SOTD - Encre Noire by Lalique · Brotherhood Of Scent

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SOTD - Encre Noire by Lalique

Got a decant in from my go-to spot Scent Split for today’s testing of Encre Noire by Lalique. This one has been around for a minute, launched in 2006 by perfumer Nathalie Lorson.

This is a beauty of a fragrance with a minimal note breakdown, and one I enjoy quite a bit. It’s a dry (not sweet or sugary) fougère-style fragrance that can easily be worn year-round as someone’s signature scent. Very versatile, non-offensive, but still full of character.

Not going to bore you with opening, mid, and dry-down because this one is pretty linear from start to finish, with only subtle shifts in the opening. Think of a cedar cabinet, or a cedar plank that you press your nose against and take a deep sniff… that’s what I get for the most part. With the cypress/vetiver blend, you get that same vibe but obviously much better than sniffing a dry ol’ piece of wood. It’s beautiful and bright, but still a tad dark. In the background, there’s a mossy quality—almost like wet forest moss. Overall, it’s a beautiful, woody, slightly metallic fragrance that punches far above its price point.

To my nose, this has similarities to Terre d'Hermès and an upscaled Cypress Cedar by Banana Republic.

Now I definitely want to try Encre Noire À L’Extrême.

For the price point, I think this is worth checking out if you enjoy woody vetiver. I give it a 7.5/10 and would gladly welcome it into my collection, though I’m not rushing out to hunt a deal… if that makes sense.

Have a smeltastic day, Brotherhood, and if you can’t have one… create one!

Top: Cypress

Mid: Vetiver

Base: Cashmere Wood and Musk

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