Our take
What does Cèdre smell like?
Serge Lutens released Cèdre in 2005, the same year as Bornéo 1834. Christopher Sheldrake composed both with him. The name is misleading. Lutens himself said honey is the key to this cedar, and that tuberose is barely perceptible yet essential. It opens on clove and cinnamon. Some people smell spiced cider aged in a cask, others a gingerbread tin. The heart then rounds out. Tuberose stays muffled under wood and honey, more plush than floral. Cedar, amber and musk form the base. Amber often outweighs the cedar, which is quieter than you'd think. The wood shows up mostly as a dry hum underneath. A faint animalic streak shows up late, with a dry, slightly smoky musk. Compared with Féminité du Bois, the house's fruity spiced cedar, Cèdre is warmer and more floral. We'd count it among the easiest Lutens to love.
When to wear it
A winter scent for evenings and roll-neck jumpers. One or two sprays are enough, since the amber spreads for hours.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Cèdre is one of 31 creations by Serge Lutens in our encyclopedia.
