money and more. 9.1/10

S. D. V. is definitely for the wintertime and I knew that whilst I applied it on my hand, but I am a bit disappointed I must say because the scent instantly reminded me of Mercedes Benz Club Black, and there's nothing wrong with that but just with the price difference it is not great. Whilst it dried down it definitely changed, it became more unique. What I got is a basic vanilla scent with some sort of pencil pencil shavings smell to it (it wasn't really that pleasant). At the end I was kind of left disappointed as this was supposedly one of the best vanilla fragrances. The performance isn't that great either I mean it lasts quite a bit but the projection was not that great so definitely I should try it in the winter time when it's appropriate to wear but right now it's really not that great in my opinion.

WHO THE F*CK is watering down the guerlain fragrances and WHY?! This is like a 10 times watered down version of what I’d sampled 10 years ago. I swear to God I poured the whole 5 ml decant bottle on myself, my husband couldn’t smell anything, neither could I. My Sol de Janeiro body mist smells 100 times stronger than this reformulation. In fact it would be injustice to compare those two, the only thing I can compare it in terms of longevity and silage is actually natural rose water, rose water being the stronger one. An appropriate name for this perfume now would be Spiritueuse Double Water. The scent itself is out of heaven, that is if you can get the chance of smelling it after the first 5 seconds. It was such a beautiful house, it is really a shame that they are also watering down their name value.

I bought a 10 ml decant just to see what the hype was about and honestly, the hype is real. The vanilla in this perfume is stunning: elegant, refined, and thankfully not a gourmand vanilla. It’s a true vanilla-smoke fragrance, and the incense note is beautifully done soft, smooth, and not harsh or “burnt” at all. I even pick up a hint of cherry, even though it isn’t listed. I think it comes from the sweetness of the vanilla mixing with the benzoin, but it gives a really nostalgic, dreamy touch. It also shares a tiny bit of the same DNA as Ambre Gris by Perris that warm vanilla-amber vibe, though Ambre Gris is definitely more sensual and feminine. Still, they feel like cousins. Overall, I’m really impressed. I actually like this more than I expected. Truly intoxicating 👍🏻

guerlain just does the finest vanilla fragrances - there is something about the way their vanilla note smells that is just so rich, sweet and creamy - downright delectable. i don't get many all of the notes present in this fragrance - i find a lot of guerlain's l'art et la matiere fragrances to be blended in such a way that they are truly a sum of their parts, and notes aren't particularly easy to pick out. i get the resinous & rich benzoin and a slight bit of smoke from the incense, as well as a deep, boozy nuance, all surrounded by the gorgeous vanilla. for guerlain vanillas my preference still lies with angelique noire and that would be my choice, but SDV is still a gorgeous scent, and i implore any vanilla-lover to at least sniff one of the two! 8/10

Don't listen to the hate. It's too expensive, yes, fine, ok. It's also sublime and. Beautiful. If you havent actually worn this fragrance, the real version, then you don't know. This is a beautiful vanilla booze fragrance. It manages to be sweet, rich and luxurious and light at the same time. Despite the airy lightness, this lasts 12 hours on my skin. Upon first smell, it may strike you as somewhat subtle and less than exciting. However, the wearing experience on skin is one of the most enjoyable out of any fragrance I've ever worn. This is not only vanilla, and it's totally unisex. There is some spice, clean ceder and dry rose as well. Guerlain vanilla is second to none, and this is as expected. This is worth all the praise, period. Rating: 8.95

The vanilla in this is the best of the best. If you are into vanilla, this is the best you can get. It is not too sweet, it is not too dark/raisins/amber, the perfect build-up of notes to make the vanilla this good. I get 4-5 hours of this, so it is not long-lasting. The last comment about it being feminine/smells like a beautiful woman, I do not like at all. Is this a unisex perfume? Absolutely. Is it leaning masculine? I will say so. I think if you want a perfume that smells vanilla and is leaning feminine, this is not it. For people looking for a dupe, nothing comes close. I have the Mercedes EDT, and it is not the same. Same profile and category, but the difference in the quality is outrageous. But, a good option, of course.

I purchased this 75ml bottle at the Guerlain boutique in Champs Elysees, Paris on Saturday whilst on holiday there.... They even engraved my bottle with my name, date and 'Paris' for free. WOW. The vanilla rum notes are so smooth, deep and heavy. I smell like creme brulee being eaten by an 18th century pirate who's drank a lot of dark rum and smoked his pipe before dessert. Wonderful. Sexy. Intoxicating. Dark & mystical. Truely a great vanilla fragrance. The best i've worn yet! Very expensive at €185 / £155 (I'd been saving up for a looong time) Another amazing vanilla fragrance (at a fraction of the price - £21 for 30ml) Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic's 'Vanillary'.

I tried this on a whim because I am a huge fan of vanilla, in general. I immediately assumed it was going to be extremely feminine, but it somehow bridges the gap nicely, and is spicy enough to exude masculinity. ...but not too much. Men don't wear vanilla, do they?! --well I'm here to tell you, this is EXTREME vanilla and yes, you sir with the thick beard and flannel coat, you can also pull it off. It starts like a fine vanilla cognac sprayed upon the skin, but immediately becomes a wearable vanilla dessert that lasts from breakfast well through supper. If you even remotely like vanilla, I advise trying this. You may just love it. 10/10 for me personally.

Ahh yes, another vanilla that I need in my collection. For this one I really like how soft it starts off. While other people might not be a fan of that, I really like its slow and subtle incense and vanillic introduction. The drydown though? Now that's where the TRUE magic happens...You get this crunchy, vanillic and creamy cookie-like smell that honestly makes your mouth water. It's somewhat similar to the smell of alot of your typical vanillas; but given it's Guerlain...whew its on a whole nother level compared to those. This is a much needed one for those "Netflix and Chill" type of nights and one of the sweetest vanillas I've ever smelled. 10/10.

I don’t know why people continuously cry about longevity on this stuff. It could be you’re buying a fake or it was just produced, or your skin just hates the stuff. I personally got my bottle In paris at the flagship store and the stuff LASTS. I could smell it on day one up to 12 hours later. Now that I’ve had it for a bit and it has sit on my shelf, that has extended to over 14 hours. The stuff is a nuke. It’s not gonna project like crazy because it’s not an EDT. It will sit closer to the skin. To be honest though? It doesn’t NEED to be stronger. If it were people would be put off majorly. It is perfectly crafted and balanced. 11/10

This smells INSANE. I just got a decant of it, and omg my socks are blown off. I thought it would smell like a basic vanilla kinda like Kayali Vanilla 28 but omg I was so wrong. This is a luxurious vanilla with a spice undertone. It’s not too spicy, but it’s definitely there to give that vanilla a bit of a scent boost. The moment I caught a whiff of it, I knew I had to prepare for some damage to my bank account. Normally I wouldn’t buy a perfume at this price point (which is outrageous btw), but I need this in my collection, like badly. I’ve been hunting down a vanilla that smells just like this, and I found it. Final rating 9/10 😍

You're a kid and you wander in to your wealthy Great-Grandfather's library. You are surrounded by the aroma of sweet smelling pipe tobacco, old books, glass of freshly poured brandy and a plate of vanilla wafers nearby. That is what comes to mind. Old, monied, sophisticated class, and the enjoyment of the finer things in life. Opens up with an incensey, candied vanilla and dries down to the rich classic vanilla Guerlain is known for. Spectacular performance with a gentle fragrant boozy/smokey vanilla cloud throughout the wear. A 10/10 and definite love. I use it sparingly because it's that special and the prices have skyrocketed.

I have to be honest, I’ve always been a big hater of this fragrance. But recently I’ve found some appreciation for it. Yes, it’s basic and smells quite similar to a lot of stuff out there, although SDV possesses a certain level of je ne sais quoi. It has more refinement than others but I’m not sure if it’s still enough to justify the high price. I once tried an older batch and I noticed the ylang-ylang got much stronger. It turned it almost into a completely different fragrance in a very good way. Do you want a basic vanilla for now? Or do you want to invest in something that’ll gracefully evolve over time?

Why is this so expensive you may ask? Here is why: Vanilla Selection and Preparation: Guerlain utilizes Madagascan vanilla planifolia, known for its woody and generous facets. The vanilla pods require 18 months of preparation before being used in the fragrance according to Guerlain. Tincture Technique: The vanilla is meticulously hand-cut and then cold-soaked using an age-old technique favored by Guerlain, which helps to maximize its aromatic potential. QUALITY! Craftsmanship! A 200 year old fragrance house and the first to use Vanilla. It’s a piece of art!

Elegant vanilya parfümünün tanımı. Çok derin, kusursuz bir tütsü-vanilya dengesi. Açılışından kuruyuşuna kadar çok keyifli bir profil sunuyor. Faz geçişleri hissediliyor, bir süre sonra çiçeksi bir hale bürünüyor. O dumansı vanilya gerçekten muazzam bir temelde. Kokladıkça koklamak isteyeceksiniz. Yoğun amber hissiyatlı parfümleri sevmeyen birisi olarak bu parfümün her fazına bayıldım. Kadınların kullanımına %55 daha uygun olabilir ancak tamamen feminine leaning bir parfüm değil. Kış sonbahar aylarında peşinizden koşturacak, bağımlılık yapacak bir yapıda.

price is outrageous but this is my favourite vanilla yet. its extremely refined and smooth, makes you want to lick it. the other notes to my nose are very quiet, sort of forming a homogenous compliment to the vanilla. longevity is actually quite good, 8+ hours, but sillage is terrible. it stays very close to your skin, perfect for date night or getting your freak on but otherwise most people will not notice it at all. hard to justify buying a full bottle but i might save up for one just to have the pleasure of smelling it whenever i want to.

Ive recently picked up the 100ml at a price of 350 ish dollars from the department store around 3 weeks ago and I must say, this fragrance is mindblowing. Its sweet with rum and vanilla. Overall amazing and ive made it my signature scent. Longetivity is actually great with around 6-8 hours on my skin. The only hit or miss about this fragrance has to be the projection. If your someone who loves close to skin scents and wants to leave silliages. PERFECT fragrance. But if your someone who wants loud and fill the room fragrances? Reconsider.

The scent itself is exceptional and Guerlain is certainly one of the best houses in its interpretation of Vanilla. BUT, the performance is so, so weak as the others have said, and the scent will disappear after 1-2 hours. You would have to dig your nose into clothes to maybe smell something. I got it from a Guerlain flagship store and for the price point, this level of performance is disappointing and makes you wonder how you could ever regret buying something that smells this good.

When I first sprayed it (quite generously compared to what I usually do) I thought it was a joke. Barely smelled anything, it felt like I sprayed vanilla infused water. However, 8 hours later I can smell it on my skin, and TF Tobacco Vanille sprayed at the same time is completely gone. The smell is pleasant. Sweet, but not nauseating. Now I want it as an intimate perfume when I want to have a scent on me, but don’t want to overwhelm those around me when I work close to people.

truly beautiful. my favourite fragrance of all time. double vanille's notes don't necessarily reflect its scent profile, so i'll characterize it as best I can. to me, it smells like a house that isn't your own. that unfamiliar smell when you step through someones doorway. dusty, smoky, enigmatic, but impossibly cozy. double vanille is that, blended with an archaic, tasty vanilla. not full on gourmand, but halfway there. I couldn't dream of a better scent. perfection. 11/10.

My second review of this perfume. Smelled at Saks Fifth Avenue. This is a deeply boozy, Madagascar vanilla. Very intoxicating and perfectly done. My first review was based off a sample I bought from Etsy. Not sure why, but it seemed watered down. It was a ghost of what this perfume is. So please beware of samples. It's best to go smell the real thing. Smell: 10 out of 10 Strength: 8 out of 10 Leans feminine For reference, I'm female.

This is a fragrance that starts just like vanilla extract that you use in the kitchen. Then in about 15 minutes there is a touch of rum soaked raisins riding on maple creme. It dries down to a cloud of soft vanilla, very soothing, just wonderful. You think it's subtle, but then hours later someone will complement you on how nice you smell. What's that saying, "Royalty need not shout it's presence." Definitely applies here. I love it!

I just came back to say again how much I love this fragrance. I will go broke to get a bottle of this if it came down to it! I have 4 backup bottles, and will always have at least 2! This is SUCH an amazing vanilla...I thought I wanted super sweet sugary vanilla....no...this is the mature side of VANILLA ADDICTION!!!! Whether I base-layer it, wear it solo, spritz it on before bed or just sniff the bottle... SDV is E-VE-RY-THING!

Vanilla + vanilla indeed! Soft, classy, elegant, deep and creamy vanilla at that. This is natural vanilla in the truest sense. The other note that stands out for me is cedar wood, in the form of pencil shavings. The opening is very barrel of rum boozy but dries down to a more subtle sweetness. The projection is low but the longevity (as a skin scent at least) is very good. Is it worth £295? Hell no. Would I buy it again? Yes 🤣

I’m not going to repeat all the amazing reviews because I agree. I just wish it would project from my skin or at least last on my skin. It’s so aggravating having this heavenly scent and it’s gone around an hour! Not skin scent....GONE! I was robbed!!! At least I didn’t buy a bottle but I will try to find an alternative because this could be the finest vanilla ever made. Certainly the best I’ve ever encountered.

Vanilla drenched in rum, glamorous in a quiet way. This scent is a deep umber brown. Brings to mind an image of Manhattan in the early 90s: a lady sitting in a white-tablecloth restaurant in a silk dress and heels, big hair, a Rabanne chainmail bag resting on the bag stand. Neighbouring guests are smoking cigars. The waiter brings creme brulee with a rum pairing for dessert, and they flambe the shell tableside.

Well this opens like vanille ice cream which gets a bit boozy but more in a liqueur way with a hint of rose. I'm picking up a touch of incense and amber as time has moved on within this gorgeous mix. This scent is very light yet complex at the same time, there is a good few notes coming and going within the vanille. A really enchanting beautiful vanille fragrance and one so easy to fall in love with.

It is such a classic! Spiritueuse Double Vanille is a beautiful, ambery vanilla—airy, refined, and ultra-luxurious. It opens with delicate boozy warmth from rum, layered over aged Madagascar vanilla and cedarwood, then brightened by subtle florals. A touch of benzoin and frankincense adds depth without weight. I adore the boozy lift and soft floral tinge—it feels both airy and expansive.

OMG! Scent phenomenal but projection abysmal!!! It's still on the skin 7 hours later but gotta bury my nose in my arm. Honestly, I asked a guy at work, and he could not smell an hour after I sprayed, and I sprayed a layer of Iso E super, after lotion. Oh well. Anyway, the sweet, smoke and woods are really something to behold. This is begging for an extrait like Vanille Planifolia!!!

I’ve been searching for the best vanilla fragrance for a while and I finally found it. Sdv is a smooth vanilla fragrance and u get some Smokeyness and even a little bit of floral notes in it. For me it lasts around 8 hours on skin. Projection could be better but the smell makes up for it. I personally think if you have the money to spend on it it is definitely worth the price.

Official description from guerlain website. There is rum. “In this composition, a sheer excess of vanilla reveals its smoky, woody and generous facets. Accompanied by jasmine, ylang ylang, benzoin and cedar, the Guerlain Perfumer evokes exotic escapades and long journeys by boat. This is an epic expedition lulled by scents of rum and crates of spices.”

Hear me out This is gooood But It is literally l’instant.... With added vanilla That’s it If you have l’instant already, layer it with some vanilla and you have this Save yourself the money Or don’t Do whatever you want Literally am wearing these side by side one on one hand and one on the other Identical except this one has a touch more vanilla

this is honestly my favourite fragrance of all time. it is the perfect balance of creamy and sexy vanilla and it is super strong and long lasting but you don't smell it too much yourself and is not headache inducing at all. it is the most perfect vanilla perfect for night time. but i wish it wasnt so expensive, if anyone has any dupes lmk

This is simply one of the most beautiful fragrances that I have ever smelled! It is smooth and sultry perfection. So addictive that when I'm not wearing it, I crave the scent and when I am wearing it, I can't keep my nose off of my wrists because I want to be as close to it as possible. Amazing! It is expensive but worth every penny.

A masterpiece of vanilla done the Guerlain way. Spiritueuse Double Vanille is not the usual sugary vanilla — it feels warm, boozy, and elegantly smoky, like a fine aged spirit blended with soft woods. It wears close to the skin yet leaves an unforgettable impression, both comforting and sophisticated. A true gem for vanilla lovers.