Perfume Review:  Perris Monte Carlo Absolue d’Osmanthe (Gian Luca Perris and Jean-Michel Santorini) 2016 + Opulence and Orientalism Draw

Perris Monte Carlo perfumes are known for their transportive scents of place and olfactive journeys. Today's fragrant expedition takes us to Asia and India, a magical mystery tour of glorious places steeped in a long history of wonder, spiritualism, and opulence.  As one of the top ten finalists of the Fourth Annual Art and Olfaction Awards, Perris Monte Carlo’s Absloue d’Osmanthe is a masterpiece in creative collaboration on many different levels It is clear that the team of Gian Luca Perris (Creative Director) and Jean-Michel Santorini (Perfumer) had an elaborate vision when they created this fragrance…one which they executed brilliantly.

A Lady from Qing DynastyLiFeng Di

Our journey begins with the first spray. We are immediately transported to Southern China (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) around mid-autumn. Here masses of Osmanthus (Sweet Olive) trees are in full bloom. 

Osmanthus Blossoms by Elise Pearlstine, Editor ©

You are situated between beautiful mountains and as the air swirls around you are taken aback by the beauty your eyes and nose are beholding.  The air is thick with the intoxicating blooms of the tree reminiscent of sweet apricot. 

Chinese Vase with Peaches  (carolchambers.biz)

The flowers are lush (with an undertone similar to light leather), and the impression of apricot is deep, luscious, and succulent. As represented in the perfume this facet is completely obvious and, frankly, one of the best renditions I have experienced.  Its vibrancy and trueness to osmanthus flowers in bloom remarkable..

Tree of Life (Brown Variation) II Gustav Klimt

The second part of our journey takes us east into India.  Here the highly prized scent of sandalwood permeates our senses from its use in religious ceremonies.  The scent is literally everywhere as it rises from the temples and homes of the locals. It is said by many to aid one on a magical journey of purification enroute to a higher state of consciousness and to more easily connect to the Divine. The sandalwood presented here is sweet and very woody- perfectly complementing the osmanthus.

Oriental Bazaar Scene at Cairo by Filippo Bartolini – Italian, 1861

Our third stop brings us to the lands of Pakistan, Persia (Iran), and Arabia.  We are in the open air markets/bazaars that offer just about anything the mind could imagine from the far reaches of the globe.  It is here we are introduced to the wonders of jasmine, labdanum, tolu balsam, and vanilla. Each of these aromas mingle enchantingly with our  past  stops in China and India.  Together, they bring darker and mysterious mystique to this perfume. The sweetness of sandalwood is accentuated nicely by the resinous aspect of labdanum. 

Digital Art MC jasmine 

Jasmine boosts the floral aspects and really brings forward the leathery effect of the osmanthus. Tolu balsam and vanilla from across the seas  to add a further element that draws the nose  to the wrist, wanting more.  Everything is in perfect measure. 

 

Frederic Louis Leve

Perris Monte Carlo Absolue d’Osmanthe is a stunning Oriental perfume with a decidedly Middle Eastern flair and to my nose, well worth $180 for 100 ml in these days of aspirational pricing of over $200! If you’re like me and love beautiful bottles, this brand’s flacons are treasures. This is a perfume that has substantial sillage and the longevity that is well above average (the base is lingering on my skin a full 24 hours after first spray).  This perfume would make a fine edition to anyone’s collection, especially those who enjoys darker, headier, and heavier perfumes

Notes:Osmanthus, Jasmine Sambac, Sandalwood, Castoreum, Vanilla, Plum, tolu balsam, Woods, Baie Rose

Disclaimer: Review based on an Eau De Parfum tester supplied by Perris Monte Carlo. Thank you. Opinions are my own.

Aaron Potterman, Contributor and Vintage Perfume Expert; co-written by Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief who also is the Art Director

In the USA available at select stockists including Bloomingdales  and Luckyscent

Absolue D'Osmanthe photo Perris Monte Carlo

Thanks to the generosity of The Perris Group we have a 100 ml bottle of Absolue d’Osmanthe EDP (valued at $190) for a registered US reader, (please register so your comment counts here). To be eligible, please tell us what you thought of Aaron’s review of Absolue d’Osmanthe, if you enjoy Oriental perfumes or osmanthus and your favorite Perris Monte Carlo Fragrance. The draw closes 5/4/2017

We announce the winners on our 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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29 comments

  • Rustee46 says:

    I love being able to travel the world to places I have never been and will probably never get to visit through these wonderful, evocative reviews! The orientals are my favorite group of fragrances, and I have an osmanthus soliflore from Dame that I also very much enjoy. I have not yet gotten to sample a fragrance from this perfumer, but the Santal du Pacifique and Rose de Taif interest me as well. Thank you for the draw! I live in the US.

  • Rae Lynn says:

    Absolue d’Osmanthe sounds divine! I was starting to drool at Aaron’s description. The beautiful flowers smelling of apricots and leather. Then, the mellow woodiness of sandalwood, and the final sweetness of jasmine and vanilla. All balanced by tolu balsam and labdanum. I would love to win this! I live in the US.

  • ringthing says:

    What a wonderful opportunity, thanks for the chance! I really appreciate Aaron’s description of the osmanthus and that the presence of jasmine brings the leathery aspects of osmanthus forward. Yum! All that with tolu balsam and labdanum sound fabulous. I’d love to try this, I’m definitely a fan of Orientals and osmanthus and have not tried Perris Monte Carlo perfumes yet. I’m in the US.

  • RoseMacaroon says:

    Wow, what a treat of a review. I love the structuhe in that the notes as they emerge draw you into the imagined places. I felt properly transported, and that is pretty much what i’m after! Thank you for the draw, and for the multiple destination sensory extravaganza of a review! I love orientals, dark and balsamic perfumes, et al, but not sure i know osmanthus specifically. I am in the US. I havent had a chance to smell any of this line yet.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I love oriental fragrances. They are my favorite. To go hopping from one country to another picking up scents sounds glorious. Sweet olive grows where I live and it is amazing. I don’t have a favorite of this house as I have never tried any of their fragrances. Thank you so much for the draw. I live in the USA

  • mrpeeck says:

    I have really never smell a osmanthus dominate fragrance. An apricot-smelling blossom… interesting… This should be a lightly leather and floral sandalwood scent. Luca Perris and Jean-Michel Santorini seems to have come up with a winning line for Perris Maonte Carlo here! THANK YOU

  • ntabassum92 says:

    Wow! Wonderful review, we visited so many different places while reading about just one fragrance! I love Oriental perfumes and osmanthus perfumes, although I believe I have yet to smell osmanthus in real life. I have never tried a Perris Monte Carlo fragrance – thanks for the chance!

  • Lellabelle says:

    Wonderful review! Osmanthus is such a gorgeous note, and pairing it with sandalwood and castoreum sounds like the richest, butteriest, creamiest apricot leather imaginable!! Oh my goodness… I’m going to have to track down a sample as this sounds amazing. Please enter me for the draw. US please and thank you!!

  • Richard potter says:

    I’ve been waiting for this one. I’ll have to check with my SA at Saks. My favorite Perris is Ambre Gris. I also like Rose de Taif.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Osmanthus is one of my favorite notes, but I’ve never smelled it in an oriental perfume! Aaron makes it sound beautiful… “Its vibrancy and trueness to osmanthus flowers in bloom remarkable…”

    Thank you for sharing the beauty of this with us in the review, and thank you for the draw! I’m in the USA.

  • Rosalie Mason says:

    I enjoyed the round the world trip to China India and the Middle East and the art was stunning. That one picture with the vase and peaches especially. I am a fan of Oud Imperial and Rose Taif
    I like osmanthus in Parfum d empire osmanthus interdite.
    Lovely review

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Osmanthus described as luscious apricot is a perfect comparison; I can’t wait to try this and would love to own a bottle. Oriental fragrances are my favorite; dark, sweet and mysterious! I’ve not sampled anything from this house. I am in the US. Thank you for the chance.

  • Systeme D says:

    Aaron’s evaluation of the beauty of the apricot aspect of the osmanthus went right to the heart of things for me. This sounds like a truly delicious oriental fragrance, and I believe the jasmine and sandalwood notes are calling my name as well.

    This is not a house I am familiar with, but now, thanks to Aaron, my curiosity has been piqued, and I will be following Perris Monte Carlo. Making it into the top ten of the Art and Olfaction awards is no mean feat — hearty congratulations to Perris and Santorini!

    I am in the US.

  • fazalcheema says:

    This seems an interesting composition that is oriental with Middle Eastern Flare. It draws inspiration from a wide range of Asian countries including China, India, and Pakistan. The inclusion of apricot is a great decision since it complements the osmanthus note in any perfume, not just Absolue d’Osmanthe. My favorite from brand is Rose de Taif. I am in US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    White flowers and sandalwood is a favorite combination of mine in Oriental perfumes, Samsara, in particular! I’d love to try this. I love that Aaron describes the balance in the scent and the tenacity sounds appealing. I also always have to try new osmanthus scents. The real blooms captivate me so much with their heady scent. I’m not familiar with this line but would love the opportunity to try this scent! Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • alexi says:

    Great review ,love most orientals but favorite Perris Monte Carlo is definitely Oud Imperial Extrait,great western oud fragrance .u.s resident .thnx 4 giveaway

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Super-duper review Aaron Potterman! Your third stop hits the nail right on target. Yes indeed this will be a perfect addition to my collection, as I love and enjoy darker, headier, and heavier perfumes. Never tried any of the Perris Monte Carlo fragrances yet but many of them are on my want list.
    Thanks to the generosity of The Perris Group and Cafleurebon for the opportunity to participate in the draw by letting my relative address in US.

  • zamar says:

    From Far East all the way to Middle East beautifully tied notes to geographical places and cultures. Thank you Aaron for the review. I never tried any of the Perris Monte Carlo perfumes.
    Thank you for the draw and opportunity. Live in the US.

  • Maya says:

    I love the idea of an olfactory journey around Asia. Aaron’s writing is very descriptive and I can easily picture where he takes us. I like Oriental perfumes and osmanthus is a note I have been exploring lately. I have also wanted to try Perris Monte Carlo Ylang Ylang Nosy Be for a while now and will get there eventually. I am in the USA.

  • jiminy says:

    Aaron’s review was a trip (pun intended)! Osmanthus is a note that features prominently in several of my top favorites (Mona Di Orio Oud, Oliver & Co Vetiverus; to name a couple). My favorite Perris Monte Carlo is Bois d’Oud.

    I am in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • Amber says:

    An evocative review! I do like osmanthus,the fruity to leather scent is lovely. All the supporting notes sound beautiful too! I’m in the US, thank you for the draw!

  • doveskylark says:

    This review truly took me on a journey. I love osmanthus, sometimes putting the dried flowers in oolong tea. I also love combining jasmine with leathery scents.
    I’ve never tried anything from this line, but their Musk Extreme appeals to me.
    I live in the USA.

  • gregorysop says:

    I have seen osmanthus used in a few frags before but I never knew that is was from Olive trees. I am curious to see how it blends with sandalwood as one of my favs along with the floral notes. I was surprised to see that it was voted as a fall fragrance with it leaning towards the floral which seems very springlike to me. Thank you for the draw.
    From USA

  • cardinalmind says:

    As someone from the tropical Far East, I love smelling Oriental styled perfumes. It brings me back home and ease the loneliness of being alone away from the family. Aaron’s review tells a tale of something familiar and nostalgic at the same time which I really like.The tropical scenery where you’re surrounded by flowers is one of the things I want to experience again when I come home. Haven’t smelled any Perri Carlo’s fragrances yet. USA

    Have a nice day! Thanks for the chance!

  • kaitracid says:

    I haven’t smell too many osmanthus based scents, but I do like the note. Reading here that this is one of the best renditions Aaron has experienced says something. My favorite Perris fragrance is Oud Imperial. (US – IL)

  • CBrian says:

    I loved how Aaron’s review took us on a journey through the Orient. I absolutely love orientals, particularly on my wife. Salient examples are Narciso Rodriguez for Her and Flowerbomb. My favorite Perris Monte Carlo Fragrance would be Oud Imperial. I’m from the USA

  • Raee says:

    I have been to the middle east and the perfume culture there is just great. It has quality with the price.
    Plum combined with wood and rose should smell great.

    In USA. Will love to try this.

  • rodelinda says:

    I’ve never tried a Perris Monet Carlo fragrance before, but oriental perfumes are my favorite type and this is the one from the line I’d choose to sample. I like the idea of a journey oriental that takes smells and pieces from across the Orient. I’m in the US. Thanks for the drawing!