Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif Review (Quentin Bisch) 2018 + Drunk on Roses Draw

La Rose aux Plusiers Centres by Nur Muskara

Paint me a single, proud rose, with light and shadow of such exquisite depth that I forget about real roses, lost in the melancholy beauty of the artist’s mind. The candied liqueur aspects of Turkish rose in Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif give the effect of 1001 roses being condensed into the essence of a solitary rose.

Quentin Bisch courtesy of Quentin

 Quentin Bisch, Perfumer, says, “the idea  for Delina in the Exclusif concentration was to be more liqueur de rose and rich oriental like a Mille et Une Nuit rose with loukoum and amber.”

stock photo Loukhoum  urkish Delight

A Thousand and One Nights rose with Turkish delight and amber, how beautiful! I love that the rose note changes as Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif develops on skin. At first there is the slightest hint of powder layered over a classic fruity-floral accord: the tartness of lychee and peach reveal the light, happy, carefree aspect of the rose. Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif shares its happy lychee and rose notes with Parfums de Marly Delina (also signed by Quentin Bisch in 2017), but the opening is where the similarities end.

Collage by Susie Bairds© for CaFleureBon

Later the rose deepens into a lush liqueur. Imagine drinking Turkish rose petals! Imagine it, getting drunk on a flower. Inspired by the Oriental decadence of A Thousand and One Nights, a shimmering veil of incense and oud hangs in the air, revealing the darker qualities of the rose. In the dry down, the smoke clears to reveal a vanilla and amber cloud of whipped cream. This is yummy fragrant deliciousness, but it never competes with the rose. It’s a floriental flirting with the gourmand aspects of rose, inspired by Turkish delight, candied rose jelly dusted in confectioners’ sugar. 

Sarah Brightman Harem Tour 2004

There’s a moment of euphoria in Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif when you realize what happened wasn’t your fault. Oud, like tears from the agar tree, cried because of time lost to a relationship or unpleasant situation. If it wasn’t for that oud, the frosting sweetness of rose and vanilla would spin a dream so thick you just might believe that nothing bad ever happens, ever. 

Prasida at the Osswald Event for Parfums de Marly

I like fruity florals because they make me feel happy. I like being honest about my own pain because that makes me happy too. The deepest happiness is only possible when you can let that drop of pain be something real.  Elegant rose, sugary vanilla frosting, and syrupy lychee, without that drop of oud,  Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif  would be a fantasy. Tiny drops of agar wood tears remain, like shadows turning a painting from fantasy into a realistic rendering of fruit and flowers. 2018 may be ending, but the beauty of Quentin Bisch’s Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif remains a testimony to the condensing of a year’s experience into a single lesson, carried forward as we look towards the future.

Disclaimer: I purchased my bottle of  Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif  at a Parfums de Marly Boutique event.  Opinions are my own.

~Prasida Newman,  Guest Contributor

~ Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Follow us  Instagram @cafleurebon @prasida.perfume @parfumsdemarly @quentinbischperfumer

Thanks to the generosity of  Yvan Jacqueline of Fine Fragrance Distribution the US distributor of Parfums de Marly we have one 75ml bottle ($320) of Delina Exclusif for one registered reader in the US. (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, tell us what appeals to you about Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif based on Prasida’s review, your favorite perfume from Parfums de Marly, and why you enjoy wearing rose perfume. Draw closes 12/16/2018                                                     

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

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39 comments

  • Jessica Stewart says:

    I have been eyeing the original Delina for ages but I think you sold me on the Exclusift! Based off the review above, I think it will suit me perfectly! Soft, sweet, feminine but a little sour, with a boozy floral finale… I think I just described myself! I can definitely relate to fragrance’s embodying emotions as well, my collection is definitely built on moods, experiences, memories, and how I want to portray myself that day. Fragrance is an experience and not many people I know understand that. I currently don’t own any Parfums de Marly yet but it’s a house I am very interested in testing. My current favorite rose perfume is “Briar Rose” by Ineke, it’s also a boozy, rose jam and perfect for lifting my spirits! Thank you for this opportunity!

  • Just Add Light says:

    I always thought to myself, if Delina Exclusif is as good as Layton’s elder brother, we have ourselves a winner. As a guy with more than a few ‘masculine’ friends, it isn’t always easy rocking rose with the fellas on a night out. Dates on the other hand…well, let’s just say that women are a little more appreciative. Seems that they understand that rose used to be associated with masculinity in the past (and still is in some parts of the world).

    But it’s the liqueur aspect in this one that really caught my attention, coupled with the vanilla and amber that serve to tame the rose into a quasi-gourmand. And being a gourmand lover who enjoys a little booziness in his fragrances…yeah, you can tell I’m getting worked up. lol I honestly really loved Prasida’s description. And just as my favourite Layton Exclusif deals a subtle hand of oud on top of the mass appealing apple in Layton, I can only imagine the effect that incense and oud must have on the delicate fruity rose of an already successful Delina. Cheers! NC.

  • This seems like something I might enjoy as it is liquer rose. The review gives me impression it has some similarities to Malle Une Rose which I have in original formula. There are other notes but rose stays the central star of this perfume. I am in US.

  • Delina and Delina Exclusif have been on my to try/buy list for a while. I’ve always enjoyed the fantastical nature of the florals and lychee medley present in Delina, but Prasida’s eloquence around the touch of pain to make that scene even a more realistic is even more intriguing.
    There’s an ethereal beauty with Delina as well as some grounding notes that I believe a guy can pull off easily but that added depth really makes it a no brainer for a confident gentleman to pull off.

  • I really enjoyed Prasida’s vulnerability in this review and the fragrance sounds delicious! I know my wife would love this fruity floral and I wouldn’t mind giving it a wear as well. My favorite PDM is probably Layton because of all the compliments it brings. My favorite rose is a young rose like that in L’homme Ultime. Arkansas, USA

  • My favorite Parfums de Marly is Oajan. The rose in Delina Exclusif sounds deliciously paired with lychee. Thanks for another fabulous draw! USA

  • I just loved the way Prasida described the fragrance in all its facets. I’m really intrigued by the accord of Oud and incense in the base that contrasts the sugary rosey aspect of the composition along the development. That’s kind of rare for a women targeted fragrance. My favorite from the PDM universe right now is Layton Exclusif for the high quality and the subtle animalic touch it has. Thanks for the draw. USA from.

  • I am absolutely head over heels in love with Parfums de Marly Safanad. I also am head over heels in love with Turkish loukhum, as well and would love to try this one. Rose and incense is one of my favorite combinations and Prasida’s review describes this scent as ‘dreamlike.’ I am in the US.

  • I like the Parfums de Marly line and my favorite one is still Oajan. Delina Exclusif sounds quite lovely with the rose and sweetness tempered by oud and resins. Rose, the Queen of Flowers, is always uplifting, whether it is light and airy or Gothic and dark and all the inbetweens. USA.

  • It’s great to see that this isn’t a flanker and can be its own perfume. I love the idea of being drunk on roses with oud and loukoum
    Thank him you such a beautiful review
    My favorite is the first Delina so I will love this

  • The rose/oud, rose/incense or combination of the three is nothing new and certainly not for my collection. But sugary-syrupy gourmand intergrated with “tears” of agar wood is something I have yet to experience. And is what interest me the most. It took adulthood to appreciate rose and now even the grandma smelling rose scents. I’m looking forward to experiencing Delina Exclusif. This is a great giveaway. USA

  • What a beautifully written review. I appreciate the way Prasida presents the notion of the oud in Delina Extrait preventing the sweet, fruity rose notes from being too unreal, making wearing it a more nuanced experience. I quite like Meloria and Safanad, two of Marly’s other feminine fragrances. Rose is my favorite floral note in perfumes because it can be used in so many different ways by perfumers, from dark and musky, to spicy and bright, to light and green. I live in the US. Thank you for the great review and the generous draw.

  • This great review by Prasida makes Delina Extrait sound (and smell) completely irresistible. Turkish gourmand aspects flirting with floriental Rose, with a touch of oud thrown in to snap us out of our dream is a lovely description, and Prasida’s insight “the deepest happiness is only possible when you can let that drop of pain be something real.” certainly resonates with me! I have yet to try anything by Parfums de Marly. I love wearing rose scents, because there are endless ways in which to render the essence. Oh and that lychee note excites me, too! I’m in the U.S. Thanks for this very generous draw.

  • I love the presentation!! I love the pink bottle! And I adore rose fragrances. The scent of rose makes me smile and makes me feel so feminine and sexy. Delina sounds so yummy with the vanilla and milky notes. I don’t own any full bottles of PdM but have gotten some decants from Carlos of Brooklyn Fragrance Lover of Carlisle and Percival. I love both of them so I am certain I would love Delina!
    I live in the USA.

  • So beautiful review!! I have tested this perfume and really enjoyed Prasida’ s description.
    I liked this part very much: “Imagine drinking Turkish rose petals! Imagine it, getting drunk on a flower”.
    I think Delina is perfect as present to female.
    I like PdM Layton and Herod.
    US

  • Roses roses, everywhere! Beautiful review to a beautiful fragrance. I got a small wiff of Delina from Nordstroms. It is amazing. I also liked Herod from Parfums de Marly. A very generous givaway. Thank you. I live in the US.

  • Wow, this sounds so delightful and rich. I love the original Delina, but haven’t gotten my nose on this one. I enjoyed Presidia’s description of “yummy fragrant deliciousness”. I love a fragrance that is slightly gourmande. This article made me crave some Turkish Delight! Thanks for the chance!! USA.

  • prasida.perfume says:

    Thank you all for your lovely and supportive comments! I am so happy that you enjoyed reading my work. Merry Christmas!

  • I really love roses and the scent of rose on skin. I personally love Herod as a Christmas and Holiday scent which I will be wearing. This is an amazing give away to say the least. I am in CA, USA. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good life!

  • Quentin Bisch has told a story written in petals and turkish delight I am happily entertained.I presume i’ll love the smell too-sounds super good.
    I need to sample Exclusif because i do love Parfums de Marly as a brand .
    Love my bottle of Delina .. i mean “regular” Delina – haven’t tried Exclusif yet.I also really like Oajan .
    Rhubarb is a big part of “regular” Delina and i like it a lot,but it’s not present here
    Tnx for the generous giveaway and Prasida Newman for her spontaneous article.
    Cheers from VA

  • Oh my gosh, this just sounds delish! Drops off agar wood tears indeed! I do not have a fav Marly scent, but I can appreciate allowing ourselves to feel our pain… Without pain and sorrow how can we measure our joy and contentment? I like natural rose, and after Luca Turin noted that Le Feu d’issey has notes of rose, i can’t not smell it in there! Thank you for the draw and for the lovely article! In the us

  • I love how the article illustrated the complexity of the fragrance, distilling so many roses into one beautiful creation. I love Rose in perfumes as it lifts my mood and transports me to a lush spring garden year round. My favorite from PDM is Layton. Thanks for the generous giveaway!

  • You could have knocked me over with a feather when I started to seriously get into perfumes about a year ago & discovered how much I gravitate toward rose scents. Of course I’ve always thought they’re beautiful flowers in real life, but they always struck me as too mainstream & not exotic enough to be a favorite. Enter the magical world of perfumery & a door was opened to all of the different aspects & wonders of roses. Now I can’t get enough! Gothic rose? Yes. Fresh rose? Yes. Jammy rose? Heck yeah. Rose liquor? Absolutely. The regular Delina has so far been my favorite of the line. That strange yet wonderful rhubarb note with a beautiful vanilla is right up my alley. I also have to say that Prasida’s review was both vulnerable and heartwarming. I fell in love with fragrances for their ability to move me or make me feel something on an emotional level. It took me a long time to realize that there are both sad & happy parts to life and that I can deal with them both. I don’t need to constantly try to fix my feelings to get to a happy place. Life goes on & my feelings will always be changing and that’s ok. Thanks so much from Cleveland Ohio.

  • Still need to explore the House of PDM. Delina sounds like a nice sweet fragrance. Having an elegant rose with some vanilla and lychee does sound good. I’ve been wanting to try Layton Exclusif and many others.
    I’ve smelled Herod and it is a nice scent. Thank you for the giveaway
    California

  • Roses comes with thorns. Passion comes with pain. You gotta sin to be saved. I like layering rose scents with something a little more hard and animalic. I like White Roses from Shiseido. I read that the Empress of Japan wore it on her wedding day.
    I have tried Herod from this house and I liked its strength.
    I live in the USA,

  • Rose is one of my favorite fragrance notes. It’s also one of my favorite flavors. It’s wonderful in pastries like baklawa or kunafe, in ice cream, drinks, cocktails, candies etc. I’m even having some locum right now as I was reading this.
    I havent tried much from the house. I do like Herod and Layton though.
    I like wearing rose because it’s a really multidimensional scent. It is sort of citrusy, fresh, but dark, and sophisticated.

    Im in the US. Thanks for the draw

  • You had me at rose and powder. I adore rose scents. One of my first frags in my high school days was Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose. It’s been a slippery slope ever since.

  • I have a really strong olfactory memory associated with Rose.
    My Grandma used to have a big garden, full of a lot of different species of rose, some were really powerful, and some were gentle and light smelling.
    That’s the main reason why I LOVE to wear rose fragrances… I always get nostalgic memories and happy feelings when I use them.
    Prasida’s review got me when she said about the “realistic” touch that oud gave to the composition of this beauty. Oud + Vanillic Soft Rose is just GORGEOUS.
    My favorite Perfume from Parfums de Marly is Layton Exclusif:
    A beautiful woody, spicy and delicious fragrance.
    I would like to join the Draw Please. Thank you.

  • I love how she bares herself in a very personal way while she described both the drunken deliciousness of the perfume juxtaposed against the harsh “tears of oud” (love that!). Also how she worked the perfumer and his growing talent into the finish. I want to be drunk on rose loukoum…

    Favorite Marly? Hamdani then Pegasus and Herod.

    Rides like the gemstones Ruby and rose quartz have myruad facers not every rise smells the same and there are so many awesome combinations. They all are lovely, even the powdery old lady ones.

    In the US and registered. Thanks for the generous prize and even more for the passion Çafleurebon has for perfume and the time love and energy everyone there contributes to the best blog out there…nostrils down.

    Merry Christmas to everyone involved or reading this.

    GP xox

  • I loved this…’1001 roses being condensed into the essence of a solitary rose’. The rose notes change as it develops on the skin. I like fruity florals. Everything about this fragrance is interesting especially the bottle. I love roses so I always love fragrances that are rosy. I do not have a favorite Parfums de Marly.

    I live in California.

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    “”A Thousand and One Nights rose with Turkish delight and amber, how beautiful! I love that the rose note changes as Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif develops on skin”” this is the Best part and I like the post.
    I love the presentation very fancy and unique.
    My favorite fragance from this house
    ALWAYS (PEGASUS)!!!!
    Miami Florida Thanks

  • I’ve never tried a perfume from PDM but every time I see a bottle I swoon! The tassels really take it over the top. Prasida’s emotional review makes this perfume sound like a stirring tour de force. A perfume doesn’t have to be challenging and aggressive to make you feel something. As we turn the page and get ready to start a new year, there’s something appealing about an unabashed fruity floriental that takes decadent roses to the limit. Roses are universal and eternally beautiful, I can never have enough of them in any format. I’m in the US, thanks for the review and the draw.

  • This really makes the Parfums De Marly Delina Exclusif version sound better than the original. I’ve been meaning to buy the original Delina since I read about it here sense I’m a big fan of rose. This makes it sound like a much richer and sweeter take on rose. I’ve been a big fan of the original Lyaton by Parfum De Marly, and I love rose because it’s one of those florals that really stands out and has its own unique character.

  • I do like the background and the idea behind Delina Exclusif “the idea for Delina in the Exclusif concentration was to be more liqueur de rose and rich oriental like a Mille et Une Nuit rose with loukoum and amber.”
    I also like the “1001 nights” reference with the turkish delight and amber .
    Intersting description – sounds pretty good.
    My favorite Parfums de Marly fragrance is Habdan – it’s unreal how good it is…to me at least.I’ll never get rid of it …no way.One of my all time favorite fragrances.I also love Oajan , but i need a new bottle because my girlfrind loves it too.
    I do like all kind of rose combo’s , and not just some mono-rose smells .. rose+myrr+olibanum , or jammy rose and coffee …
    I follow all @cafleurebon,@quentinbischperfumer and @parfumsdemarly on Instagram , and i’m about to check @prasida.perfume too.
    Thank you for the draw.
    Virginia

  • Just like miss Newman I do like fruity floral fragrances.For the most part they do make me happy yes.Elegant rose , sugary vanilla frosting, and syrupy lychee, without that drop of our….you won my heart with this line.I do remember A thousand and One Nights book book.The idea of rose loukhoum and amber sound delicious.I used to eat rose loukhoum so much when I was a kid.I can’t talk about the whole Parfums de Marly line , because the only one I know is Pegasus.My husband owns it, but I use it too.What a scent! Not only smells super good, but it also lasts ages on me.Two sprays -no more! With more you’ll choke people out. Performance is through the roof and beyond. USA

  • Kurt Atega says:

    your page is annoying to many adds i cant tell which to read, its not about money maam its about the passion of the frags.