Our take
What does Spice Blend smell like?
François Demachy added Spice Blend to La Collection Privée Christian Dior in 2019. Dior describes it as fresh rum dressed in a black pepper and ginger accord. That matches the opening well: an ambery, prickly rum lifted by fresh ginger root. Cinnamon soon takes over the heart. Clove, nutmeg and coriander gather around it with two peppers, and the whole thing turns the colour of mulled wine. The base sets down dry woods and an aromatic bay leaf, more herbal than sweet. Projection is strong for the first hour, then it pulls in close to the skin. Longevity stays good regardless. The main complaint is that we have smelled this before. Viktor & Rolf's Spicebomb has explored similar ground since 2012 at a far gentler price. Spice Blend is woodier and less sweet, but the gap does not always justify the cost.
When to wear it
A winter scent for evenings and cold weekends. Two sprays on a wool sweater stretch the trail considerably.
It belongs to the Woody, Spicy family. Spice Blend is one of 56 creations by Dior in our encyclopedia.
