Chandigarh Express

Chandigarh Express by Ex Nihilo, composed by Gaël Montero and released in 2024, is a woody citrus with a resinous, slightly boozy heart. Woody is the word everyone uses; two thirds also find it citrusy, and a third each spicy, floral, resinous or ambery.

Bergamot and mandarin open it with a bright, juicy citrus, and cardamom adds a cool, aromatic spice. Davana, an Indian herb with a fruity, apricot-and-rum quality, gives the heart its character, joined by jasmine for a touch of white-flower warmth and Mahonial, a modern magnolia-like material, for a fresh, slightly lemony floral lift. Balsam fir and fir add a resinous, coniferous greenness, and the base is leather for a smooth, smoky depth, vetiver and patchouli for dry earthiness, and benzoin and tonka bean for a soft, warm sweetness.

It is a shared fragrance, worn by anyone. The fresh opening and warm base make it adaptable from day into evening and across seasons, and it suits people who like woody scents with a bright, fruity-herbal twist rather than a sweet one.

Chandigarh Express — unisex fragrance by Ex Nihilo (released 2024). Notes: Balsam Fir, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cardamom, Davana, Fir, Jasmine, Leather, Mahonial, Mandarin Orange, Patchouli, Tonka, Tonka Bean, Vetiver. — Parfica open fragrance database