Eau de Réglisse (2006)
by Caron

I recently tested Hermès Hermessence BRIN DE REGLISSE, next to which Caron EAU DE REGLISSE seems *very* light on the licorice. This composition reminds me much more of the Lolita Lempicka limited edition EAU DU DESIR. I know, I know, obscurum per obscurius...

So what's it all about? A very lemony herbal cologne with a underlying light layer of licorice in an oriental base which becomes sweeter in the drydown--must be the vanilla, though this does not smell very vanilla-y, in the end. EAU DE REGLISSE is definitely more sweet than EAU DU DESIR, which is a super-refreshing herbal-lemon cologne.

I like EAU DE REGLISSE, but for what it is, I do think that EAU DU DESIR is quite a bit better, and if I were looking for all black licorice almost all the time (with a touch of lavender...) I'd go for BRIN DE REGLISSE.

30th September, 2011.

While the lemon verbena top note is as refreshing as verbena goes, there is a warm almost milky chocolatey undertone (I presume from the patchouli & vanilla in the base) that spells out 'gourmand' to me. That's not a good thing if you don't like gourmands and I generally don't. At times it even reminds me of Cartier Roadster sans the mint or L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme. And what about the licorice note? Nothing to write home about I'm afraid.

EAU DE REGLISSE is hardly a bad fragrance but as far as Carons go, it is not too far removed from mediocrity. I'll pass.

7th September, 2011.

The first time I tried Eau De Reglissé I was amazed by the opening. The lemon-anis (liquorice) duet is pretty fantastic, but within a few minutes it sadly turns to be a generic Eau De Cologne as millions of others. Go for Eau Sauvage or Eau de Guerlain.

30th March, 2011. (Last Edited: 4th April, 2011.)

The absolute beauty of this is astounding. The lemon verbena drenched top notes are truly delightful and mix wonderfully with the main star of the show - liquorice. The drydown is very close to the skin with an ever present light and woody patchouli softened further by a lovely ginger-vanilla and slight musk. This has quickly shot to the top of my list as my favourite liquorice scent.

Most certainly more masculine than feminine, but easily worn by both.

Highly recommended.

12nd January, 2011.

If you're going to try this i would first ask yourself a few questions: can you drink licorice tea without making a face? When leaving an Indian restaurant do you down a handful of that licorice stuff on your way out? How often do you buy licorice in general?

This is, at least to me, a difficult herb to deal with. i do like eating it, but drinking it and wearing it cause adverse reactions. this scent was a no for me; it was too irritating on my nose and I started to get a headache. i couldn't even wait it out to see what they dry down would be like.

Try before sampling, for sure.

17th May, 2010.

Eau de Reglisse has such an inviting and moreish opening with its bright blast of lemon and coffee. After the initial hit it becomes rounded and soft like lemon shortbread and a cappucino. The anise is quite light and seems to highlight the other notes. This is a feel good scent and though not conventionally gourmand does appeal to the salivary glands. It's heart is beautiful yet somewhat subdued. The warmth of the ginger coupled with the licorice seem to sit lightly on a sweet woody vanilla base and unfortunately slip by a little too quickly - around and hour on my skin. Eau de Reglisse has good longevity but the transition from top to bottom is a little quick. It isn't created in the same mould as previous creations from Caron. It has a lightness of touch and really doesn't demand too much from it's wearer or those around. That said, it is a beautiful and unique scent and one to lift the mood, so a big thumbs up.

2nd May, 2010.