Andy Tauer photo courtesy of Andy Tauer©

Inspired by the Parisian “Exposition des arts décoratifs” (from which was derived the term ‘Art Deco’) in 1925, Andy Tauer of Tauer Perfumes has created an extraordinary new perfume; Les Annees 25. Released as a limited edition of approximately 500 bottles, Tauer Perfumes Les Annees 25 is an Eau de Parfum fragrant glance back to the past while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Andy Tauer is quite fond of Art Deco design and wanted to create a scent that honored the perfumes of that period, but with his own inimitable contemporary flair; thus the genesis of what Tauer describes as a “modern vintage fragrance.”

Les Annees 25  poster via  thingsdeco.com©

Looking back at the history of the 1925 Paris Exposition I was delighted to discover that 1925 saw the release of both Shalimar and Gardenia in Extrait strength by Guerlain, and Knize Ten EdT, all three heavy-hitters and still in production today albeit reformulated. The previous year 1924 saw the release of Lanvin’s My Sin followed by Arpege in 1927. I mention all these perfumes because they provide an olfactive context of the era, and I happen to love them all.

apped by Robert H

Tauer Perfumes Les Annees 25 arrives in the familiar Tauer polygon/pentagon shaped bottle, itself a geometric testament to the lasting durability of Art Deco line and form. TheTauer bottles always feel substantial in hand, and the deep sapphire-blue glass color is embellished on the front with a swirling triple line design; an added touch of Art Deco design.

Collage by Robert H (his bottle and photo of Paris 1925 via captivereader.com©

Opening with a tart Hesperidic citrus blast shot through with a whip-crack sweet sting of ginger, the immediate effect is that of discovering a pristine unopened bottle of vintage perfume, bright and frothy and light. Very quickly the iris takes center stage, with the earthy and root-like notes softened and sweetened by lashings of rose, and a creamy undertone of resinous benzoin. The tonka and vanilla add an almost gourmand feeling, but kept in check with the hint of salty and fusty ambergris. You might imagine Tauer Perfumes Les Annees 25 as something heavy and oriental in feeling and there is in fact a sense of depth to Les Annees 25, but thanks to Mr. Tauer’s deft touch and blending expertise, this is perfume as seen through a contemporary panel of ultra sheer linen or silk; diffuse, and shot through with beams of light. It is at once enveloping and spacious, and enchantingly beautiful. Les Années 25 may very well be one of my all time favorite perfumes from Andy Tauer. Bravo!

Notes: Bergamot, petit grain, orange oil, Indian ginger, Bulgarian rose, iris, benzoin, oakmoss, tonka, sandalwood, ambergris, musk, patchouli, vanilla.

Disclosure: The perfume and opinions are my own.

-Robert Herrmann, Senior Editor

Thanks to Nir Guy and Perfumology, we have one 3.3 ml. spray sample of Les Annees 25 EdP for one registered reader in the USA, so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible please let us know what you thought of Robert’s review of Tauer Perfumes Les Années 25 and if you have a favorite Tauer Perfume. Draw closes June 4, 2018.

Note:  Les Annees 25 will be available to pre-order on Perfumology June 2, 2018

We announce the winners only on our website, so like Cafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.