ÇaFleureBon Young Perfumers Series: Quentin Bisch of Givaudan + The Life of The Rising Star of Perfumery Draw

quentin bisch

Quentin Bisch of Givaudan is 33 (Photo Givaudan)

I was born in 1983 in Strasbourg, north-east of France. At the age of 5 my family moved to London since my father had a job there and after two years we went back to France. I have many memories of that British period of my life. It was fantastic. I remember the smell of freshly baked cookies in the tubes, the smell of warm tar escaping from the street near the playground in summer time, crude fresh cucumbers served at noon for the lunch at school. A lot of images as well: the gardens, Hyde park, the squirrels in the squares, colors and lights of shops in Harrod’s and Hamley’s… It is really precise and still vivid.

original Poison ad

And of course, I remember  the perfumes of my parents. They made me discover the world of fragrance with their own daily use of perfumes. I was literally born in Shalimar as my mum had her bottle close by as she was giving birth… Then she turned into Loulou, Poison, Coco.

1970 Chamade Perfume Ad Guerlain

Vintage Chamade Guerlain 1970

And later she would fill a room with her Jungle or some Chamade.  My father wore Guerlain’s Habit Rouge, Derby and Vetiver. Chanel’s Pour Monsieur concentre and later Gucci pour homme.

opium

Illustration of Opium  Credit: Pierre Dinand

 I have always strongly linked people of my surroundings, or people I would meet to the perfume they would wear. I can tell you exactly what perfume each of my teachers was wearing during my school years.  And it is thanks to one of them that I realized I wanted to become a perfumer. It was my very first day of middle school. My French teacher entered the classroom and filled the place with her perfume. I was completely captivated. At the end of the class I came to her and asked for her perfume. She had a bad reaction: I should not have asked that kind of question, she was my teacher, I had to owe her respect etc. I was mortified, apologised and left as quickly as possible.

quentin bisch Blotter Box from Kyoto s

Quentin Bisch’s blotter box is from Kyoto and made out of bamboo (photo Quentin for CafleureBon)

But she kept spreading her fragranced aura within the following courses. I remember she was a smoker and the papers she was distributing were infused with this magical mix of her perfume and the scent of cigarettes… I finally entered a perfumery shop and after a while found the reward of my quest: her perfume was YSL’s Opium. Our relationship evolved within the year and there is a lot to say about her. One thing is that she started changing perfumes often and I could guess them. It is thanks to her that I definitely understood at an early age the power of perfumes. How strong the impression can be, how much charisma they may reveal. Therefore I told myself that if someone had created this perfume, why not me? And for the first time I would answer to the periodically asked question “what do you want to do when you’ll be an adult?” that little word, full of magic as it has always triggered smiles and surprise: I want to become a “perfumer”. I was 11.

two hand drawings with shyamala maisondieu and quentin bisch

 Drawing created by Quentin Bisch and his friend Perfumer Shyamala Maisondieu (photo from Quentin for CaFleureBon

Something else is key in my development as a child and for the following. I have always been creative. I would even say on a permanent urge to create. I would build something with my toys, I would sing, I would tell stories, writing, drawing … But anyhow I would create. Since my early days I was meant to express myself in an artistic field. At the age of 8 I started being keen on the piano and my parents kindly bought me one. After 2 years studying I decided I knew enough to be able to play by myself and stopped the lessons. My parents were a little scared. But they realized soon it was for the best. In fact I was fed up with courses and the patience you need to translate a music sheet. I had understood that I was quicker and more “free” being all alone. I started to translate by ear all the musics I loved, like films scores, classicals etc. And of course I began composing music. Which was perfect and complementary cause I was already writing and singing. I remember it is at the same period I would gather my friends to create shows. I did my first “stage directions” in the playground or at home to entertain my surroundings. I was bringing the magic and fantasies of my dreams to the everyday life.

QUENTIN_16

Quentin Bisch (photo Quentin Bisch)

Back to Opium and my beautiful French teacher, I had then one single question in mind: how do you become a perfumer? I discovered that the ISIPCA (Versailles institute training for perfumery and cosmetics) was the classical path to become perfumer. Chemistry degree being mandatory to reach the institute. I remember my teachers telling my parents and me that “perfumer” was a “nice dream” but they definitely were not seeing me at all taking such an orientation: I was a living disaster as a science student. “Mathematics”, “chemistry”, “physics” were my nightmare feeders. I was as bad in that field as I was brilliant in literatures and art. Therefore I stubbornly forced the way of my orientation, despite all advice. And, of course, I fought, struggled and failed. Numbers and logics for three years all in vain! I was not capable of it. Yet, I remember how much I worked, to end up with such pitiful results. I did only one year at the science university in Strasburg and decided to stop everything. Farewell ISIPCA…Bonjour Arts du Spectacle! I was received in the theatre studies department of the Strasburg university. 5 years in heaven! Besides my courses I gathered a team of talented artists and directed several musical shows and performances. I finally obtained my 2 MASTER degrees at the age of 24.

quentin bisch at the window givaudan

Quentin Bisch à la fenêtre

I was happy with my new life but still obsessed with perfume and I could not renounce my dream. I decided it was time to write letters to the perfumers I was admiring and came across some “actors” from the perfumery industry. I discovered the Givaudan School. I met a lot of people during that period and I am very thankful since it is because of them I understood there could be other ways to become perfumer. But they all also were honest and realistic: there was a huge demand to become perfumer for a very few places to be granted. Everybody told me about the Givaudan perfumery school, the oldest and most famous of them all. Very confidential too, 2 to 3 students worldwide, at most, each year. Nevertheless, still hope…

quentin bisch and jean guichard

Jean Guichard and Quentin Bisch at The Givaudan School (photo for Cafleurebon from Quentin Bisch)

I wrote a letter to Jean Guichard, the director of Givaudan perfumery school at that time and got an interview. I was ecstatic! Interview went smooth and chill. It was a discussion and an exchange between us. He told me they would accept new students depending on the needs of the company. Unfortunately Givaudan was not taking any new student at that time. Jean was interested in my profile and the way I expressed my passion. I would have to apply again later, being sure to have been closer to raw materials during the meantime. It was his main advice: try to become a perfumer assistant in order to smell and start to seriously build my olfactive memory if I wanted to have a chance in the competition to reach the Givaudan perfumery school.

Michel Almairac

Michel Almairac (photo Robertet)

New step, new goal: I had to become a perfumer assistant. I met Michel Almairac who kindly gave me the opportunity to join Robertet’s lab in Grasse. I became a perfumer assistant for one year and learnt a lot! Michel Almairac began by teaching me about  raw materials. I passed my first olfactive tests with him. Then we selected a fragrance on the market and made an exercise of reconstructing it step by step only by nose.

Quentin Bisch Givaudan school with Jean Guichard

Smelling with Jean Guichard (photo Quentin Bisch for CaFleureBon)

Jean Guichard knew I had followed his advice and that I had become a perfumer assistant. He called me back for a second interview. He was very encouraging but confessed he was not the only one to take the decision for an admission. I went about ten others interviews with Givaudan, meeting perfumers and managers. I waited for some months and one nice day I had a call from Paris. It was on a Thursday around 4 PM and I was weighting a formula in the Grasse lab. I remember: “Hello it is Jean Guichard, if you are still interested, we would like to offer you a place in our perfumery school”. One of the most beautiful day in my life.

Quentin bisch In Robertet's Lab

Quentin Bisch at Robertet June 6, 2008 (photo: Quentin Bisch)

My very first perfume was Reminiscence’s Essence. I was still at Robertet and I can still see Michele Saramito – my friend and perfumer – coming to me with the brief in her hand. It was absolutely forbidden for me to work on a brief as I was a perfumer assistant. She knew my passion and I had shown her an accord I had created (after the day of work I was staying as much as possible in the lab to work out my accords): it was a “papier d’Arménie” accord, saturated with benzoin and amber. And when the brief came it was all about an amber note… Reading the brief she had immediately thought of my accord.

reminiscence essence perfume quentin bisch 2013

Reminiscence’s Essence. 2013 was Quentin’s first perfume

She proposed to present my work in secret, under her name, just to see how it would go. It was selected.  Then I did the first tours of mods and she finished the fragrance as I was admittred to Givaudan’s school. And it won the project! She finally told everybody in the Reminiscence team that I was behind the creation. I was invited to the launch in Paris. Warmly received by everyone, Michele was here. A fantastic day! I am very proud of that perfume: firstly it is my very beginning as a perfumer; secondly it is emotionally linked to the whole Robertet period in Grasse and to Michele Saramito whom I love. It is definitely thanks to her that I could express myself on such a beautiful project.

pierre Aulas perfumer

Pierre Aulas

My relationships with the clients are incredibly special.  I would like to acknowledge three as each one took a chance with me very early on:

thierry mugler angel pierre aulas

Pierre Aulas holding a giant star shaped bottle of the original Angel

Pierre Aulas, Creative Director of Ego Facto , who is also the Artistic Olfactory Creative Director and Consultant at Thierry MUGLER is very demanding, very precise in evaluation, very sharp in  his vision and he is pushing all the time for excellence. It is rarely good, rarely satisfying and you need to work a lot to find new ways. He encourages you to explore, to push the boundaries further. He wants something new, and technically irreproachable. And most of all – and it is what I appreciate the most about him, he is “entier” and super intuitive. You can’t fool him. I was working with Louise Turner on the Cavalli black, giving her some support. She had taken an accord of mine and had presented it to Pierre as one possible direction. He loved it and it was kept into the final version. Louise told Pierre that it was a proposal from the young perfumer she was mentoring. I think that was the first time he heard of me. Same happened later on a Mugler proactive brief and the Givaudan people saw that my accords seemed to resonate with Pierre.

quentin bisch office givaudan paris cafleurebon

The view from Quentin’s lab in Paris

I finally met him on a Victorinox project. I remember he challenged me very quickly. It was during a meeting with the entire team. We were getting to the end of the meeting and he concluded that “none of your modifications are acceptable. I can’t do anything with this. I’m leaving in 30 minutes from now. Let’s see how good you really are.” It was a way of testing… He wanted to see how I react under pressure. On that day I completed it and he left 30 minutes after with new trials he would present to the client. I feel we have a great mutual respect, having built a relationship based on a lot of work, creativity and honesty.  Together we have created within the past three years 2 Victorinox, fragrances, 2 limited editions of Azzaro pour homme, coming soon  new Azzaro Solarissimo, Mugler’s A Men ultra zeste and Angel Muse. It was for each of us a difficult journey but we are proud of the results.

Cafleurebon Angel Muse

From the Angel Muse launch party photo Hernando

On Angel Muse:  I was invited amongst other senior perfumers – including Angel’s ‘dad’ Olivier Cresp – to try to create a new addiction, the brief being “what would be the Angel of nowadays?” The selection was judged blind as Pierre always wants to be neutral in his evaluations. Which is huge to that that I was selected.  And I was kept till the end! That was something! We worked for 2 years with Pierre and the Mugler team in order to find the right balance. Having the addition  of the hazelnut cream but being Angel enough, having the vetiver without being dry or masculine, etc. They so loved my proposal that they decided to redesign the entire project and it became Angel Muse as we know it: a new bottle and colour to express that rounder, creamier contemporary Angel’s femininity. I  would describe it as a very chic and addictive “bois gourmand”.

-Olivier Cresp of Firmenich Angel Ethyl Maltol molecule

Olivier Cresp of Firmenich and  the Ethyl Maltol molecule

I love the fact that some people do find it more sweet than the original, some others less sweet than the original. The secret is that Angel Muse has more ethyl maltol, more vanilla. But the vetiver plays  a trick that creates a counterpoint. Which are the most addictive chocolates? Those with these little crystals of salt in it. The contrast of the salty and the sweet creates a vibration in your mouth. Vetiver plays exactly the same role in the fragrance: it is the crystal of salt in Angel Muse. Therefore it is not a mono sweet-sugary gourmand but something definitely more special and intriguing, almost smoky, woody, nutty. Vibrant!

Etienne de swardt etat libre dorange and Quentin Bisch at the launch in paris of Le fin du monde perfume

Etienne de Swardt of  Etat Libre d’Orange  with Quentin Bisch st the launch of Le Fin du Monde in Paris (photo Etienne de Swardt)

On Etienne de Swardt of Etat Libre D’Orange

 La fin du monde etat libre d'orange

What a mysterious guy! It is funny because I had met Etienne long before getting into Givaudan perfumery school. In fact I met him just after having met Jean Guichard on my quest to become a perfumer assistant. I had randomly discovered the little Etat Libre d’Orange boutique, wandering in the street of Paris. I fell in love with the brand. Daring, provocative and wonderful perfumes. I bought Vierge et Torrero at that time, a fragrance that I still really like. Etienne heard that a young passionate guy had come to the boutique and that he wanted to become perfumer…I had given my phone number. He called me and we met. He wanted to hire me to as a sales associate. And 5 years later there I was as a young perfumer and ELO briefs us on a new project! It was all about Blaise Cendrars little text called “La Fin du Monde”. In the text everything on earth and even in the universe explodes. And then starts again a new cycle. The text was written like a movie scenario. I wanted to focus on explosion and use the “decalage” of the brand as an inspiration. It gave a fragrance focusing on the very last – or very first – explosion, made of beautiful seeds oil and… pop-corn!

Hermann à mes côtés me paraissait une ombre etat libre dorange

Hermann à mes côtés me paraissait une ombre  etat libre dorange

Next was Hermann… Such a different story: a work around shadow and transparency, in a gothic way, exploring green sap, wet soil and a rose-incense duet. If I had use just one word about Etienne as a Creative Director it would definitely be: freedom! To give you an idea I want to tell you a few words about the next perfume ELO will launch this year. That is from far, the most creative brief I have ever received and I totally appropriated it, being free to express myself. I took it as art, remaining free to create from the beginning to the end what I wanted to create. And Etienne let me do it my way. Which is precious and beautiful and I am very thankful. With Sylvie (evaluation) and Audrey (sales) we literally lived an experience of pure creation. I brought them in my interpretation of the brief, my lecture of the theme… And it became an amazing project, very involving. I don’t want to talk that much of it for now but it was so exciting! And deep. And intimate. You’ll discover the result as a fragrance soon… I am sure Michelyn will be among the first to know (maybe she knows???)

quentin bisch in Paris lab givaudan cafleurebon

Quentin in his Paris lab (photo by Quentin Bisch for CafleureBon)

 Ex Nihilio: I also worked very early on with Sylvie Loday and Benoit Verdier on this year’s Fragrance Foundation Top Five Finalist for Indie Perfume, Fleur Narcotique. It took a while to get it perfectly. I  was  so young only 29 and it  was an idea I had proposed to the Ex Nihilo team as they were looking for the fragrance of the “parisienne chic”, modern, trendy. I was really a young perfumer at that time. I had this accord based on petalia that I loved.

fleurnarcotique-exnihilo

Fleure Naroctique

Petalia is an incredible ingredient. It is a rosy note with peony and grapefruit facets, drydown going towards rosy powdery. Very long-lasting, very diffusive. A little bomb… Fleur Nacotique is made of an overdose of petalia. They loved the accord. We tried to work around it a lot. At the end we got back to my first idea. And I’m very happy because I think it was the best trial of all. Now I know this fragrance is a great success for them: I was in Moscow recently and indeed people kept telling me about it. How cool!

quentin bisch and his perfumes

Quentin Bisch in his office with his perfumes (photo Quentin for CaFleureBon)

I have been at Givaudan as a perfumer for four years and my everyday life is truly captivating. I have the opportunity to work on a lot of different projects and brands. Beautiful ones! And I have that feeling I am learning every day. We have so many things to explore as perfumers, so many things to create and recreate. My lifetime dreamy journey is just starting. I feel blessed.

Quentin Bisch, Perfumer at Givaudaun

BBC Perfume episode 2 Bottling the Memory. part 1of4

Bottling The Memory BBC jump to 11th minute for Quentin’s emotional appearance while a student

quentin bisch givaudan

Quentin Bisch  (photo Givaudan for CafleureBon)

Editor’s Note: This article/interview was a year in the making.  I want to thank Quentin for sending revision after revision so that CaFleureBon would have the most definitive and detailed story of his path to perfumery on the internet. In his own words in first person as an unconventional interview. I first became aware of Quentin while watching the BBC series Perfume Bottling the Memory, when he was a student at Givaudan. His passion, his energy… I think I knew then that Quentin Bisch was and is a perfumer who will become one of the most important perfumers of our generation. (jump to minute 12). Special thanks to Pierre Aulas and Etienne de Swardt for gently nudging Quentin to finish writing this for us. Readers, bookmark this page. I guarantee you will refer to it many many times in the years to come- Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

quentin bisch perfumes

A selection of Perfumes by Quentin Bisch (photo Quentin Bisch for CaFleureBon)

AZZARO AZZARO POUR HOMME SUMMER (2015, with Olivier Pescheux and Jacques Huclier)

AZZARO AZZARO POUR HOMME FREE LIGHT (2016, with Olivier Pescheux and jacques Huclier)

BETTY BARCLAY SHEER DELIGHT (2015)

CAROLINA HERRERA CONFIDENTIAL – MYSTERY TOBACCO (2016)

CLASH FRAGRANCES ENFANT TERRIBLE (2014)

CLASH FRAGRANCES LOVE POTION (2014)

CLASH FRAGRANCES MONSIEUR VETIVER (2015)

CLASH FRAGRANCES  MISS PORTOFINO (2015)

ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE LA FIN DU MONDE (2013)

ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE (2016)

EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE (2014)

EX NIHILO VENENUM KISS (2015)

FRAGONARD ENCENS ET FEVE TONKA (2013)

FRAGONARD FLEUR DE L’ANNEE – MUGUET (2013, with Sonia Constant)

FRAGONARD HOMME ELEGANT (2014)

FRAGONARD FLEUR DE L’ANNEE – IRIS (2016)

GHANDOUR SCENT OF AFRICA FOR WOMAN (2015)

JAFRA ROCK’N SOUL (2014, with Michel Girard)

JAFRA SILVER CANYON (2014)

LATTAFA PERFUMES ROOH AL BANAT (2014)

LOEWE ESSENCIA SPORT (2014, with Emilio Valeros and Michel Girard)

LOEWE SIETE SPORT (2014, with Emilio Valeros and Antoine Maisondieu)

LOEWE COLLECTION – ENCUENTRO EN EL PUENTE REINA VICTORIA (2015, with Emilio Valeros)

LOEWE SIETE ANONIMO (2016, with Emilio Valeros and Antoine Maisondieu)

MERCADONA OUD NOIR (2014)

MISSONI MISSONI FOR HER (2015)

MISSONI MISSONI FOR HER EDT (2016)

MUGLER A MEN ULTRAZEST (2015, with Jacques Huclier)

MUGLER ANGEL MUSE (2016)

MY WAY DIVA (2015)

NABEEL PERFUMES BAHAR (2015)

REMINISCENCE ESSENCE (2010, with Michele Saramito)

SHIFFA DUBAI AYA (2013)

VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS COLLECTION EXTRAORDINAIRE AMBRE IMPERIAL (2015)

VICTORIA’S SECRET VICTORIA (2013, with Adriana Medina, Yann Vasnier, Stephen Nielsen and Aurelien Guichard)

VICTORIA’S SECRET XO, VICTORIA (2016, with Adriana Medina, Yann Vasnier, Stephen Nielsen read Stephen’s CaFleureBon profile in American Perfumery Here)

VICTORINOX ELLA (2014, with Shyamala Maisondieu)

VICTORINOX ROCK (2016)

ZARA VETIVER (2016)

ZARA CEDAR (2016)

We have three draws for three click on the link registered readers as follows:

HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE

 WORLDWIDE: From our dear friend Etienne de Swardt 100ML ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE

ex nihilio fleur narcotique

EU, US AND CANADA: With much gratitude merci merci to Sylvie Loday and Benoit Verdier for 50 ml of EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE

angel muse quentin bisch

USA ONLY: Thank you to Mugler Us for 1 oz refillable of Angel Muse

Please leave a comment about what you found fascinating about Quentin Bisch, his path to perfumery (I am sure he will be reading this) a particular quote or story,  your favourite perfume from his body of work, where you live and which of the three fragrances you wish to win. If you tweet, share on facebook, Pin, instagram @cafleurebon or tweet @fifthsensenyc @givaudan  #OlivierBischYoungPerfumer Draw closes 7/1/16

Sophie Deslande assistant quentin bisch

Quentin at the age of 33 is already a mentor to Sophie Deslande his assistant

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume

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55 comments

  • I enjoyed learning about Quentin’s childhood memories: ” I remember the smell of freshly baked cookies in the tubes, the smell of warm tar escaping from the street near the playground in summer time, crude fresh cucumbers served at noon for the lunch at school…” My favorite perfume is ELdO La fin Du Monde.

    I live in the U.S. and my choices are:
    ELdO Hermann A mes Cotes me Parraisait Une Ombre
    Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique

    Thank you!

  • Oh to be just 33 and starting out with so many wonderful accomplishments! It is interesting that Quentin comes from a background in music and theatre, as I think quite a few perfumers do. I would love to win the bottle of Hermann etc.

  • I seem to have left some things out of my post. Surprisingly, I have not tried most of the scents on the list, but have tried Hermann, so I suppose that is my favorite. I live in the US.

  • Thank you for the informative interview! My favorite quote is: “I can tell you exactly what perfume each of my teachers was wearing during my school years.”
    I haven’t had the chance to try any of these scents.

    I would love to win Etat Libre d’Orange Hermann.

    Thanks! USA

  • The answer is what I DIDN’T find fascinating about Quentin! Nothing! You are so passionate and talented. An inspiration!

    And how many people,get this kind of response when working with clients: “They so loved my proposal that they decided to redesign the entire project. . . ”

    Ah, to do what you love and do it so well! Bravo!

    My favorite of your creations is ELDO Le Fin du Monge. I would be happy to win any of the three.

    Im the US. What fabulous profile!! Enjoyed it immensely.

  • Love that there is a thread of scent throughout Quentin’s life, starting from childhood, to his french teacher and onwards. His determination and passion were never in doubt – nothing was going to get in his way. His dream has come true and i feel his happiness and energy as he talks about his journey.
    I am in the UK and would love to win the EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE. thanks for the draw.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Quentin has quite an interesting life story. His parents had excellent taste in perfumes including Poison, habit rouge, and derby but I am most impressed by his teacher who wore Opium because I am on vintage opium kick these days.
    Quentin has shown the power of perseverance as he eventually got into Givaudan school. I am surprised he was not good in science because I can personally relate to Quentin. I was not good in chemistry either but have always wanted to become a perfumer though it pays to be in France to get a chance at becoming a perfumer.

    thaanks a lot for the generous draw. My favorite of his creations is ELDO Le Fin du Monge and for this reason my choice for this draw is ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE . I am in the US.

  • What an exotic life! Thank you for the article. I am a musician, and I was interested in that Quinten felt he’d gained enough musical knowledge after 2 years to start exploring on his own. I have seen people become overly disciplined, and it stunts their creativity – I respect his decision to grow organically.

    I haven’t tried the above, but a friend has worn MISSONI MISSONI FOR HERand it was gorgeous.

    I would love to try EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE! Thanks much for the article and the generous draw. I’m in Canada! 🙂

  • Quentin is surely one of the most exciting young perfumers with such amazing stories of training at Givaudan Robertet and his stories about Etienne de Swardt and Pierre Aulus really show how important it is to work well with others yet keep your creativity
    I tried Angel Muse and prefer it to the original so that would be my choice.
    Yes I will bookmark this story and can’t wait for more from Quentin Bisch
    US

  • I am fascinated by the process of perfume-making. Thank you for the insight into the creative process of Quentin Bisch (and thank you, Quentin, for a peek inside your mind). I wish I had “smell-o-vision” so I could sniff the fragrances he was influenced by, created and collaborated on at the same time as I am reading. Out of all of his creations, EX NIHILO VENENUM KISS (2015) appeals to me the most – what’s not to like about neroli, rose, saffron and nutmeg? Vierges et Torreros was also my first ELdO purchase, I am tickled that we have that in common. I am in the USA. Should I be fortunate enough to win this draw, I would choose Etat Libre d’Orange Hermann (merci Etienne de Swardt).

  • Marcopietro says:

    What interesting and informative reading! It is a beautiful story training,
    Quentin character comes out with vividness, I really appreciate his tenacity and passion. Chapeau!
    Between the selection of Perfumes by Quentin Bisch I tried only La Fin du Mond – ELDO and I like very much its delightful and sexy iris / carrot seed accord.
    I’d love to win Hermann à mes côtés me paraissait une ombre – ELDO
    I live in Italy.
    Thanks!

  • “et les fruits passeront la promesse des fleurs”, what a beautiful energy in that man, existentiel first of course.
    Keep walking Mr Quentin.
    Bise
    etienne

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    very intersting path to perfumery – that gives hope for everyone that not only the straight way is the best way. You gathered many impressions and experiences. Whe n I was in Grasse I bought FRAGONARD’s FLEUR DE L’ANNEE – MUGUET and I really like it.

    Thanks for the draw.

    I live in the EU and I would like to win:
    EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE

  • What an amazing story! I too remember the BBC series and thought Quentin was incredible. I loved how he had such vivid memories of his sexy French teacher and the mixture of smoke and perfume. Reading how he was so determined to become a perfumer at such a young age really had my attention
    He won over Olivier Cresp! What a wonderful indication of his talent
    I fell madly for EXNIHILIO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE so that would be my choice with HERMANN a close second
    Bravo Mr Bisch
    I live in the USA

  • Very beautiful review. I have very enjoyed to read the whole article. I found fascinating about Quentin Bisch that he really enjoys the job what he chosen. His path to perfumery is also wonderful and very amusing. Unfortunately I have never had a chance to try any of his perfumes.
    If I would be as lucky to win, my first choice would be 100ML ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE , but I would be also glad If I would win 50 ml of EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE.
    Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Quentin Bisch do make fantastic perfumes. I love his philosophy and approach, I adore so many his fragrances : La Fin du Monde , Missoni, Reminiscense….

    Would love to try any but especially interested in Fleur Narcotique

    Thank you! I live in EU

  • I’m not sure if the following analogy is relevant to perfumers, but here it goes anyway. In my field of work (music) there are those whose charm and personality are maybe a little greater than their talent. I don’t mean that necessarily as a negative. Then there are those who have a certain humbleness to their skills and talent. I find Mr. Bisch’s work very intriguing and delightful. I have La fin du monde and Ultrazest, and I had absolutely no idea he created them! I am a big fan of his work already and I can’t wait to try his other creations.

    If I were to win the draw, I’d prefer either the Hermann a mes cotes me paraissait une ombre or the Fleur Narcotique only because the notes on the page intrigue me a little bit more. I live in the US.

  • Amazing story! So inspirational. The story of a dream that you can make it happen if you believe in it and in yourself.
    He has so many accomplishments at only 33. He is a gifted man.

    I tried few of his perfumes without knowing he created them. Everything I tried it was love : Le fin du monde, Hermann, Venenum kiss, Ambre Impérial.
    But my favorites are Angel Muse and Fleur Narcotique. Love at the first sniff. I would love to Win any of them. Fleur Narcotique would be my first choice as I adore it! Elegant, feminine, refined and youthful!

    I live in US.

    Great article ! Love it!

  • I seem to say this ever other perfumer’s story, but Quentin’s story really is exceptional! I ate up every bit of it. I love when perfumer’s point to specific childhood scent memories that made an early impression. As a part time teacher I loved that his teacher stimulated this love for perfume. Quentin, did you ever tell her your dream to be a perfumer? I loved the passion and sheer grit exhibited by this story. It always astounds me that such a young person already has such a clear vision of what they want to do with their life and will pursue that dream relentlessly. How I wish I had that vision and strength when i was young. Thank you for an inspiring story!

    Do we have to pick a perfume? Truly, this is one of those rare times that I would be equally thrilled to win any of them. But if I must choose I would pick Fleur Narcotique.

    I live in the USA. Thank you for such an interesting morning read and a generous draw.

  • Simply a wonderful and detailed story with several interesting anecdotes. The determination to keep going for the goal was there throughout. From Quentin’s large body of work I like the La Fin Du Monde. I would love to win the ELDO Hermann à mes côtés me paraissait une ombre. usa

  • Robert H. says:

    Wow! I don’t even know where to begin…. This rates as one of my favorite interviews you’ve done so far. It really fill in the gaps left by the BBC series, and makes it so much more approachable on a human scale. I LOVE that he was able to overcome his Science/math issues and allow his natural genius to shine so brightly that others couldn’t help but notice! Also his willingness to take chances and “break the mold” with companies like Etat and Ex Nihlio.

    Of his perfumes, I must say that the VC&A Ambre would be rhe one I reach for (in the cooler months!) and for the draw I would choose Fleur Narcotique absolutely. In the USA, and many thanks for this interview, it was enlightening and terrific!!

  • Bravo Mr. Bisch! I loved the whole article- very impressive that you knew what you wanted to be at such a young age, and had the wherewithal and confidence to go for it! I loved reading about you being smitten with your teacher and her scent- and that you sought after it until you found the scent- I’m sure that Opium/Cigarette concoction is forever seared into your brain!
    I am bowled over to see that your nose is behind Aya by Shiffa- I live in Abu Dhabi and one thing I love about it is the plethora of rich and varied scents here, but above all of them, Aya truly stopped me in my tracks! I have raved about it and sent samples of it to friends all over the world. It is truly beautiful!
    I would be thrilled to win any scent offered, but my pick would be Fleur Narcotique- thank you so much for the chance! ☺️

  • Great article! Quentin Bisch seems very intelligent and thoughtful. I like that. I first fell in love with La Fin du Monde three years ago and now it’s one of my favorite perfume.
    I live in Europe and I would love to win ELdO Hermann
    Thank you for the wonderful draw and good luck to all!

  • Diana Devlin says:

    I love the part about the Blaise Cendrars little text called “La Fin du Monde”. In the text everything on earth and even in the universe explodes. And then starts again a new cycle.

    I live in the U.S. and if I won, I’d select EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE

  • What an inspiring story! He failed, and yet did not give up. My favorite part of the article, though, was that Opium was the perfume that made him decide to become a perfumer. Fleur Narcotique is the only one of his fragrances that I’ve tried, but now I will be looking out for the others. I’m in the US, and if I won, my choice would be Angel Muse.

  • What an amazing story. First of all I have to mention my envy of your mother and father introducing you to such great scents. My mother wore solely Jovan Musk and she bathed in it, to the point I felt like I was being suffocated around her. I didn’t even know other perfumes existed until she bought me a bottle of Jlo Glow when I was a teenager and well… The rest is history! My father only wore BOD fragrances but he didn’t bathe in it and I actually feel so comforted when I smell them today. My mom doesn’t wear Jovan Musk anymore, but she’ll still bathe in her fragrances. Her signature scent is Versace Red Jeans now, and I still remember the day she bought it in a Tj Maxx. When I smell it, I am instantly back in the car, outside the store, where she filled the car with it.

    The story of your teacher was very cute, but gosh, how embarrassing once you asked her what she was wearing. I can’t imagine, if any of my teachers would of wore perfume, I would of been too shy to ask and would of gone on for a long time wondering. I do have a similar story, though. In middle school, about 12 years old, everyday when I walked to my class, I smelt this amazing scent. I always assumed it was a very good quality vanilla scent, but I couldn’t figure out who wore it but I did know it was 1 girl in a group of them who I passed by everyday on the way to my 1st class. One day I was early to school and one of those girls was also early, and she was waiting for her friends. As I walked by her, I smelt it and I knew it was her. I was so happy to figure it out. The rest of the year I constantly would consider asking her, to the point she’d give me these weird looks when she caught me staring at her. It’s very funny, she probably thought I was such a weirdo. When I was 22 I actually was given a sample of Hypnotic Poison by Dior and guess what? It was THAT scent! So I know the feeling of finally figuring out your teacher wore Opium and how it felt trying to figure out what it was… What an amazing feeling, isn’t it? I own a bottle of the 1998 version now and it was the exact one she wore, and when I wear it, I’m transported back to the mornings of school where I stared at that girl and tried to work up the courage to ask her. To this day it’s one of my favorites, it’s one of those few scents I’ve found that truly feel like they were made for me, but I don’t think it would be such a love of mine if I didn’t spend all that time trying to figure out what it was first.

    I enjoyed reading about your life, Quentin, especially the part where you finally received the call from Jean Guichard. It sounded so familiar, and I realize it’s the video linked. I’ve watched that BBC doc so many times, I remember the scene where you being to tear up. On another note, I really love that doc series and glad you participated in it and shared your story. Thank you so much for writing this article, I really did enjoy reading it.

    The scents you’ve been responsible for, I have to mention Angel Muse as being one of my favorites, not just of this year but in general. Up until 2 months ago, I didn’t ever think I would find an Angel that I liked. The original Angel does not like my skin at all, it’s so harsh and all the gourmand qualities disappear but I experienced the opposite with Muse – All the qualities I loved about Angel were right there and perfectly balanced, it IS more sweet and creamy and it works really well on my skin. It’s heaven, absolutely, and I think it’s such a great addition to the Angel line.

    I really enjoyed this article, probably my favorite I’ve read so far in my short time as a reader of Cafleurebon. Great job! My choice would be for Angel Muse. Though the other 2 sound nice and I’ll have to procure a sample of each, I fell for Angel Muse hard and would love to have it in my collection.

    Thank you again Michelyn and Quentin!

  • Like a few commentor I remember Quentin from the BBCseries and of course had no idea what happened to him until I read here about Fin du Monde when that video guy from the UK talked about it
    He seems like a genuine great guy who just happens to be on a fast track in fragrance
    I would love Hermann because he said it was goth and I loved what he write about Etienne de swardt freedom
    Eu

  • Quentin’s upbringing seems to have contributed to his love for scent. Since I also grew up in Europe I can see why London was one of his favorite memories….all the different smells. And how exciting can it be working under a different name on a perfume project and then winning…your name now being unveiled for all to know that it was you that created this scent. Amazing. Personally I am huge fan of the EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE. I received a sample in the mail and could not stop smelling arm…..intoxiczting is what I would call it. With that said I am looking forward to trying more of Quentin’s creations and I wish him prosperous, rewarding path as a perfumer. I am in the US and yes Ex Nihilo would be my choice!!! 🙂

  • What an interesting read! I loved learning about the pathways he took to train and become a perfumer. Very inspiring~

    I live in Australia and would love the opportunity to win 100ML ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE.

  • Gregorysop says:

    I am very impressed with not only his fantastic sense of smell, but how he has accomplished so much by such a young age. I am only familiar with his work from Azzaro to this point and wasn’t aware that he had worked on so many fragrances in such a short time. Very busy.
    Of these I think I would like to try Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique.
    From the USA. Thank you.
    Greg

  • I liked the part when he found inspiration in everyday life since he was young and the story about his school teacher. My favorite quote is “I want to become a “perfumer”. I was 11.”.
    I am not familiar with much if his work, but I like some of the Loewe perfumes. I would like to win Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique. I live in Europe.

  • Thank you for an interesting review! I am particularly found this fascinating “…I definitely understood the power of perfumes. How strong the impression can be, how much charisma it may reveal.”

    I have never tried any perfumes from Mr. Bisch, I ‘d love to win Etal Libre d’Orage Hermann. Thanks! I live in Europe

  • Wow! Two of my current faves in his list of goodies, Amen Zeste and Incense Feve Tonka. I must go searching for some of the others. Great article.

  • Quentin, what an amazing journey you have had and i wish you much continued success! I relate to you on so many levels. First, I thought I was the only one who remembered my teachers based on their scent. My favorite math teacher wore Clinique Aromatics Elixir and I was always “present (clarity)” in her classroom everyday. Also, creativity that needs to be expressed leads to something magical. Although you didn’t master chemistry, you mastered perfumery and look at how much you have accomplished!! I would like to win Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique. I live in the US and thanks for the draw! 🙂

  • Wow. I wish I could go back in time and smell that teacher’s classroom! Quentin’s letters and interviews must have been truly amazing to get noticed by Guichard and Almairac. My favorite of his fragrances so far is La Fin du Monde. I live in the US and would like to win Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique or Angel Muse — they both sound nice. Thanks!

  • teresa310 says:

    I love the vividly told story of a scented memories from childhood. When I am reading these words: “I remember the smell of freshly baked cookies in the tubes, the smell of warm tar escaping from the street near the playground in summer time, crude fresh cucumbers served at noon for the lunch at school”, I can almost smell it all, especially the warm tar, which I love. I admire Quentin’s fantastic olfactive memory and creativity. My favorite creation is La Fin du Monde and the second one is Van Cleef Ambre Imperiale. I would like to win Hermann a mes cotes… I live in the EU.

  • Amazing story!!! I really enjoyed the journey, it is so rare that someone is so sure of their future at such a young age. I hope your French teacher reads the story and congratulates you! I also would like to assure you that the tube still smells of cookies, I don’t know where that smell really comes from!
    I absolutely love Fleur Narcotique, I have gifted it to a friend in Greece ans she gets a ton of compliments whenever she wears it!
    Thank you for sharing your story!

  • I find Quentin’s story so inspiring! I love that he was determined to become a perfumer, despite not having a science background, and did everything in his power to make it happen. That he lived out his dream and became wildly successful speaks to his drive and creative ability. I do love a happy ending! Oddly enough, I just tried Angel Muse yesterday. I received a sample in the mail and was very impressed. It’s so hard to revamp a classic of that stature, but he really pulled it off! It’s true to the original, but (for me) more wearable. I imagine die-hard Angel fans will be pleased. I live in Canada and would love to try either the État Libre or Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique. Thank you.

  • Thanks for the draw and the wonderful inspiring story. It’s amazing how childhood experiences and memories influence us later. The first fragrance he smelled was even Shalimar! It’s so well written, it’s like a movie plot. I was also 11 years old when I decided to get a painter. I think the smell of oil colors of my dad influenced me to this decision. What a beautiful and creative soul he is!
    I live in Europe and would like to try ex nihilo.

  • What a fascinating account from someone that is so passionate about their dreams! As someone who also works in a creative industry, I understand the absolute drive that he experiences and the drive that ultimately led him to his career that he felt in his heart since childhood. I had similar passions as a child – and those passions shaped and led me to the career I currently enjoy. Like Quentin, I was determined to reach my goal no matter what – I remain to this day driven by those same passions and goals. I enjoyed reading his account of how he would learn the next steps he needed to take to be come a perfumer, and he went down that path – without question.

    His statement “Therefore I told myself that if someone had created this perfume, why not me?” rings very true to my heart – we create our destinies. When we feel it in our hearts we have no choice but to pursue it!

    My favorite perfume of his that I have sampled has to be Angel Muse. I tried a sample recently and was blown away by it’s uniqueness… Quentin has created the next Angel legend. It is indeed a masterpiece of contradictions and I immediately fell in love with it. I find that both men and women can wear this fascinating creation!

    I live in the USA. I would absolutely love to win the bottle of Angel Muse.

    I want to thank Cafleurebon for making this wonderful post and giveaway possible and for Quentin for taking the time to share his story and his journey. It was such an enjoyable read.

  • Really this story about Quentin’s path to perfumery is unique and amazingly interesting because this very charming man did it solely based upon his passion and true love for the art of perfumery and this only made him persevere and overcome any lack of scientific knowledge as mentioned above and create true aromatic “masterpieces” like Le Fin du Monde which I simply adore! Bravo for without his passion and pioneering way of doing things we would have missed all those wonderful perfume creations for which he is responsible!
    Bravo for you have taken all your memories, experiences and ideas into making great perfumes!
    I am living in EU and I would love to win:
    ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE
    EX NIHILO FLEUR NARCOTIQUE
    Thank you for the lovely article and so generous draw!

  • Forgot to mention my favorite part that I truly enjoyed once I read the article about Quentin was his early childhood days where he loved being a creative:
    “Something else is key in my development as a child and for the following. I have always been creative. I would even say on a permanent urge to create. I would build something with my toys, I would sing, I would tell stories, writing, drawing … But anyhow I would create.”
    Again many thanks for the lovely story truly inspiring for the rest of us!

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Thanks for an informative & interesting article/interview which I really enjoy reading it. His father perfume taste is absolutely my taste. My favorite is his very first perfume was Reminiscence Essence and Azzaro Pour Homme & his teacher’s favorite Opium. Angel Muse is another that I am looking for to test.
    “I was happy with my new life but still obsessed with perfume and I could not renounce my dream. I decided it was time to write letters to the perfumers I was admiring and came across some “actors” from the perfumery industry.”…….shows his passion for perfumes & become nose.
    If I win I will go for: 1) ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE
    2) ANGEL MUSE
    I live in Peshawar, Pakistan & I have my relative/friend address in US too.
    Once again thanks Cafleurebon & the admin for the post & wonderful giveaway.

  • Quentin stole my heart when I watched him talk about Angel Muse in his video interview this past April. His passion is fantastic. It is exciting to read about his career path and collaborative work with Etienne de Swardt and other stars of the perfume universe.

    It makes me happy that Le Fin du Monde smells like popcorn and to read Quentin’s thoughts on this fragrance. It is poetic and perfect and my favorite of the few of his scents I have tried. I also especially enjoyed his enthusiastic description of the counterpoint created by Angel Muse’s sweet vanilla and savory vetiver.

    I am in the US and would love to try Fleur Narcotique. Many thanks to CaFleureBon for sharing Quentin’s story.

  • I love the story, Quentin’s determination and creativity. Looking forward to hear more about his career! I know only one of his creations, Reminiscence, and it’s a very soothing, elegant and well-balanced perfume. I would never have guessed that it’s someone’s first perfume!

    I’d love to win Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique. I live in the EU, thanks!

  • echinacea says:

    What a fascinating story, my favourite part is the one about the teacher’s perfume. I know how powerful a scent worn by a teacher can be. In my case it was a horrible teacher and her perfume (unfortunately a very popular one) was haunting and traumatizing me long years after I’d graduated, until it was discontinued. I agree with Quentin that scents can significantly influence our lives and memories.
    My choice would be Fleur Narcotique. Thank you for the draw.

  • Miss Almond says:

    It is really difficult to believe that so young man was capable of creating so many really fabulous perfumes. I really don’t know which one I like best, but I surely appreciate or wear many of them, like Victorinox Ella, Missoni for her, Loewe Siete Sport, ELdO La Fin Du Monde, Fragonard Muguet.

    Good luck Quentin, I wish you many more wonderful compositions!

    I would love to win Hermann a mes cotes me paraissait une ombre, I am in the EU.

  • I really enjoyed reading about Quentin’s upbringing, and how his love of perfumery began. Angel Muse is a terrific creation, and I’ve luckily had the chance to acquire it. Highly recommend. I would love to win Fleur Narcotique! I have never had the chance to smell it before, but it sounds incredible. I am in Canada and thank you for the draw!

  • So beautiful review and so touching personal way to one’s passion. I have Ambre Imperial and I love it. I would love to test Hermann a mes cotes…, the notes seem to be close to what I like.

    I live in Norway.

  • This is a wonderful interview which I am now bookmarking and which I am going to re-read because of so many lovely details and the beautiful energy coming from that man. I look forward to an update on his succesful career.

    Keep going Quentin and thank you for somany great perfumes!

    I live in the EU and my choice is Fleur Narcotique.

  • What an amazing read. I did not know of Quentin before this, but he seems like quite an individual. I love his determination to become a perfumer. Its truly inspirational and make me want to work harder in life.

    I think Fleur Narcotique would be the best choice for me.

    I’m a Canadian reader.

  • abayomi lambo says:

    im so happy to see him here! watched the bbc documentary and i could feel his passion even then. as a self trained perfumer in nigeria i can understand his determination . im so glad it paid off in the end.

  • I’m a fan of Quentin Bisch’s fragrances. Two of my favs are Venenum Kiss and Mystery Tobacco. I enjoyed reading about his perfume journey and accomplishments. Congrats. I also remember cucumber sandwiches. Ours also had Philly cheese on them. If lucky, I’d choose Hermann A Mes Cotes Me Paraissait Une Ombre. The description of “green sap, wet soil and a rose-incense duet” sounds fabulous. Thanks for another awesome article and draw. Mich USA