New Fragrance Review: Le Galion COLOGNE and COLOGNE NOCTURNE (Esxence 2016) + New History in the Making Draw

le galion fragrances

When asked to review the new Le Galion colognes I was ecstatic.  Why?  I LOVE the history of the house.  One of the very first perfumes that started my fever for vintage was none other than Sortilege.  My how I was smitten by that fragrance.  As time went on I collected more of anything Le Galion that I could find.  A couple more that struck my fancy in particular were Jasmin and Snob.  Both are absolutely lovely but vintage isn’t the focus of this review.

nicolas chabot rodrigo flores roux le galion

Creative Director Nicolas Chabot and Master Perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux

2016 brings us two new colognes to add to the illustrious line of Le Galion. Both are the creation of Master Perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux of Givaudan in close collaboration with Creative Director Nicolas Chabot. Rodrigo Flores Roux is one of the world’s most respected perfumers and is responsible for more than a few of my favorite creations of the recent past.   With the new editions (Cologne and  Cologne Nocturne) he continues to provide another piece of the story in perfume history for not only himself, but one of the most important houses of all time.

jack-vettriano men walking

Bully Boys Jack Vettriano

I’m going to come right out and say right from the get go…Cologne Nocturne is an absolute pleasure to wear.  It is one of those colognes that fits just about any occasion with a sense of style from a somber night at home to the most regal gathering one could imagine.  When I first sprayed this I was overcome with a very big wow factor.  It really is striking, but not in that annoying department store grab them by the throat type of a way.  This exuded confidence.  The first note I recognize is Cedar.  It is quickly  tempered by a spice like accord that that marries other more indescript woody notes to the cedar while a slightly camphorous lavender ties everything together masterfully.   After about 10 minutes lavender and cedar are undoubtedly the focus of the fragrance, but then something happens.  Shortly thereafter the aspects of traditional cologne comes roaring out of, quite literally, the woodwork. 

the singing butler

The Singing Butler  Jack Vettriano

It is truly remarkable.  It’s like all of a sudden a lemon cologne bomb explodes with the most sweetly tart juice you could ever dare imagine yourself being doused in.  I kid you not; this bomb decimates EVERYTHING in a glorious cloud of nostalgic wonderment.  At this point there is no arguing that this is definitely a citrus cologne in structure,  period.   I almost hear it saying, “I am cologne, hear me roar!”  The thing is, it does it in a most dignified manner.  Again, I repeat, truly, truly remarkable. As the bomb’s effects give way the aftermath shows that nothing was destroyed, but things were indeed changed.  The tartness of the citrus is coalescing with sage to further accentuate the lavender and cedar notes from before.  Here I get the impression of fresh cut Russian Sage in a cedar soaking barrell full of water.  For a guy like me, this is glorious imagery.   It’s at this stage that I also notice something that reminds me of Rodrigo’s previous work.  In particular Inverse done for Kylie Minogue.  While the two are very different, there’s something in the DNA that ties them together to their creator.  To me, there’s a signature, or shall I say autograph? 

starry starry night

Starry Starry Night Jack Vettriano

The final drydown leaves us with a hint of patchouli  in an ambery cloud of slightly wet woods.  Very classy and refined. When it’s all said and done around 7 hours has past and I can not help but feel that I just witnessed something very, very special.  It’s a cologne that’s rustically handsome for the ladies and elegantly beautiful for the gents.  I  think of it myself like this…this is the kind of stuff that makes memories and, fortunate me,  I just witnessed history in the making. 

 

Jack Vettriano - Men In White Shirts

Jack Vettriano Men in White Shirts

For the 2nd half of the week I wore Cologne as my office scent.  Cologne was the outcome of an imagined visit with Le Galion’s original perfumer (Paul Vacher) with Rodrigo enjoying the gardens at of the mansion house of Le Galion.  I must say, it was a lovely visit as I observed it virtually as a movie in the mind.  The main attraction of the scent is certainly oranges and the flowers that beget them.  The sun is shining brilliantly and the air is just the right temperature to permeate the breeze with the scent of a million orange blossoms.  

the secrets of my  success

The Secrets of My Success Jack Vettriano

Amongst the trees are other fragrant delights that titillate the senses at certain moments acting to support the neroli/orange blossom, but never undermine her supremacy.  It’s very easy for me to see a flash of vivid colors in this cologne; hues of green, white, orange, blue dance vividly, albeit calmly,  in my head.  Most of all, it makes me realize what is special about the art form of cologne; it serves as a reminder that what was, can still be…classic is still elegant. 

avoyage of discovery

A Voyage of Discovery Jack Vettriano

With Cologne I think we can come to the realization that some stories will never get old, it’s just the characters and the medium that change (yet, somehow, stays the same) over time.  Almost as if the authors, actors, and actresses have learned and built upon everything that came before them and then super infused their characters with charisma all while being shot in ultra high definition.  Another thing, this isn’t over in a couple hours.  Oh no….this goes on for way more than that (about 6 hours in, it is still very apparent on the skin).  Even after it is nearly gone (8 hours or so), it’s still slightly present.  So, yet again, I have witnessed history in the making.

Disclosure: Samples sent by  Rodrigo Flores Roux on behalf of Le Galion, opinions my own

Aaron Potterman, Contributor and Vintage Perfume Expert

the morning after

The Morning After Jack Vettriano

Art Direction Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief. I chose the contermporary artist Jack Vettriano, born in Scotland with a purpose.  His work stresses craft over concept,  neo-relaistic and depict nostalgic encounters and for me a great fit to Aaron's reviews. Just as Le Galion had a celebrity clientele including Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot and Bette Davis, Jack Vettriano's paintings (which have sold for extraordinary prices) are collected by Tim Rice and Jack Nicholson.

le-galion-sortilege-nicolas-chabot-cafleurebon

Nicolas Chabot at the Launch of Le Galion Esxence 2014- Photo by Tama Blough

Editor’s Note: Le Galion, Nicolas Chabot and Rodrigo Flores-Roux will always be very special to CaFleureBon.  The first reviews  of the newly restored House were written by  our beloved and much missed Tama Blough who met Nicolas at Esxence in March of 2014,  (Nicolas is featured in our Creative Directors in Perfumery series.) In addition Rodrigo Flores-Roux is not only one of the best perfumers on the planet, a friend who I have known nearly a decade and a vintage perfume lover.  John Varvatos’ Dark Rebel ( youtube review by Sebastian Jara) is a top five finalist in the upcoming Fragrance Foundation Awards in the Men’s Prestige Category.

Le  galion cologne and Cologne Nocturne CaFleureBon

Le Galion Cologne and Cologne Nocturne (photo Roberto Greco)

Thanks to Nicolas Chabot we have a worldwide draw for a registered reader for your choice of COLOGNE NOCTURNE, OR COLOGNEYou must be registered  To be eligible, please leave a comment about what appealed to you about Le Galion Cologne Nocturne and Cologne from Aaron’s review, if you have experienced Le Galion, where you live. Draw closes 5/20/16

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

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41 comments

  • ron payne says:

    I have not experienced Le Galion’s fragrances. But the review brought back a rush of wonderful memories–for me, that’s one of the most wonderful things a great scent can do. I am from Atlanta, Georgia.

  • Have not yet tried anything from this house. Love all colognes in general and would be excited to win some. I like that it was described with a focus on lavender and cedar but then something “happens” and traditional cologne comes roaring out. USA

  • fazalcheema says:

    I am particularly intrigued by Cologne Nocturne because it really does seem like a cologne that is suitable for evenings, with cedar and lavender being the main notes. It is also surprising how citrus is kind of middle note here even though it tends to be top note usually. My choice for this draw will be Cologne Nocturne. I knew about Le Galion brand even before the resurrection of the house. I have only tried vintage ones and own Snob. Thanks a lot for the generous draw. I am in the US

  • Lellabelle says:

    I love a good cologne in the traditional style, and would love to experience Rodrigo Flores-Roux’s interpretation for Le Galion. The house has such a wonderful history and I wish them much success with the relaunch.
    I would like to win Cologne, because the inspiration for the perfume sounds absolutely wonderful. I’m imagining a martini and cigar on the terrace of Le Galion right now!
    “COLOGNE is a beautiful olfactory interpretation of an imaginary meeting between Paul Vacher and Rodrigo Flores-Roux, sharing a cocktail and a cigar in the gardens of the Mansion house of Le Galion on a summers afternoon in the shade of blossoming orange trees”
    Thank you to Nicolas Chabot for the generous draw. Canada or US please.

  • Aaron’s review and “Wow” rating makes me want to cry Cologne Nocturne. Plus a big lemon sounds cool and refreshing. I have not tried anything from this line but I love colognes in summer so the perfect season for wear approaches. Thanks for the draw. I live in USA>

  • Cologne Nocturne sounds great, but I’d choose Cologne, because “…[t]he sun is shining brilliantly and the air is just the right temperature to permeate the breeze with the scent of a million orange blossoms.” I’ve been searching for a perfume with just this effect. I haven’t tried anything from Le Galion (vintage or modern) yet, but Cologne is calling to me. (I really liked the artwork accompanying this review, too.) I’m in the US, and thank you!

  • The enthusiasm in first paragraph about Cologne Nocturne has sold me on it, so I’d chose Cologne Nocturne. I haven’t tried anything from the brand before and would like to. I’m in the US.

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    Both fragrances Sound beautifully but I am a Little bit afarid of the lavender in Cologen Nocturne so I would Chose “Cologne”, especially because of ” Most of all, it makes me realize what is special about the art form of cologne; it serves as a reminder that what was, can still be…classic is still elegant.”

    I haven’t tried a perfume of Le Galion yet but I think I will have to ;-))

    Thanks for the draw! I live in the EU.

  • Such a wonderful & well described review. The paragraph “It’s a cologne that’s rustically handsome for the ladies and elegantly beautiful for the gents. I think of it myself like this…this is the kind of stuff that makes memories and, fortunate me, I just witnessed history in the making” is awesome.
    This paragraph “With Cologne I think we can come to the realization that some stories will never get old, it’s just the characters and the medium that change (yet, somehow, stays the same) over time.” is absolutely gorgeous.
    I have never tried anything from this perfume house & would like to get hands on few which are on my want list. Here I’ll chose Cologne.
    I live in Peshawar, Pakistan. Thanks for the draw.

  • misty_father says:

    Loved how versatile and fancy these fragrancs seem to be. Cologne noir fits my style, it’s classy but wearable for everyday use, including office use. I have never tried a perfume of Le Galion.

    I live in the EU.

  • Gregorysop says:

    It is always awesome that a company can be resurrected from obscurity and revitalize itself in modern form. I reviewed how many fragrances they have come out with essentially since 2014. Quite a few of them garnering excellent reviews as well. I would really enjoy the opportunity to try one or both of these out and share it with my friends here at GM to support them. If i had to chose just one it would be Cologne Nocturne.
    From the USA.
    Thanks for the Draw

  • Very nice review. I have never have a chance to try any of Le Galion fragrances. Both are sounds amazing from the review. If I will be the winner, my choice is Cologne. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • I am loving his descriptions of the two colognes! I’ve been dying to try Cologne Nocturne, especially because of the descriptions of cedar and “camphorous lavender” he mentions. How fascinating!

    I’ve gotten to try a bunch of le Galion samples, and absolutely love my mini of Rose–so rich and enveloping! My choice would be Cologne Nocturne, and I’m in the EU. Thanks for the draw!

  • Elizabeth T says:

    I love what Le Galion has done… Whip is a favorite – I love how bright and bracing it is. It’s especially refreshing on hot summer days! I would love to see how the citrus is done in Cologne Nocturne for this very reason. I’m in the USA. Thank you for the draw!

  • Lissette78 says:

    I have not tried anything from this house and I would love to win Cologne Nocturne.
    Wonderful review as always!
    From Texas, USA

  • MikasMinion says:

    I’ve still not tried any Le Galion, but Cologne Nocturne has gotten rave reviews and sounds like an interesting interpretation of the classic cologne, a genre I love. I’m in the US and Cologne Nocturne would be my choice.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I only know Sortilege and that is more than enough for me to make an idea about Le Galion. Knowing that they have a rich history behind them, Cologne seems very much something that I would enjoy. A type of classic and simple cologne by Le Galion can only be extraordinary. The refreshing power of Cologne would be welcomed for the hot upcoming summer.

    I am an EU reader. Thanks for the draw!

  • ntabassum92 says:

    I would choose Cologne, although it’s hard to choose based on the beautiful descriptions. What appeals to me most – the contrasting images I get in my hand based on the descriptions. One seems dark and mysterious, even though it has a lemon bomb. And the other I can just picture the orange blossom grove and the breeze moving through those beautiful blossoms and onwards through a blue sky. I am in VA, U.S.

  • I only heard about this house last year. Colognes are a staple of mine in warm weather to apply and re-apply all day. If this is somehow classic yet modern all the better. I would love the Nocturne version Aaron’s description after the lemon shows up has me curious. 🙂 U.S.

  • bernardom says:

    Sounds like a traditional yet modern cologne that is very versatile. I really want to try it. I have never smelled Le Galion.

    I live in the EU.

  • Robert H. says:

    I’ve been wanting to get my nose around the Le Galion for some time, this sounds amazing! I’d choose Cologne, because I’m a hot weather kind of guy and it sounds perfect! In the USA, many thanks!

  • Wow that was quite a read. I loved the story you told to describe these two classics. I have not had the opportunity to try a Le Galion scent, but I definitely will in the near future. They both sound so amazing, but my choice would be Cologne Nocturne. I’m in Canada and thanks so much for the draw.

  • My grandmother wore Sortilege and I will always remember how wonderful she smelled.
    I really enjoyed Aaron’s enthusiasm and that he feels under the new ownership history is in the Making
    Nocturne sounds like it would be my favorite
    Canada

  • i love the review illustrated by such wonderful works of Jack Vettriano. Both scents seem to be perfect for summer, but i would choose cologne nocturne! Thank you for the review and the draw! I live in the EU.

  • Aaron’s review was absolutely amazing and above reproach! I hung on to every word and he really captured the essence of this fragrance. I would definitely choose Cologne Nocturne. I live in the US and thanks for the draw! 🙂

  • What caught my attention in Aaron’s review is that with Cologne Nocturne, something as theoretically simple as a cologne is able to wow a vintage perfume connaisseur. I have been long searching for the perfect cologne, as I am more of an orientals fan, but still would like that lemon-infused haze around me, so I would love to win this one.
    From Le Galion I have tried the excellent Special for Gentlemen and 222.
    I am in Belgium, EU.

  • Aaron’s review of Cologne Nocturne is enough to sell me on this fragrance. I love splashing on cologne for that feel of cleanliness. This one sounds like a twist on the concept, yet still true to the spirit.
    I would love to win a bottle of Cologne Nocturne. I live in the EU.

  • I love colognes and I love all of Rodrigo’s creations so the combination must be amazing! I would love try both but I think Cologne is more up my alley. Iam in the UK!

  • Miss Almond says:

    I’m particularly drawn to the words about “some stories that never get old”. What a wonderful description of a classic and timeless scent! I would love to try Cologne. I live in the EU. Thanks!

  • Aaron’s enthusiasm is contagious! I have not yet experienced Le Galion but that will be changing soon regardless of who wins the draw. I am torn between the two, but Cologne Nocturne sounds like it would be a fabulous “first” woody chypre type for me to sniff. I am in the US. Thank you!

  • There’s nothing like reading a head-over-heels review to win me over. They both sound lovely, but how could I resist the “rustically handsome” Cologne Nocturne? The cedar-lavender-sage combination sounds incredible. I haven’t tried any Le Galion fragrances. Fingers crossed I will get the chance. I live in Canada, thank you.

  • Iphigenia says:

    Both fragrances must smell really wonderful but I would choose “Cologne” because of what is mentioned in Aarons review: ” Most of all, it makes me realize what is special about the art form of cologne; it serves as a reminder that what was, can still be…classic is still elegant.”
    Unfortunately to say I haven’t up till today given the opportunity to experience any perfume from Le Galion house and I really long to have the honor!
    I am a registered reader living in EU.
    Thank you both for the lovely review and for the generous draw!

  • teresa310 says:

    I have never heard of Le Galion before… Looks like I was missing a lot! I am a big fan of cologne-type scents, from Eau de Cologne by Farina to contemporary fresh-spicy perfumes like Aqua Allegoria Gentiana, Eau de Cologne du 68 or Eau d’Orange Verte. I am very curious about this “slightly camphorous lavender” in Cologne Nocturne, so this would be my choice. Thanks! (EU)

  • echinacea says:

    Thank you Aaron for so interesting and inspiring review. I am currently looking for something light, crispy and elegant for this summer and your description of Cologne suggests that possibly this is it! I’d love to try Cologne and verify my intuition. I live in Europe.

  • Very interesting description! I love crispy chypre perfumes with prominent neroli notes. I would choose Cologne.
    I am from the EU.

  • Diana Devlin says:

    Yet another new line I’d not been familiar with. I love reading your reviews because it exposes me to so many fragrance houses I wouldn’t otherwise know about!
    I live in the U.S.

  • JCIMS1611 says:

    Thanks you for the draw. The lasting power of the cologne is what leaked my interest. I enjoy the smell of cologne but do not have any in my fragrance collection because of longevity just never appealed to me.

    I’m in the US

  • Wayne Hollander says:

    Though it’ a well-worn phrase at this point….I am still a newcomer and so many of these perfumers and houses are completely new to me. I often feel out of my depth…but it’s exciting too! Aaron really brought both fragrances to vivid life for me. Of the two, I would choose Cologne Nocturne for that tart lemon bomb he describes 🙂 Also, I love the artist Michelyn chose and will be looking into him…the style really appeal to me; as well, I am most definitely inspired to investigate the house further. Thanks from New York City!

  • I love how classic and extremely elegant this sounds. I love these clean and classy scents!

    I would love to win Cologne Nocturne.

    I’m a Canadian reader.