A Vanillac Wood

A Vanillac Wood smells very, very similar to Un Bois Vanille--so much so that I'm not sure I can tell the difference. The Serge Lutens might be a bit deeper and more complex, but the minor distinctions are even less apparent on the drydown. I'm glad I have this because I'm nearly out of my traver sprayer decant of UBV. I think AVW might be stronger than the UBV formulation that I have. It seems to project more and last longer, although UBV is by no means a poor performer. Update, more than six months later: A Vanillac Wood is stronger, deeper, and richer now. I can't tell it apart from the OG, except it's an even better performer. I love the Serge Lutens and own a few full bottles of other fragrances, but I see no reason to replace my travel sprayer of Un Bois Vanille with a full bottle of the real thing now that I have this wonderful Dua impression. Also, I'm surprised by the down votes on Un Bois Vanille for this one. I wonder if they smelled different formulations than what I am smelling, or if their Dua bottles hadn't aged sufficiently before testing.

This starts off slightly dusty from the sandalwood and it has a green character from the bitter almond. Maybe the beeswax intensifies the green element as it may have a grassy effect as a note. At first it's also slightly sharp perhaps from the bitter almond and benzoin. It is also very balsamic right off the bat from the benzoin and the black licorice giving a sweet aromatic vibe similar to anise so this scent is in the same league as the green woody Korres Philosia with the guaiac wood and anise, but which more solar than this one. Vanillac Wood is kinda darker and gives the impression of wet wood in the shade. It's a calming scent. It becomes smoother gradually and the musk gives an animalic undertone. The coconut isn't prominent at first, but it's subtle giving a fresh vibe. It's more distinguishable in the mid and drydown, like a soapy coconut touch. The guaiac wood comes forth in the mid and drydown. I love guaiac wood in scents, it's slightly leathery but not obnoxiously so, and it also has its usual balsamic-vanilla effect in this. The beeswax also has a leather effect as a note so there's an intensely woody musky subtly green and leathery feel. The green balsamic woody sharp opening compliments the leathery and still balsamic sweet woody drydown. The vanilla is subtle, it just smooths it out. This scent is perfect for rainy days. It's beautiful to me since I love woody and musky scents.