Our take
What does Bois d'Arménie smell like?
Guerlain presented Bois d'Arménie in 2006 as part of L'Art et la Matière. Annick Ménardo took her cue from papier d'Arménie, the little benzoin-soaked strips that French homes burn to scent a room. The opening is airier than you might expect. Pink pepper prickles, incense rises in dry curls and iris lays a powdery veil over them. The heart is the core of the perfume. Benzoin gives off its resinous, slightly balsamic vanilla, gently smoked by guaiac wood. Coriander adds a spicy grain that keeps it from getting too sweet. The base leans on patchouli and copaiba balm, with musk making everything very soft on skin. This is a long way from stern church incense. Bois d'Arménie smells more like a heated house, a blanket and waxed wood. It is still part of the Guerlain range.
When to wear it
Autumn and winter, for quiet days or evenings. Three sprays, since it projects little but lasts well.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Bois d'Arménie is one of 99 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
