Bois de Santal
by Creed

Bois de Santal is a lost gem these days. In my mind it clearly evokes the essential of high-end French perfumery in the Belle Epoch period c.1910. Bois de Santal features notes of orange, lemon, greens (likely petitgrain and neroli), Mysore sandalwood, vanilla, and tonka bean, and possibly civet. It is a shining example of using luxurious quality ingredients no matter what the cost and constructing them brilliantly to form a breath-taking composition, which might I add, becomes more and more of a lost art as each year goes by. I don't think there's a lot of development or complexity here, but there doesn't need to be. The quality of the sandalwood oils used stand for itself. In a way, BdS reminds me of the old, vintage Guerlains and Chanels. Collectors and enthusiasts alike conjecture that Bois de Santal contains a significant dose of the real oil, too. Of Creeds, sandalwoods, namely Original Santal and Santal Imperial, Bois de Santal is a masterpiece beyond reproach. Along with Viloresi's aromatic and spicy Sandalo, there is no better sandalwood perfume.

12nd November, 2011.

The "civet" note is definitely there, yet short-lived.
The rest is extremely soft, rich, and long-lasting.
A very fine take on sandalwood.
Worth owning, if you can find it!

3rd April, 2011.

The opening presents a sandalwood variation that exhibits a near fecal note. I’ve encountered this note before in certain sandalwood oils – I think it’s more indole than civet, but it’s pretty darn close to giving a strong civet ambiance, and it accomplishes a less typical version of creamy sandalwood. I don’t smell the citrus or citrus leaves in the opening… the wood note overpowers them. After the near-civet / wood opening, the fragrance quickly moves to a straight, mild, unobtrusive sandalwood note, and there it stays in its sandalwood simplicity and purity to the end. I don’t smell the sweetness from the base – only a gradual lessening of the sandalwood note that delicately gathers an airier character. The presentation of Bois de Santal is quite restrained… soft, and beautiful. Low sillage, good longevity, and a very easy wear. Totally elegant and enriching.

4th March, 2011.

I've now tried this fragrance, and yes it is officially discontinued since around 2008. Unfortunately, in my view, I cannot say that constitutes much of a loss. The opening note definitely contains more than a subtle hint of civet, though not in a unique "Kouros" type of way that one might enjoy.. It simply lingers in the background, barely there, finally drying into a very dry and floral sandalwood. By the time the transformation from top to base note is complete, you're left with something rather orange, floral, and hinting at sandalwood, though not very distinguished. It tends to lack the level of depth or character throughout that I've enjoyed in other Creeds. In a day and age of myriad scents, this comes across as common yet very dated in its feel. It lacks an identity that sets it apart and becomes significant to the wearer. It wouldn't be a favorite in my collection, and while intriguing at first sampling, it transforms very poorly for me over time. If collecting rare and vintages Creeds is a hobby or passion, it's one to seek out for historic value; its not one I enjoyed wearing nor could recommend.

22nd January, 2011.

It seems to be a straightfoward sandalwood fragrance for me. Between neutral and thumbs up i think. The sandalwood here is more woody and dry than most of sandalwood fragrances, but what really mess up with the fragrance for me is the animalic opening. It`s almost fecal, and it`s on clear focus at the first minutes on skin. When this goes away, you have a nice, creamy sandalwood, soft sweet, but more woody. There`s something on the drydown that reminds me of a leather accent too. Longlasting, although subtle after the blast of the fecal note on me.

4th January, 2011.

This fragrance has more wood than Original Santal, but the sweetness in this one makes it too perfumey and definitely in my eyes an older woman's scent.

24th May, 2010.