What is a gourmande fragrance?
There are eight widely recognised fragrance families. Some – citrus, woody, floral – are instantly recognisable and are easy to imagine. Others – chypre, oriental, fourgere, and gourmande – demand a little more explanation.
So, what is a gourmande perfume? The dictionary definition of a gourmande is a connoisseur of good food – it is an indulgent and luxurious experience that fills the individual with an opulent love steeped in pleasure.
A gourmande fragrance then is a scent that includes edible notes, most notably chocolate, coffee, caramel, milk, bubble gum, toffee, rum, whiskey, and even truffle.
Most gourmande perfumes tend to have a vanilla note too, either as a standalone or as part of a more complex note like rum or whiskey.
Gourmande notes are often blended together with notes such as patchouli, musk, and amber, rounding off the sweetness by giving them dimension and olfactory texture.
These types of fragrances lean towards warmth and depth, revealing themselves more as the hours wear on and the perfume notes mingle together.
As such, a gourmande fragrance is the perfect choice for cooler weather, giving a touch of comforting luxury – a delight for all senses.
Are gourmande perfumes unisex?
Gourmande perfumes can be feminine, masculine, or unisex – it all depends on the wearer. Typically, the sweeter note profile may create associations with more feminine fragrances, but a well-built gourmand perfume can be worn by anyone, especially if it’s middle or base notes include smoky or woody elements. Amber, often combined with gourmand notes, is decidedly unisex while an exquisite vanilla scent will have the depth and spice to be worn by all lovers of the ingredient.