Fine wine, cognac, champagne and cocktails; have one and we feel just a bit giddy but drink a few and it’s time to hand the keys to your best friend. Actually, fine wine and spirits have a lot in common with fine fragrance: sillage, complexity, and an unmistakable multi sensorial experience. Tequila before Happy Hour? Indulging in the forbidden delights of Absinthe? Yes, as long as you spritz it, not sip it. So step up to the Sniffapalooza Bar and indulge.
The beloved cult classic 1270 by Frapin is a legend among perfumistas and has recently been reissued and repackaged. Named to commemorate the year the Frapin family established itself in the Cognac region of France (and continues to make cognac to this day), 1270 was created by Beatrice Cointreau, great granddaughter of Pierre Frapin. This is a perfume for true connoisseurs; 1270 is an intricate blend of exotic woods, spice, raisin, vine flowers, pepper, candied orange, nut, hazelnut, prune, cocoa, coffee, leather, and woods. Available at www.aedes.com.
Cognac, from Aftelier, the fragrance company owned by ‘The Green Queen’ Mandy Aftel, is best served not in a snifter but dabbed on pulse points with its its artisnal glass stopper. It is surprisingly light yet complex with cognac essence supported by fresh ginger, blood orange, and olive absolute in organic grape alcohol. Available at www.aftelier.com.
The model for Sauvignonne by Ginestet Perfumes was a lovely dry white wine from Bordeaux. Ginestet, whose vineyards are over 100 years old, sets the standard for all wine inspired fragrances. Sauvignonne is crisp, tart with a burst of sweet white peach. Available at www.beautyhabit.com.
We are “bubbly” with joy that Suzanne Lang‘s Champagne Vanilla, is brought back from the dreaded world called “discontinued” (where some of our favorites linger like ghosts) Available exclusively at www.luckyscent.com and Scent Bar.
If mojitos are your cocktails of choice, you are sure to love Malin + Goetz’s Mojito candle, not just for its scent, but for its 60 hr burn time and it reusable glass (for making your own mojitos). With top notes of lime, mint and rum, you will be tempted to “rum”ba with your significant other.
Forget the knishes and the hot dogs; Bond No.9’s luscious Coney Island is made with authentic margarita mix. It’s a dizzy, delicious delight! What else would you expect from the fragrance company that actually makes “scent-sense” of New York? Available at www.bondno9.com.
The licorice sweet liqueur known as Absinthe is so decadent, and addictive that it was classified as a narcotic and contraband in this country for many years. Toulouse Lautrec, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and Hemingway all fell under the spell of the “green fairy”. The spirit of the Moulin Rouge is lasciviously recreated in L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Fou d’Absinthe, which opens with the grip of icy-cool alcohol, then bewitches and holds us captive with notes of absinthe, star anise, dry pine, cistus, and angelica flower. Available at www.lartisanparfumeur.com.
We are mesmerized by the narcotic nuances of Opus Oils Absintheo’s forbidden Parisian adventure. This intoxicating blend has key notes of Wisteria, Vanilla Sugar, actual Absinthe (Wormwood), a touch of Sandalwood with a dash of Fig. Available at www.opusoils.com .
Attention: Tequila Goddesses! You are about to indulge in “una maravillosa experiencia”, thanks to Demeter’s Frozen Marguerita, a surprisingly wearable scent, with notes of fresh-squeezed lime, citrus, Tequila, and Triple Sec. Available at www.sephora.com.
Oh how we want to perform the Bossa-Nova on “Dancing with the Stars” after inhaling the Caipirinha-inspired fragrance from Maitre Parfumeur et Garnier’s Bahiana. Citrus fuses with pineapple and sugarcane to create a fragrant blend that is more dry than sweet. As intoxicating as those hot Brazilian…uhhh… nights. Available at www.first-in-fragrance.com
Oenophiles swirl, sniff and spritz … Napa Valley’s Cielo is the first fragrance where grape leaves were distilled. Cielo (heaven) developed by Susan Kenward, (a famous gourmet author) and her husband, (an owner of a big vineyard in the best Californian vine area), collaborated with perfumer extraordinaire, Dawn Spencer Hurwitz on this special scent. Available at www.first-in-fragrance.com
Comme des Garcons’ Harissa created by Bertrand Duchaufour just might be your cure for a fragrance hangover; if you like Tabasco in your Bloody Mary, Harissa will get your blood boiling with ‘the hair of the dog”. Available at www.luckyscent.com
A hot cup of ‘Joe’ is thought to sober up those who have over-imbibed. For a fragrance hangover inhale Catherine Memmi’s Café Noir Scented Candle; you can practically taste the roasted dark beans brewing. Available at www.luckyscent.com
Want to drink it not spritz it? Sniffapalooza Magazine recommends www.sherry-lehmann.com, for arguably the best selection of fine wines and spirits in the country.
Drive safely – Drive sober. Have a Happy Holiday.
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Sniffapalooza Magazine is independently owned and operated by Raphaella Barkley.