Encre Noire (2006)
by Lalique

I'm giving this a neutral for now, not because I don't like it, but because there are so many vetivers I prefer. This one has a musty note that dampens the effect for me, but does not render the fragrance unwearable, by any means. I bought this bottle as a blind buy around the same time I acquired a bunch of decants of various vetivers, including Chanel Sycomore, guerlain's and givenchy's variations and Tom Ford's Grey Vetiver. So far it is my least favorite, while Tom Ford's version, another Super E Iso interpretation, is possibly my top choice. This is not even mentioning the plethora of other vetivers that have been very highly rated, such as Frederick Malle VE, Creeds Original, Etro's version, and about a bajillion others. The GV is much brighter and cleaner, which is not necessarily better, but which I just like better on my skin. It is less complex then EN, but pleasant throughout it's dry down and bass. As the Sycomore dries down, the musty, wet paper towel note diminishes, but doesn't completely disappear. However, this fragrance is partly redeemed in the dry down, which feels more smokey then musty. I will keep the bottle, and will wear this on occasion, but far less then TFGV, Guerlain or Chanel, hence the neutral rating. I would say this is a decent fragrance, but maybe not the best blind buy, and not the top of the vetiver list for me, as there are too many better choices.

29th January, 2012.

This is an amazing perfume! I love it so much!
No idea though why on Earth it is described as 'masculine'! It is so totally wearable and delicious on women (unlike it's counterpart for women from lalique, which is simply disqusting!)
Somehow reminds me of In Red by Armand Bassi.

5th January, 2012.

I have to preface my review by saying that I am a huge fan of vetiver as a "note" - and have a good number of vetiver fragrances. From the first spray, I knew I found what a lot of people have in Lalique's Encre Noire...a lot of deep, dark, and rooty vetiver not for the faint of heart. There are no top notes - read the pyramid and go into the experience knowing that. The composition is simply awesome - niche quality. I tried to remove the flacon from the olfactory notes, but it is hard as we all taste and smell with our eyes first. There is an inky-note here, but not harsh or toner cartridge at all. I think of it as the essential oil being squeezed from the vetiver root mixed with some wood chips and fresh dew in a forest. Brooding and maybe too honest and unforgiving to those who don't like vetiver, but this is pure heaven to me. Very introspective scent - and makes those around stop for a moment. I liken it to Edgar Allen Poe's writing - dark, mysterious and not for the faint of heart. Not uplifting in any way, but you are left with imagery that captivates you. This fragrance is worthy of a very solid 9/10, in my humble opinion.

14th December, 2011.

Encore Noire by Lalique - One is initially treated to a drenched, citrusy greenness, afforded by the haitian vetiver, which progresses to an earthiness somewhat akin to the saturated soil of a marsh littered with struggling greens. A warming greenness ensues, brought about by the bourbon vetiver. A duet of vetivers is consummated. From this green, damp and dirty duet, the bourbon vetiver overtakes with a burning, ember-like texture. In the distance, the cool crispness of cypress wood tantalizes, and the tempering heart beckons. Here, the spicy cypress wood stews lusciously with the wrestling vetivers, imparting a dry smokiness to the brew. Transitioning to the soothing base, a sweetness from the cashmere wood taints the subdued vetivers, and combines with a sensual musk to impart a wonderful, dry and animalic woodiness. This exquisite fragrance has a refined and complex uniqueness. A true gem, this high quality scent has good projection and very good longevity, and warrants your indulgence.

4th December, 2011.

It's night. You are alone in the middle of a big jungle!
The trees are huge and tall. You can barely see the sky.
It's really dark here. You can hear whispers of the wind and also sometimes strange sounds around yourself! Oh god. What is this place?! what I'm doing here?!
That's the feeling when I'm wearing this fragrance!
Dark, smoky, strange, creepy, woodsy.
It's a really special and magical fragrance in my wardrobe. It's a masterpiece for me.
Longevity of this fragrance is good but projection is normal.
Great fragrance indeed.
Two thumbs up.

22nd November, 2011.

Encre Noire is a smoky, woodsy vetiver with nice longevity. I think I've come the conclusion I don't much like Vetiver (I think I'm the only one on basenotes that doesn't), so I'm giving Encre Noire a neutral simply because I can't recommend something I wouldn't wear. I should hasten to add that if you like Vetiver this is probably one of the best scents out there. Much superior, for example, to Tom Ford's Grey Vetiver, which gets lots of praise.

21st November, 2011.