Jean-Louis Scherrer (1979)
by Jean-Louis Scherrer

Green chypres--how I love their mossy redolence and outdoorsiness. They don't make many new ones in this venerated genre. That's why it's important to know which ones still exist. Anyone who likes Paloma Picasso or the old Norell should try Scherrer. (There are two entries in this directory by the names of Jean Louis Scherrer and plain Scherrer, both 1979, so I'm assuming they are a double entry.) This perfume is gloriously green with spicy florals ona a mossy base. It is less sweet than Paloma Picasso, but both manage to acheive a forestlike aroma trhough the use of galbanum, patchouli, and oakmoss. The spices are anyone's guess, buty they differ from the typical Oriental mix, leaning toward fresh and evergreen rather than sweet and gourmand. I hope that some day this unusual and highly satisfying genre makes a comeback and accrues more entries in the market.

There is a certain decadence here, a dated but glorious use of tuberose and woody notes in tandem. One of my favorite lush chypres of all time, this one.

I see this as a definitely mature fragrance though, and NOT one for youngsters (i.e., the under 50 crowd in general). Jean-Louis Scherrer projects class and style and panache, granted, but it's still not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Definitely a try-before-you-buy kind of fragrance.

IMO this scent begins with a distinct similarity to Chanel's No.19. The opening greens are 'lush & promising'. While No.19 evolves into an ethereal cool green breeze, J-LS lays heavily - almost resinous, projecting a waxy rose note. The final stage is nothing more than a rank sort of decaying vetiver. The top of this fragrance is the best part, it progressively worsens and dies a slow death. A negative rating from me, although there may be some who enjoy wearing dry decaying vegetal parfums.

I bought this one Paris when I was young, as a perfume addict I always knew what to buy on trips with school... . At that time I used it but wasn't very fond of it. Now I'm double as old as then and I must admit that I rather like it. Especially the green notes and if I wear it I smell something woody to. It's a comforting smell, but you should watch out that you don't overspray because the bitterness at the end can be overwhelming. A keeper.

I have somewhat mixed feelings about this fragrance. I find it a little bit maddening. The initial green stages are lush and promising, but they give way to a certain floral note that I find distinctly repellant, perhaps it's tuberose - creamy but a little cloying on me. If you wait however, the galbanum and the floral heart spread out evenly and transparently over the chypre base. This is what Miss Dior will be with a little experience. The chypre has a light, blonde character with an occasional very slight burnt or bitter edge, perhaps the cinnamon.

This will not replace Ivoire or Givenchy III for me but I don't think I will be able to let it go.