Vanille Benjoin

Vanille Benjoin is a sweet, resinous fragrance from the French house Affinessence, composed by Corinne Cachen and released in 2015 for anyone to wear. Everyone who describes it calls it gourmand, most add woody and amber, and a third find it leather, which fits a vanilla that is dark and dry rather than cake-like.

The notes come as a single list. Two vanillas, Tahitian and Madagascar, form the core: the first floral and slightly rummy, the second richer and more familiar. Siam benzoin adds a balsamic, faintly cinnamon-like resin, and tonka bean a warm almond sweetness. Moroccan and Chinese cedar give a dry, pencil-wood frame, leather brings a smooth, smoky depth, and ambroxan a clean, mineral warmth that lifts the whole thing off the skin.

Wear reports are still scarce. Its composition points to cold weather and evenings, and to someone who likes vanilla but wants it woody, resinous and grown-up rather than sugary.

Vanille Benjoin — unisex fragrance by Affinessence (released 2015). Notes: Tahitian Vanilla, Madagascar Vanilla, Siam Benzoin, Tonka Bean, Moroccan Cedar, Chinese Cedar, Ambroxan, Leather. — Parfica open fragrance database