Our take
What does Habanita smell like?
Molinard created Habanita in 1921 as an extrait meant to scent cigarettes. It reached perfume counters in 1924 in a Lalique bottle. The formula was reworked in a woodier direction in 1988, then relaunched as an eau de parfum in 2012, which is the version sold today. It opens on rosy geranium and bitter petitgrain, with ylang-ylang in the background. The heart is crowded. Mimosa and heliotrope lay down a soft powder, while nutmeg and vetiver add a smoky streak that recalls cold tobacco. The base is the whole reason Habanita exists: thick vanilla, sandalwood and patchouli over a dark moss. Few modern perfumes dare this kind of density. It lasts a full day on skin and far longer on a scarf.
When to wear it
Winter evenings and special occasions only. One spray is enough, two if you want to be noticed.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Habanita is one of 9 creations by Molinard in our encyclopedia.
