Hermessence Epice Marine

Hermessence Epice Marine, composed by Jean-Claude Ellena for Hermès in 2013, puts warm spices next to cold sea air. Everyone describes it as spicy and most also as fresh; a third find it sweet, green, woody or citrusy, which reflects how many small ideas it holds together.

Cinnamon, cumin and cardamom provide the spice, cinnamon warm and sweet, cumin earthy and slightly savoury, cardamom bright and aromatic. Against them sit sea water and sea notes, a salty, breezy coolness, with bergamot adding a clean citrus lift. Hazelnut and sesame give a toasted, nutty softness that is the closest the scent comes to gourmand, and a whisper of whiskey adds a smoky, oaky depth. Oakmoss and vetiver supply the green, earthy base that holds the contrast in place.

Shared between men and women, it is a quiet, cerebral scent rather than a loud one, for people who enjoy unexpected pairings and a restrained, transparent way of handling strong ingredients, with the spices keeping it wearable beyond summer.

Hermessence Epice Marine — unisex fragrance by Hermès (released 2013). Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cumin, Hazelnut, Oakmoss, Sea Notes, Sea Water, Sesame, Vetiver, Whiskey. — Parfica open fragrance database