Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac Virginia Review (Yuri Gutsatz 1967/ revived by Maxence Moutte 2018) + Versatile Tobacco Giveaway

 

Bois Tabac Virginia by Le Jardin Retrouve

Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac Virginia by Steven

If you are a long time reader of ÇaFleureBon,  Le Jardin Retrouvé,  (roughly translated the garden refound) you have learned all about the house’s storied history since our first post in 2016. Le Jardin Retrouve is regarded by many as the pioneer of niche perfume, founded in 1975 (a year before Jean Laporte’s L’Artisan Parfumeur) by Yuri Gutsatz, perfumer and co-founder of The Osmothèque. The brand was also featured in our best of show Esxence 2022 by ALL our editors who attended: Emmanuelle, Ermano, Ida and Karl.

Michel Gutsatz and Clara Feder of Le Jardin Retrouve

Michel Gutsatz and Clara Feder of Le Jardin Retrouve courtesy of the brand©

 Bois Tabac Virginia (pronounce Bua Taba) was released as a limited edition in 2018, after Michel Gutsatz and Clara Feder, heirs and owners of the house, uncovered the formula in Yuri’s archives (the original was from1967) and asked Givaudan perfumer Maxence Moutte to revive it; Maxence made it IFRA compliant and more, because it is now 94% natural ingredients the 50ml and 15ml are refillable.

Le Jardin Retrouve Tabac Virginia is classic in feel yet unique; imagine smoked vetiver layered around tobacco and majestic woods. Bois Tabac Virginia will appeal  to men and women who are looking for a versatile woody fragrance suited for any season and occasion.  –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Top Notes: Lavender, Géranium, Sage;
Heart Notes: Vetiver, Ylang, Cistus, Petitgrain
Base Notes: Cedar, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Grey Amber

Subscribers of Redolessence are familiar with Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac as it was featured in our 10 Best Fragrances for Father’s Day 2022

 

Video Editor Steven Gavrielatos reviews Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac Virginia

Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac Virginia

Le Jardin Retrouve Bois Tabac Virginia by Steven

Le Jardin Retrouve is offering a WORLDWIDE draw of 50 ml of Bois Tabac Virginia for a registered ÇaFleureBon reader and Redolessence subscriber. To be eligible YOU MUST REGISTER and please leave a comment on this site with what you enjoyed about Steven’s video, Michelyn’s introduction and where you live.

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our  blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.  Draw closes 8/15/2022 but will be announced within 2 weeks after.

Disclosure: Steven was gifted a 50 ml by the brand, opinions are his own.

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebonofficial @redolessence @lejardinretrouve @michel_gutsatz @clarafeder @maxcencemoutte

Available at Perfumology and on the company website (here with special offer)

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy.

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so please “like” CaFleureBon and use our blog feed, or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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53 comments

  • Justin Campbell says:

    As always, I love Steven’s detailed description of this Gorgeous fragrance!! Great review!!

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I’ve wanted to try this brand for a long time. Steven does a great job with this review. I like how he reviews the complete package and bottle, not just the scent. His comparisons are good too! Tobacco without cigarette smell is promising!

  • fastnee says:

    I am always looking for year round woody fragrances. Stephen’s reviews on niche products are always the best, and this was no exception. NV, USA.

  • FC says:

    Michelyn reminds us that Jardin Retrouve is one of the original niche brands. Bois Tabac is a classic yet versatile wear for all seasons. Steven says one, indeed, gets woods and tobacco as the name indicates but it is not the cigarette kind of tobacco but rather leafy aromatic type. Steven also says it is a versatile year and will appeal to many. I am in US.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I enjoyed how Steven mentioned how the tobacco wasn’t too heavy and it was versatile for all seasons. I liked how Michelyn mentioned that the original formula was from 1967, but that the fragrance smelled unique. I live in Maryland USA.

  • rachelng says:

    Michelyn & Steven !!! ❤️❤️❤️ The high esteem that the entire ÇaFleureBon family holds for Le Jardin Retrouvé is the only recommendation I need! ❤️ Can’t wait to get to know Bois Tabac and their other fragrances better. I own one bottle, but it’s time to explore more. Michelyn’s incredibly impressive introduction and Steven’s fantastically articulate video make me excited to join the draw! Fingers crossed & thank you for the wonderful opportunity! ❤️ USA

  • Cristina Percoco says:

    As always, Steven’s reviews are informative and to the point. Have been sampling discovery set of this house and it included a sample of Bois Tabac Virginia. It definitely seems unisex and versatile and I would love to win a bottle. Thanks for offering this giveaway! Pennsylvania, USA.

  • aeb says:

    Great review. One thing that I don’t think it’s mentioned in the video is that, if you order it directly from Le Jardin Retrouvé, you can get it in an up-cycled textile bag instead of the cardboard box or you can get the bottle engraved with two initials for an extra fee. Anyway, it sounds like a nice perfume to try.

  • Jeremi says:

    I enjoyed how packed with deatales Steven’s review was and I loved how beautiful and intriguing Michelyn’s introduction was. I live in Poland, EU.

  • rmsssss says:

    I’m interested in trying this one because of Michelyn’s description of how it is classic yet unique and how Steven described it’s herbal quality. I’m in the US.

  • AleksCipri says:

    Wow I love this introduction! I am very interested in sampling this brand, but I didn’t know it has such a long and interesting history! Founded even before L’Artisan Parfumeur. I wonder why people don’t talk about this brand more. I recently noticed it being mentioned in many places but a couple of years ago not so much. I also love that Tabac Virginia is actually originally from ’67! I got interested in this fragrance after watch Steven’s video because I really liked how the mix of leafy tobacco, woods with lavender and geranium sound. It sounds like something different and classy. Also bottles are amazing! I’m from Illinois, US.

  • Maryjean says:

    Steven is so right about this Fragrance house. I love all the Fragrances. I have Rose and the Rose diffuser. Retrouve Bois sounds interesting. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • Sandra says:

    Love the details on the versatility and that it can be unisex. I live in the United States in Pennsylvania.

  • fantasmarg says:

    I never smelled any Jardin Retrouve but I find the story of the house and its rebirth fascinating, I am intrigued by the idea of modernizing a formula from ’67 and with that high dose of naturals, so thanks Michelyn for pointing that out.
    I appreciate Steven’s description also. I am usually a bit wary of tobacco fragrances, I like the scent but it’s often a bit too chewy/cloying. Glad to know this is not the case, a herbal/woodsy all seasons tobacco sounds perfect!
    I’d love to win this, and I am from the EU

  • Aman says:

    Loved Steven’s description of this fragrance. Would love to try this tobacco fragrance.Love the Old school bottle presentation. All season versatility is something i appreciate.Michelyn’s introduction is enticing.

    From: Shimla, India.

  • k says:

    Michelyn, it was so intriguing to read about a fragrance from the vault, brought back to life. And Steven, your description of this fragrance as a middle of the road tobacco definitely caught my interest. Thank you for the review, writing from the EU.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Le Jardin Retrouve Tabac Virginia is classic in feel yet unique; imagine smoked vetiver layered around tobacco and majestic woods. Bois Tabac Virginia will appeal to men and women who are looking for a versatile woody fragrance suited for any season and occasion. – Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief. A beautiful description by Michelyn I am intrigued by the notes and versatility of this fragrance. I loved Stevens review because he reviews the packaging, bottle and scent marvellous. This is a house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by nonetheless. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    A wonderful piece by Michelyn and Steven review was very informative. I am intrigued by the notes especially Vetiver, Woods and leafy tobacco. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • marcus graner says:

    That’s something I would love to wear to the office! Great sent and not overpowering to patients

  • Steve A says:

    From the intro I learned the brand has been around since 1975. From the video I learned the wood aspect was not dense and the fragrance could be enjoyed year around. US

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Interesting woody vetiver, but I do not find tobacco among the listed ingredients even if it is present in the name. I am from EU

  • Doni says:

    THIS is the LJR that I always wanted to try. Cuir de Russie is wonderful with that powdery violet and soft suede, but a woody and herbal petitgrain-lavender-vetiver is more my jam. Didn’t know it was one of Yuri’s original formulas. Interesting that no tobacco is listed officially in the notes, but there are certainly ways to create that accord using other materials. Steven also makes it sound like Maxence used real ambergris in this one? That would be stellar. Hoping that it’s included in the 94%. Great to hear that it’s more of a “middle-ground” tobacco too, making it suitable in almost any situation; but also unique!! Like Michelyn said – “suited for any season and occasion.” Wonderful review as always. Canada

  • CF says:

    I enjoyed Steven’s enthusiasm for the fragrance, and Michelyn’s retelling of its history. From Ireland.

  • Emily L says:

    I enjoy woodsy herbal fragrances. They tend to smell amazing on my husband. Thanks for another thorough review, Steven! ~Indiana

  • drjedi says:

    Liked the historical note by Michelyn behind Le Jardin Retrouve as the pioneer of niche perfume and also how the formula for Bois Tabac Virginia was found in Yuri’s archives. Steven complemented Michelyn’s historical note with a lovely description of the perfume itself – I like how he slowly shows the box, the bottle, and describes in detail what the perfume is like, along with who it would appeal to. I love elegant woody, oud, tobacco, leather perfumes, so Bois Tabac Virginia is certainly very appealing. Glad to know that it is reasonably priced, is sophisticated, and can be worn all year around. Thank you Michelyn for your note, Steven for your video review and Cafleurebon for the draw. I am a Redolessence subscriber and am from the USA.

  • Torax says:

    I always enjoy Stevens reviews.
    This woodsy, tabbaco fragrance that can be used year round sounds amazing! Eventhough I love using dense fragrances, I would also like to wear tabbaco fragrances on other seasons rather than winter.
    The thing that I enjoyed the most of this review is the freshness and usability this fragrance has, being a tabbaco fragrance.
    USA here.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    Michelyn did a good introduction, eminding us that Jardin Retrouve is regarded by many as the pioneer o niche perfume, and giving a good overviewof the fragrance. .

    Steven did a very good job of breaking down the fragrance, amd helping us to visualize what the fragrance should smell like, telling us that it provides a middle ground between the dense and sweet Tobacco Vanille, and the herbal and wispy Tabarome by Creed. He also pointed out that it won’t have you smelling like cigarettes, which was a plus.

    I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    I love how both of you are good in details and im learning so much. I love the bottle and packaging so much. Cool thats year round smell. Im from EU

  • Doubleoh says:

    Smoked vetiver layered around tobacco and majestic woods? I definitely like the sound of that. Steven speaks of the ambergris being added to this to add a freshness to it and I would love to have a smell of that.

  • GennyLeigh says:

    I’m not familiar with Le Jardin Retrouve. As Michelyn said, it’s interesting that the original 1967 Bois Tabac was reformulated for todays IFRA compliance. Steven’s description of the fragrance as a woody tobacco fragrance sans smoke is appealing, MD, USA.

  • realtyisme says:

    I enjoy these type of introductions to fragrances. Michelyn provides an introductory foundation for the fragrant work of art and allows a smooth segway to Steven’s review. You exemplify the saying “Teamwork makes the Dream Work”.
    Michelyn has taught me that this house is the pioneer of niche perfumery. Stephen has me intrigued by the notes and how they resonate in this wonderful creation. I thank you both for my journey today, as well as, the introduction to this fragrance from Le Jardin Retrouve. USA

  • Starlit12 says:

    Thanks to Michelyn’s introduction, I learned that Le Jardin Retrouvé is the first niche brand ever created. Had no idea! Also enjoyed Steven’s description about how Bois Tabac Virginia is a herbal and leafy, rather than dry cigarette kind of tobacco and how its aromatic elements make it versatile and fit for all.
    I live in the EU.

  • genevax says:

    The backstory of this fragrance is interesting, and the notes and description appeal to my tastes. I’d love to try it. I’m in the US.

  • pau.nguyen says:

    I always have a problem with tobacco fragrances smelling too much like cigarettes but one that doesn’t sound very interesting. Especially with the lavender top. I live in Colorado

  • Liberation says:

    Based on Steven’s description this is my type of fragrance. Basically all the notes I love in one bottle. And thanks to Michelyn I am trying to imagine “smoked vetiver layered around tobacco and majestic woods”. Maybe I won’t have to only imagine. Greetings from Austria, EU

  • Lawrence Sutherland says:

    In Steven’s video, I liked that he’d highlighted the more readily versatile aspect of the tobacco in the scent. I’m a tobacco scent fan, but too dense can be overbearing. It’s also great that it’s so natural and from an originally niche house.

  • NituNicolae says:

    Vetiver and Petitgrain may very well be my most favorite notes in all of perfumery. So this fragrances involving and evolving them makes me very intrigued. As usual Redolessence never dissapoints with his impecabil descriptions. Hope to win. EU

  • RonaldJ says:

    Thanks for this amazing recommendation Michelyn and Steven!

    Whenever Michelyn mentions Vetiver, my interest is piqued. I’ve found that many of these fragrances she recommends are fragrances I love as well! Add Steven’s recommendation to this as well and I am confident this is a certified winner!

    Steven’s video reviews are a must have for me to find new and underrated fragrances. His recommendations mean a lot to me and helped my find many many fragrances I adore.

    Greetings from the UK!

  • Diana D says:

    I love that the fragrance is 94% natural ingredients and that the bottles are refillable. I enjoy tobacco scents but I am very particular about which ones I can wear. Most, if not all, lean heavily masculine. I like that Steven describes this a very versatile tobacco scent that can be worn by both men and women. I’m swooning over those base notes – it sounds so comforting and beautiful for the Fall!
    I live in the US.

  • Sonbahia says:

    I love Le Jardin Retrouvé and the fact that the heirs of the founder Yuri Gutsatz kept the brand alive, dived in the archives and revive some of the fragrances . We have lost enough brands and fragrances! So good perfumers as Maxence Moutte are able to comply with IFF and translate the original with almost 100% naturals. Not a fan of tabac (I guess because my 80 yrs old mom is a heavy cigarette smoker …) but Steven explain that the tabac is more on the lighter herbal side and the woods (sandal and cedar – stronger than the counterpart-) are more important that the resins. And in the heart we realize is more classic in this fragrance: the earthy vetiver sided with lavender and geranium. I live in Spain, EU

  • aud604 says:

    Sounds like a lovely fragrance! Michelyn, your introduction segued perfectly into Steven’s review. This does indeed sound like a classic with some added depth to make it an easy reach year round. This type of fragrance is right in my wheelhouse along with the likes of Pour Monsieur, New York Intense and Egoiste. As usual Steven does a excellent succinct job at conveying the aroma. Thank you for the draw, I am from Canada.

  • Bassey says:

    I appreciate Michelyn providing some historical context of Le Jardin Retrouve and Bois Tabac Virginia. According to Steven this fragrance is a woody tobacco with vetiver and a citrus opening. This tobacco note is not like piped tobacco, not too intense or too herbal. The tobacco note in this fragrance is unique and Steven appreciates the fragrance for this. It is also versatile because it is balanced. Can he worn year round.
    Maryland, US.

  • mmerline says:

    Unfortunately, I just discovered ÇaFleureBon earlier this year (and love it, thanks for the terrific content!), so I’m new to Le Jardin Retrouvé. Thank you to Michelyn for pointing me to that 2016 coverage. Bois Tabac Virginia sounds wonderful—smoked vetiver really caught my attention, but particularly in the context of tobacco, cedar, and sage. Stephen pointed out that it smells lighter and herbal than many tobacco fragrances, but it’s still woody and earthy, which is really appealing at this humid end of a hot summer.

    I’m in the midwest, USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    According to Steven this sounds like a really nice middle of the road tobacco fragrance with that classic lavender, sage, and geranium core and a classy yet sophisticated vetiver and patchouli. I loved Michelyn’s introduction of Le Jardin Retrouve the legendary brand that is regarded by many as the pioneer of niche perfume, founded in 1975 by Yuri Gutsatz, perfumer and co-founder of The Osmothèque. This fragrance sounds fantastic. I’m from the USA.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’ve been wanting to try something from this company for a while now: I hope to sample all of their fragrance releases. I appreciate Michelyn’s reminder that this company is a pioneer in regards to niche perfumery. I appreciate Steven’s description of this fragrance, e.g. in regards to how the tobacco is. I live in the U.S.A.

  • thee_boy_wonder says:

    I love that the fragrance ids 94%all natural ingredients! I’d imagine how well this was work on the skin or even how it would transform person to person. I like how Steven highlighted the lasting power of the fragrance.

    Pennsylvania, USA

  • Tveta says:

    A versatile, all year round, woody, vetivery fragrance sounds really good to me. I would definitely love to sample this one
    Thanks

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the nice review Steven.

    This house has fantastic scents and I’m glad to see that the scents are being revived. I love the presentation and the vintage look that his brand implies.

    I appreciate that this scent is not the usual cherry tobacco but rather a greener , leafier and more herbal take. Also interesting to see the smoked vetiver and wonder how it doesn;t manage to overpower.

    Cheers from WI, USA