Our take
What does Thé Noir 29 smell like?
Frank Voelkl composed Thé Noir 29 for Le Labo, released in November 2015. As always with the brand, the number refers to how many materials go into the formula. The opening is fruitier than you might expect. Bergamot adds some brightness, fig brings a green milky sweetness and bay leaf contributes an aromatic, almost medicinal edge. The heart builds the woodwork. Dry cedar and earthy vetiver form a sturdy frame, softened by a quiet musk. Black tea comes fully into its own in the drydown, as an extraction that smells of dried leaves rather than a brewed cup. It brings hay and tobacco facets with it, giving the scent a rustic feel, like a barn at the end of summer. It stays dark and muffled without ever getting heavy, with honest longevity and moderate projection.
When to wear it
Autumn and winter, at the office or on weekends; three sprays on a sweater. Suits anyone who enjoys dry woods.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. Thé Noir 29 is one of 5 creations by Le Labo in our encyclopedia.
