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Dry spice?

post #1 of 26
9/20/10 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 
I am in need of autumnal spice. Dry, snappy spice. Not just pepper, but cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, maybe clove, though I'd like it if it were verging on carnation rather than a big clove hammer. I'm also looking for something with minimal sweetness, perhaps just some vetiver and/or cedar to round it out. Patchouli or leather are okay provided they aren't overbearing or oversweet.

FWIW, Equipage is a favorite, and I like Egoiste. These lean the right way, but I want something just a shade less rich and sweet, and I'd prefer for it to smell a bit more...recent (I love classic, but that ain't what I'm after right now). I want something that comes across as pretty contemporary without being a cliche. Bargains are great, but I will spend a bit to get something if it's really perfect.

So, what are your favorite dry spice scents?

Regards,
T
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post #2 of 26
9/20/10 at 9:55am
Spezie by Lorenzo Villoresi
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post #3 of 26
9/20/10 at 10:08am
L'Occitane: Eau des Baux. Spicey (cardamom, pepper, nutmeg possibly), incensey, woody (cyprus). There is a bit of sweetness there in the Tonka, especially in the drydown, but it never becomes overly sweet on my skin. Plus it's cheap, without being at all cheap-smelling. Autumn in a bottle.
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post #4 of 26
9/20/10 at 10:15am
Pot Pourri by Santa Maria Novella...absolute perfection in the dry spice category to my nose.

(Although I wouldn't say it smells particularly "recent"...I would say "timeless" better describes it)
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post #5 of 26
9/20/10 at 10:27am
L’Eau du Gouverneur by Comptoir Sud Pacifique. Main notes: clary sage, allspice, nutmeg, pepper, clove. It's heavy on spices, don't even bother if you don't like allspice. It's dry and transparent, could work for summer but it's an autumn scent for me.
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post #6 of 26
9/20/10 at 10:32am
Thread Starter 
Excellent replies thus far. The only one of these I've tried is Eau des Baux, which for my tastes is too sweet and a bit cloying, though I recognize its quality. I just really can't deal with much vanilla, if any.

The L'Eau du Gouverneur has actually been on my test list for some time, and I've not gotten to it. Must fix that.

Keep 'em coming.

Regards,
T
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post #7 of 26
9/20/10 at 2:11pm
Formidable by Kesling
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post #8 of 26
9/20/10 at 3:37pm
Jazz has a nice nutmeg note, with some cinnamon. Jazz also fits your description of "verging on carnation rather than a big clove hammer."
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post #9 of 26
9/20/10 at 6:48pm
Tboner,
Try Jaisalmer from the CdG Incense series. I think you might like it. It's my favorite of that bunch. Also, CdG's original EDP.
I would also recommend Nemo by Cacharel. It's not a spice bomb but it does have a dry spicy vibe.
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post #10 of 26
9/20/10 at 7:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renaissance_Man View Post

Tboner,
Try Jaisalmer from the CdG Incense series. I think you might like it. It's my favorite of that bunch. Also, CdG's original EDP. . . .

Both excellent ideas! Plus let me also suggest:

Alexa Lixfield No. 2 - nice spice/sandalwood with a contemporary edge to it.
Epice Sauvage by Ayala Moriel - spice so dry it vibrates from internal friction.
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post #11 of 26
9/20/10 at 7:48pm
Caravelle Epicee by Frapin. Very dry and spicy!
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post #12 of 26
9/20/10 at 9:00pm
serge noire?
opium PH
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post #13 of 26
9/20/10 at 10:37pm
I love Hermessence Poivre Samarcande - dry spices .Beautifully done .
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post #14 of 26
9/20/10 at 11:35pm
Serge Lutens Rousse, dry, woody cinnamon.

Also second Lorenzo Villoresi Spezie, dry, herbal, slightly soapy spices.
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post #15 of 26
9/20/10 at 11:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeperez23 View Post

Spezie by Lorenzo Villoresi

+1 from me
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post #16 of 26
9/21/10 at 9:43am
Further endorsements of Spezie, Caravelle Epicée (though it may be a little sweet), and Jaisalmer. Also, L'Homme Sage, Eau Lente, Déclaration, Noir Epices, Basala, Tilda Swinton Like This, and Harissa. Check the reviews for these in the Basenotes Directory and see if any sound promising.
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post #17 of 26
9/21/10 at 10:05am
Caron Nuit de Noel
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post #18 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mimi Gardenia View Post

I love Hermessence Poivre Samarcande - dry spices .Beautifully done .

I definitely agree with Poivre Samarcande as a candidate. I have received more compliments while wearing this than any other fragrance. It is truly a great scent.
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post #19 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mimi Gardenia View Post

I love Hermessence Poivre Samarcande - dry spices .Beautifully done .

I definitely agree with Poivre Samarcande as a candidate. I have received more compliments while wearing this than any other fragrance. It is truly a great scent.
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post #20 of 26
9/21/10 at 1:53pm
For some reason i think you'd love Satellite's Padparadscha.
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post #21 of 26
9/21/10 at 2:25pm
Jacomo de Jacomo is about as dry a spice as it gets. So smoky and dry, it almost smells like ash.
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post #22 of 26
9/21/10 at 4:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeperez23 View Post

Spezie by Lorenzo Villoresi

Mike nailed this one right out of the gate. This is exactly what you're looking for.
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post #23 of 26
9/21/10 at 4:02pm
+1 on L'eau du Gouverneur. The original Cacharel pour l'Homme is another take on the theme.
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post #24 of 26
9/21/10 at 4:58pm
also
l'occitane vetiver
lalique encre noire
caron l'anarchiste
I'm not a fan of sweet scents either but I think the sweetness in l'anarchiste is well done.

maybe zirh ikon too.
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post #25 of 26
9/21/10 at 8:03pm
YSL Nu eau de parfum, if you can find it (check perfume shops that carry older stock, if you have one near you). Black pepper, incense, dry florals. It was marketed to women but is almost unanimously considered as unisex as they come.
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post #26 of 26
9/22/10 at 9:05am
I just tested out a sample of Halston Catalyst today. For the price, I can't imagine a better dry spice frag.
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