Photo credit: www.eater.com
Before we even set our eyes on a meal, the aroma often entices us, coaxing our senses into a state of anticipation. The scent of cherished dishes, like warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven or the malty nuance of almond granita enjoyed during a Sicilian getaway, can evoke strong feelings of joy and nostalgia. Consequently, fragrances inspired by culinary delights, known as gourmand perfumes, have surged in popularity. These fragrances incorporate a variety of edible notes, including vanilla, honey, coffee, fruits, and even aged soy sauce.
Gourmand fragrances present a refreshing change from the conventional floral, amber, and fresh scents that typically focus on botanical elements. A well-crafted gourmand fragrance not only brings to mind delightful aromas but also the tastes associated with unforgettable culinary experiences. Although gourmand scents became a mainstream trend in the 1990s—thanks in part to Thierry Mugler’s Angel with its blend of praline and vanilla—they have roots that trace back to the early 20th century, with Guerlain’s Shalimar, released in 1925 and celebrated for its vanilla richness, often hailed as the pioneer.
Describing a fragrance can be as intricate as discussing a fine wine or an elaborate meal; instead of flavor notes, we reference scent notes or accords. The best perfumes, similar to the most memorable dishes, have layered compositions that contribute to their unique character. Here are 14 of the finest gourmand perfumes guaranteed to evoke olfactory joy akin to your favorite meals.
For a fresh, subtly delicious scent: White Rice by d’Annam
The comforting fragrance of freshly cooked white jasmine rice embodies the essence of daily life in Vietnam, the homeland of the perfume house d’Annam. This scent offers a sweet and nutty profile reminiscent of a steaming bowl of rice. It forms part of a collection celebrating Vietnamese heritage and is complemented by fragrances such as Vietnamese Coffee and Pho Breakfast.
For the person who loves a morning pastry: Crumb Couture by Snif
This vegan fragrance captures the essence of buttery, freshly baked croissants, paired perfectly with a dollop of rich berry jam. With its notes of black currant, vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood, this scent is an ideal companion for brunch.
If you’ve been loving the pistachio trend: Yum Pistachio Gelato by Kayali
After a significant surge in popularity, Kayali’s pistachio-scented fragrance stands out. Inspired by founder Mona Kattan’s memories of Rome, this perfume pays homage to her favorite dessert—pistachio gelato. It features sweet notes of pistachio and hazelnut, combined with playful touches like whipped cream and marshmallow.
A spritz of spritz: Italian Citrus by DS & Durga
Founded by a husband-and-wife team, DS & Durga is known for its avant-garde gourmand scents, including a popular pistachio aroma and a spicy coriander variant. Their Italian Citrus scent evokes a refreshing Aperol spritz enjoyed on a sun-kissed Italian coast, featuring a blend of blood orange, lemon, green mandarin, and the intriguing chinotto—derived from the bittersweet myrtle-leaved orange.
Freshly baked banana bread, but make it luxury: Nanatopia by BORNTOSTANDOUT
Korean perfume house BORNTOSTANDOUT isn’t afraid to innovate with its fragrances. Ideal for banana enthusiasts, Nanatopia is said to resemble thick-cut banana bread accented with cinnamon and nutmeg, while others note a more candy-like essence, including scents of melted caramel. This fragrance will linger longer than any bakery treat.
If you love to smell your spice cabinet: Jaipur Chai by Ineke
Drawing inspiration from the luxurious experience of sipping masala chai on a balcony overlooking Jaipur, this perfume captures the scent profile of a well-crafted cup of chai, featuring cinnamon, clover, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. The resulting aroma is comforting yet zesty, offering intrigue.
If you put Maldon salt on your cookies: Sea Salt Caramel by Bohoboco Perfumes
This fragrance is reminiscent of how sea salt heightens the sweetness of caramel. With a base of caramel and brown sugar, this perfume incorporates heart notes of seaweed and top notes of sea salt and fresh lemon, crafting a light and refreshing scent that avoids being overly sweet.
The big, loud, romantic cherry classic: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford
Mistaken for a bottle of cherry liqueur due to its vibrant red packaging, Lost Cherry offers a distinct scent that balances sweetness with woodiness. It features robust notes of black cherry, bitter almond, and rose, creating an unforgettable olfactory impression.
If you love a complex cocktail: Apple Brandy on the Rocks by Kilian Paris
Kilian Paris, the brand founded by a member of the Hennessy family, brings a cocktail-inspired fragrance to life. With a bright, refreshing mix of apple notes and rum-like undertones, this perfume embodies an “on the rocks” twist featuring bergamot, pineapple, and cardamom for a cooling effect.
If you want something nostalgically sweet: God Bless Cola by Versatile Paris
This vegan scent evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of a movie night with popcorn and an ice-cold soda. Its buttery aroma comes from toasted popcorn essence complemented by vanilla, while cola notes provide a lively and effervescent feel, capturing a distinctly American nostalgia.
If you live for your morning latte: Coffee Break by Maison Margiela Replica
Occupying the space between artisanal coffee and playful sugary beverages, this fragrance presents a cozy, latte-like warmth bolstered by strong vanilla notes. When applied, it reveals intriguing hints of spearmint and lavender, enhancing the overall comforting atmosphere.
A fruity body spray, but grown up: Strawberry Letter by Phlur
Designed as a celebration of ripe, juicy strawberries, this perfume combines fruity and floral elements from apple blossom and plum nectar, along with tonka bean. It represents a sophisticated evolution of the typical fruity scents found in department stores.
For a brainy but beautiful tea scent: Thé Matcha 26 by Le Labo
With matcha becoming a cultural staple, wearing it as a scent is both stylish and fitting. Le Labo is renowned for its Santal 33 fragrance, but this matcha-inspired scent is rich and layered, blending cedar wood, bitter orange, and fig for a sweet finish, mirroring the elegance of a well-prepared matcha.
You want your signature scent to be truly memorable: Jang by Elorea
Another culinary-inspired fragrance, Jang from Elorea draws from the Korean culinary tradition, specifically the rich flavors of fermented soybean pastes. This scent boasts notes of aged soy sauce and charcoal, balanced with delicate floral elements like jasmine and ylang-ylang, crafting a uniquely complex aroma.
Source
www.eater.com