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Spicy Vanilla?

post #1 of 28
10/14/10 at 4:48pm
Thread Starter 
I've always enjoyed vanilla or tonka as a role player in fragrances. A supporting note, if you will, but not the star of the show.

Well today I wore for the first time fully as my SOTD, Bvlgari Black. I thoroughly enjoyed the vanilla notes in it. The rubbery/smokey accord wasn't bad at all, like I had feared it would be. However, I'm not sure I love it either. This evening I was thinking how much more I would like it if that accord was replaced with something spicy. What kind of spice? I'm not really sure.

I'm not fond of gourmands, so I really wouldn't want it to be any sweeter than Bvlgari Black or L'Instant.

Any thoughts? Is there a fragrance out there that is like a spicy vanilla or tonka, similar to Bvlgari Black, that isn't a gourmand?
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post #2 of 28
10/14/10 at 4:50pm
Starring for men by Avon.
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post #3 of 28
10/14/10 at 4:56pm
Have you tried Yves St. Laurant L'Homme? This sounds like what you may be interested in. La Nuit is good too, but sweeter than L'Homme. I'd also add Zegna Forte, but this is pretty much only sold by Bloomingdales.
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post #4 of 28
10/14/10 at 5:02pm
acier alumium has vanilla with a fruity spice accord in it too.
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post #5 of 28
10/14/10 at 5:06pm
Thread Starter 
I have not tried the Avon Bigsly. Thanks for the suggestion.

@BradW I have decants of L'Homme and La Nuit. While sampling I liked La Nuit more, but after some full wearings I find the original L'Homme to be more versatile and enjoyable. You are right though. This is sort of what I'm looking for. Maybe a cross between L'Homme and Bvlgari Black?

Like I said, I'm not 100% sure what it is I'm seeking. I really like the level of sweetness in Black, and L'Homme isn't quite that sweet IMO. Thanks for the suggestions.

Keep them coming.
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post #6 of 28
10/14/10 at 5:13pm
Armani Code is certainly one to consider. Avon Black Suede Touch is a cheap one to consider as well.
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post #7 of 28
10/14/10 at 5:45pm
What about Cartier Must....it powdery tonka, not gourmandish at all IMO
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post #8 of 28
10/14/10 at 6:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarheel Golfer View Post

... similar to Bvlgari Black, that isn't a gourmand?

Shalimar or Habit Rouge. Both extend vanilla by opoponax. HR takes longer to settle in. Jicky - not really ...
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post #9 of 28
10/14/10 at 8:52pm
Another idea is Onyx by Paul Sebastian, but I haven't tried it.
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post #10 of 28
10/14/10 at 9:01pm
I will throw D&G The One in the box...all you get is vanilla and spice. Versace Blue Jeans and Black Jeans as well should be considered.
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post #11 of 28
10/14/10 at 9:14pm
Le'Male comes to mind, a spicy vanilla/tonkabean smell is all i get from it. some people classify that as a gourmand though.
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post #12 of 28
10/14/10 at 9:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Force of One View Post

What about Cartier Must....it powdery tonka, not gourmandish at all IMO

I agree. A bit powdery with a touch of spice.
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post #13 of 28
10/14/10 at 9:42pm
My recent discovery is a very spicy vanilla: Montale Boise Vanilla. The best part of it is the very drydown after about 2 hours.
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post #14 of 28
10/14/10 at 9:53pm
I guess I might as well bring out the one I seem to like and very few others know about.

Mandarina Duck Pure Black.

It's not more sweet than L'Instant so it might fit your liking. Vanilla in the base combined with Mysore Sandalwood and Green Cedar wood. Has Tonka beans and Tobacco in the middle notes and Indian Pepper in the top. It also has tangerine in the top and orange blossom in the middle to round it out. Plus Tahitian Tiare flower in the middle.

Kind of linear though if you can dig it. It smells great at opening and just kind of settles in to that similar vibe the whole way through without alot of meandering around. Good projection and good longevity. Hard to find though. I found mine at Dillards. It's quickly turning to one of my favorites as it isn't worn by everyone else, heck hardly anyone else at all and it's been getting me alot of compliments. I just love it, too.
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post #15 of 28
1/10/12 at 6:09pm
Oh vanilla spice sounds good. there is a fragrance that was sold by Sephora called Vanilla Spice and it smelled really good but didn-t last long.
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post #16 of 28
1/10/12 at 6:42pm
Micallef Vanille Oud
Les Senteurs Gourmandes Vanille Orientale
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post #17 of 28
1/10/12 at 8:14pm
Guess for Men (1991), though it's more complex than BB.
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post #18 of 28
1/10/12 at 8:24pm
La nuit
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post #19 of 28
1/10/12 at 8:31pm
Shalimar may just be what you're looking for. It is smokey, smooth, spicy vanilla magic, and not as sweet as l'instant. I love Bulgari Black and Shalimar and wear them both frequently; they are actually very similar in spirit, with Bulgari being a certain evolution of Shalimar in my opinion. Don't let the women's tag fool you: this stuff was made in the 20s and smells marvelous and unisex today.

My spicy tonka recommendation, interestingly, is also by Annick Menardo (She created Bulgari Black and Body Kouros, among other amazing scents). Jaipur Homme by Boucheron is EXTREMELY pleasant and spicy tonka bean. I can't see anyone not loving it.

Those two I'm relatively sure of. Just look at their note breakdown on Fragrantica if you don't believe me!

Habit rouge, on the other hand, is a vaguely spicy-incensey vanilla that is very dry. It has a big dose of lemon that lasts for a long time, though. Probably not what you're looking for, but great nonetheless.
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post #20 of 28
1/11/12 at 1:19am
+1 Boucheron - Jaipur Homme and YSL - L'Homme

Gucci - Envy For Men
Davidoff - Silver Shadow Private
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post #21 of 28
1/11/12 at 8:30pm
I'm excited to see what he thinks of Shalimar and/or Jaipur Homme!
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post #22 of 28
1/11/12 at 10:13pm
Mona di Orio - les nombres d'or vanille

An absolutely stunning scent imo.
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post #23 of 28
1/12/12 at 3:56am
That black F ferragamo
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post #24 of 28
1/24/12 at 11:19am
Nobody is mentioning YSL Opium Pour Homme.Strange.The best answer to spicy vanilla-opium ph.
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post #25 of 28
1/24/12 at 12:26pm
I found Spiritueuse Double Vanille kind of spicy...
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post #26 of 28
1/24/12 at 1:44pm
i can name you some similar or even exactly the same fragrances as bulgari black
1.zegna forte
2. givenchy play intense
3. YSL la nuit EDT or EDP
4. rochas man
5. Van Cleef Midnight in Paris
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post #27 of 28
1/24/12 at 2:09pm
Musc Ravageur has spices and dark vanilla in the drydown, it's amazing IMO
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post #28 of 28
1/24/12 at 3:33pm
Spicy vanilla lovers , try
Arpege PH
Cheers
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