Osmanthus Interdite (2007)
by Parfum d'Empire

This is a boozy, fruited osmanthus with a rich musky drydown. Although there are rose & jasmine notes, osmanthus is the star. I really don't care for osmanthus, so I appreciate the supporting cast. All of the bells & whistles help with the longevity, too.

Gorgeous, simply gorgeous.

This is my favorite osmanthus scent. It smells fruity and floral and tea-like with a citrusy apricot undertone. A musky leathery base adds dimension and it's overall very smooth, creamy and refreshingly joyous.

Just beautiful.

Comparing Osmanthus by Ormonde Jayne and Osmanthus Interdite by Parfum d'Empire.

Impressions: OJ goes on very crisp, citrucy and candied at the same time, while PdE is soft, almost suede-like with earthy undertones (somehow it makes me think that this is how osmanthus pollen may smell like -- soft and dusky). OJ comes across as a light fragrance, almost a cologne, with osmanthus. Not being a fan of 'refreshing cologne' type of perfume, I have to say I prefer Parfum d'Empire's version.

After about 30 minutes OJ has calmed down and is not as "in your face" as earlier. It's now pleasantly sweet and fresh. PdE is still going strong with the leather undertones; I'm not detecting much progression.

Overall, I perceive PdE as more "substantial" and it's still my favorite of the two.

Never having smelled real osmanthus, I cannot say whether this is true to life or not.

What it is is fruity, roundly floral and somewhat tea-like. I cannot pick out recognizable notes in this, but the whole seems vaguely familiar - I just can't put a name on it.

Very pleasant, but not spell-binding, especially as it reminds me of many shampoos. It's just not as impressive as some of the other offers from the PdE line.

Sillage and longevity medium, despite accidentally emptying a whole 1 ml sample on myself.

Watery osmanthus tea with some sugar and rosewater. Peachy-floral, transparent, semi-sweet, slightly rosey and to my nose helplessly thin and one dimensional in structure wise.
It has a weak bitter bite from the tea in the mix, but it’s unable to create any complexity or compelling qualities.

Not bad osmanthus scent completely, but it’s too weak and uncharismatic not to mention how heavily this is eclipsed by some other Osmanthus fragrances plus some other juices inside this wonderful house.

Not awful really, but eventually quite pointless waste of money if you ask me. Like I said there is just so much better fragrances around. If you’re looking for a wonderful Osmanthus scent, I suggest you get a sample of Osmanthus by The Different Company. It’s the best Osmanthus I have ever tried and to be honest, it is much more exciting than this.


Overall Parfum d`Empire is a terrific niche house, though. Osmanthus Interdite just happens to be probably their all-time low to this date.

A nice floral opening, reminding me oleaster flowers (i do not know osthmantus itself). But in the middle notes to much citrus makes it sour and hard to enjoy. Too much sour dressing does not only spoil a salad but a scent as well.