Spiritueuse Double Vanille (2007)
by Guerlain

Perfect. Warm, sweet, and sooo addictive. Vanilla, spiced rum, pipe tobacco and caramel. I only wish it was a bit stronger. It doesnt seem to carry well unless i apply a good bit of it. One spritz on my skin seems to vanish with the hour.

Just piping in to mention that SDV's base is similar to that of VIP Room (which I prefer) = like sweet tobacco and Ambre Narguile.

Trebor's review is wonderful, and I agree with him that this Guerlain is very "Luten-esque"! Spiritueuse Double Vanille has substance and depth yet remains sheer. The vanilla here is rich and smooth, with a note of pure sweet pipe tobacco complimented by the slightest bit of booziness and smoke. I too was taken by suprise, SDV is very easy to enjoy, and completely wearable by a man or woman.

This review is under revision.

A big, cushy vanilla based scent from Guerlain’s premium line – what’s not to adore? I was prepared to swoon over Spiritueuse Double Vanille from the very first sniff, but guess what? I’m not buying it.

Why not? Well, the opening accord of miraculously dry vanilla and brisk pink peppercorns is arresting, but within minutes there appears a conspicuous, abrasive, sour note that reminds me much too closely of boiling vinegar. The impression on me is the olfactory equivalent of fingernails on a blackboard, and it’s just as intolerable. The nasty note does eventually go away, but it lingers far too long for my patience. The drydown, when it arrives is (what else?) a satin smooth vanilla and sandalwood blend that’s almost - but only almost – enough to make me forget the awkward middle movement. I know that Spiritueuse Double Vanille has found much love her on Basenotes, but I find it far less satisfying than its siblings Cuir Beluga and Bois d’Armenie.

A wonderful scent from the nose the the venerable J.P. Guerlain, this is an EDP in the classic French style dominated by a vanilla, but that is far from the whole story. While the rich vanilla persists, there is an ongoing development of supporting notes. Booze, tobacco, hay, smoky incense, some florals all unroll richly to prevent this from becoming sickly sweet, there is a kind of tart dryness underlying it all too, frosted with creme caramel burned sugar.

Sillage is controlled and perfect and longevity is very good. It doesn't stay glued to you forever either, it is possible to wash it off at the end of the day.

A masterpiece.