Vanille des Afriques Intensivo

Just stunning. This is not your typical sweet/gourmand vanilla, nor would I classify it as a vanilla fragrance per se. 100% unisex. In true Ormonde Jayne fashion, the first spray yields a soft aromatic profile (the coriander stands out here) brightened by bergamot and some soft spice. A few minutes later, a creamy, buttery orris starts to creep in, intensifying as the notes begin to unfold. The florals (mostly osmanthus), vanilla and amber start to come in as the aromatic notes soften, rounding everything out. The musk to me works to give a bit of airiness whilst still maintaining it's rich scent profile, something that OJ does well. I dont use the term much, but this is a classic, grown (not mature) rich signature scent. I had no expectations, and they were far exceeded. Beautiful scent lingering on clothes and in air, this garnered a bevy of compliments. Bought the 10ml travel size and definitely upgrading to a full bottle.

Few scents captivate the senses quite like Ormonde Jayne's Vanille des Afriques Intensivo. With its exquisite blend of powdery musk, creamy vanilla, and woody undertones. As the fragrance unfolds, it reveals a tapestry of woody notes that ground the scent in earthy warmth. The soft, spicy aroma of sandalwood mingles with the delicate floral notes of iris, creating a harmonious blend that is both elegant and alluring. Meanwhile, hints of citrus add a touch of brightness and vitality, like rays of sunlight dancing through a forest glade. Jayne Ormonde and Christopher Hanlon are definately the world's best perfumers in MHO. Delicious!

I posted this comment under the press announcement I wrote yesterday, but I'll post it here, as well: "Hey, y'all, the brand has confirmed to me that Ormonde Jayne Vanille des Afriques Intensivo is NOT a reformulation or re-launch of Ormonde Jayne Vanille d'Iris. I was told 'the perfume formula is quite different to make it IFRA compliant. It features a much stronger vanilla presence with the addition of Bourbon Vanilla Absolute and Madagascan Vanilla absolute, less orris butter, and smelt side to side, they are very different fragrances.'" There you have it! :D

I’ve not experienced Vanille d’Iris but have a travel spray of this I bought when offered an opportunity to buy pre-release. It’s beautiful. Not particularly vanillic but rather, full of soft aromatics, musk and light amber/wood facets that are bolstered by the vanilla - in its aromatic format. Not sweet or thick. Rather, that crystalline style that is a signature of the house. Long lasting, restrained and soothing. It’s an elegant and truly unisex breath of fresh air. Very happy to have and wear.

Vanille des Afriques is an addictive and easy reach. This turns into a pleasant vanillic musky floral on my skin. I was hoping this would be more along the vein of Black Tie but it is definitely not. I’m not even sure how one could associate the two... Though not the buttery orris/iris I was looking for, Vanille des Afriques is an uplifting delight to the senses. I was a little concerned about performance but this is a sneaky beast - it sits close to the skin but it’s actually quite strong.