Shalimar (1925)
by Guerlain

[Erases former review.] I've grown up. Shalimar is all wonder and magic.

I want to call this a classic but in all honesty I can't. SHALIMAR goes beyond classic - it's 'legendary'. Many scents successfully evoke scenes, or fragments from splintered dreams. Only a handful tells a story. Shalimar's is an epic tale of everlasting love which knows no boundaries, transcending time and space, even human mortality. You may say such a glorification is only to be expected from a rabid fan of powdery vanilla scents but on the right person, the effect of this masterfully crafted scent is nothing short of spellbinding. Similar to how Shah Jahan's monumental Taj Mahal is revered by many in the world, I believe Guerlain's Shalimar deserves its place as one of the wonders of the fragrance world.

*This review is of the EDT*

Notes:
Top: Lemon, Bergamot
Middle: Jasmine, May rose
Base: Iris, Incense, Opoponax, Tonka Bean, Vanilla

I recently revisited this classic by J. Guerlain, who was inspired by the dedication and grief shown by Shah Jahan towards his wife when she died giving birth to their 14th (!!) child. Shah Jahan erected the glorius Taj Mahal in her memory, and the name Shalimar derives from the beautiful Shalimar Gardens (in Kashmir and Pakistan) which were made by Shah Jahan and frequented by his wife.

Shalimar is exultant, sensual, bewitching and sad. Refreshing lemon and the sweet and sour bergamot convey a feeling of excitement in the arms of your significant other. Moments later, lush notes of rose and jasmine bringforth a sensual and intimate feel to the moment. From here onwards, Shalimar showcases its most impressive aspects. As far as my nose is concerned, the masterfully blended incense note is the star of the composition. Shalimar is a powdery classic oriental except its not - i.e., it is powdery, but not overbearingly so. The base of vanilla and oppoponax, while lush and deep, is lifted to Mughal empire-like glorious heights by a thin layer of chilled roses, and a slightly bitter yet always consistent incense note which imparts a strange allure and sadness to the accord. None of these contrasting notes overpower each other - the construction is as solid as the 350 year old Taj Mahal itself. Like the Shah Jehan, there are no longevity issues here - you can expect upto 14 hours of pleasurable sillage from this Guerlain love potion.

Shalimar is a multifaceted classic. It reveals glorious layers of perfume delectation, and its "powdery accord" is one of the best I have encountered. Incense is brilliantly used, and to my nose Shalimar is easily unisex; if my review didnt convince you, then perhaps the Bat-signal like bottle should !

All hail Shah Jahan and his principal mausoleum !

Rating: 8.75/10.0

I would ask only to be one more here to say that this is IT! Frankly, why look for the new when this is eternal.

I found this smell completely intoxicating, nearly off putting, warm and complex. It is a strong, musty smell which seems to unravel. At first it smelled like someone's granny's closet, dust, bugspray and Cabbage Patch dolls. Then it turned into something warm and lilting and repetitive and intimate. I found it completely addictive.

When I first smelt it, it reminded me of 1920s ladies, my grandmother, old style. So I bought it but for years almost never wore it. It has this wonderful first powdery, then rich warm very unique scent. Really special and wonderful, but not for me - at least not for the next 30 years.