Perfume Review: Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Or des Indes

Or des Indes is a scent that seems to be undeservedly underappreciated, it is rarely mentioned and discussed and yet it is one of the most exquisite, well-blended and enjoyable Orient-inspired fragrances. It is a scent that I never want to be without. If for some unfathomable reason I had to give up all my perfumes and choose only one for the rest of my life (oh the horror of such a scenario!), I believe I would choose Or des Indes. Yes, I would have opted for it instead of my beloved Bois des Iles and Féminité du Bois. Or des Indes is one of those rare scents that are always wearable, it does not have quirks, it is always smooth, always comforting, forever a pleasure to wear. Even though it was allegedly inspired by the palaces of Maharajas and all things sumptuous and opulent, it is actually a rather understated, soft, although still undoubtedly rich and ornamented, scent. Thus, while it is of course infinitely pleasurable and warming in autumn and winter, it is also not at all overwhelming in warm weather. The notes listed for Or des Indes are opoponax, vanilla, amber, geranium and I do smell all of them on my skin, apart from, thankfully, geranium. The accord that is also very prominent to my nose and is not among the official notes is cinnamon. I find the note irresistible when it is incorporated into the composition as it is here, unobtrusively blended with other notes, not overwhelming but adding the sweet spiciness to the scent. Or des Indes is smooth and enveloping, like a light-brown wrap made of a material more exotic, precious and soft than cashmere, ornamented with intricate golden and maroon designs. It also, rather bizarrely, reminds me of a -as far as I know- non-existent dish made of semolina and cinnamon, a warm, sweet, spicy and comforting concoction to sustain and raise one’s spirits. Or des Indes is available at Lusciouscargo, $105.00 for 3,4oz.