Les Elixirs Charnels - Oriental Brulant (2008)
by Guerlain

This is a fascinating one.
The official review by Guerlain presents this as an "intoxicating and animal essence" for an "erotic and daring woman". I agree with the "intoxicating" nature of this fragrance and while I see that it could also inspire some "animal" or "erotic" impression, the great virtue of the scent is that it is very classy and elegant throughout its life. Mind you, classy doen not mean classic/boring/standard here. Quite the opposite, there is something pretty daring to it. All the more if you are a guy and like wearing this..
Sure a price tage of about $250 may make you hesitate a little, but the experience is a rewarding one.

7th May, 2011.

This is gorgeous, but more gourmand-y than I want in my fragrance most of the time. Beautifully done, though. Worth re-visiting again... and again.

5th September, 2009.

Guerlain, with it's famous use of vanilla and its legendary oriental fragrance Shalimar, did not have in it's product lineup a straightforward amber/oriental. Oriental Brulent has filled that glaring gap in the lineup. The strength of OB is in its luxurious simplicity - yet it still differentiates itself from the countless other ambers on the market. OB presents a rich amber that is restrained in its sweetness. Mingled with the amber are hints of bitter almond (a note we're seeing a lot more in recent Guerlains, i.e. 180 Ans), vanilla, and a touch of smoky incense. These accompanying notes meld in and out, enhancing and balancing the stately amber throughout the composition.

When the Les Elixirs were released last year I wrestled with a purchasing decision, unable to pick between OB and Chypre Fatale. Ultimately I went with OB and I'm glad I did because it's really *the* killer, super-high end amber in my wardrobe. 3-4 sprays wraps me in a bubble of amber that lasts all day and long into the night. Sillage is very good and longevity is extraordinary (as is Chypre Fatale's as well) and the materials feel to be of top notch quality. OB doesn't have nearly the complexity of development that Chypre Fatale has, and nor is it as unique, but what OB has is unquestionable class and timelessness.

OB is absolutely pricey for an amber fragrance, but unlike countless other high-priced niche fragrances this one absolutely feels worth the money. If you can afford a bottle and want THE drop-dead-gorgeous amber you need look no further.

1st September, 2009.

An amazing woody-vanilla oriental; the notes say it all. Thumbs up!

3rd June, 2009.

Vanilla/Almond/Amber. Very much like Angelique Noire, but without the bitterness. More sweetened and gourmand...almost boozy. I get tiny breaths of Shalimar too. Deep tonka in the base cinches this one for me...I'm drooling!

9th March, 2009.

Lovely, light and soft ambery oriental, with a touch of incense.

The notes are: clementine, almond, tonka bean, vanilla, amber, styrax.

30th August, 2008.