Our take
What does Encre Noire à l'Extrême smell like?
For the tenth anniversary of Encre Noire, Lalique asked Nathalie Lorson for an eau de parfum version. It reached French stores in October 2015. The opening is pale and stormy. Cypress and elemi give a peppery resin while bergamot barely lasts a minute. Two vetivers form the heart, one from Java and one from Haiti. The first is earthy and the second smokier. Incense wraps around them and a suede-like iris takes off the sharp edges. Think dry grass after rain with a salty undertow. Sandalwood, patchouli and benzoin close things out and add a roundness the original lacks. The 2006 Encre Noire is smoother and darker, almost liquid, while this one feels rawer. It is often sold at a gentle price for what you get. The iris is what makes it wearable in an office.
When to wear it
A cold weather scent for wool coats and evenings out. Two sprays are enough because the vetiver projects well.
It belongs to the Woody family. Encre Noire à l'Extrême is one of 17 creations by Lalique in our encyclopedia.
