Description
Created in 2004 by Jean-Claude Ellena, Hermessence is a collection of unique
fragrances conceived as olfactory poems using perfuming’s most exclusive
elements. As sober and intense as Japanese haiku, they reinvent a nature that is
as precious as it is unusual, as if rendered by the inspired writing of a composer
in search of the new.
Enriched each time the perfumer discovers a new country, a language,
a culture or simply extraordinary new ingredients, as of today the line
consists of eight fragrances, exclusively available in Hermès stores.
Vétiver Tonka: powerful vetiver, smoothed out by velvety hazelnut. A hint of
praline is mixed with the sweetness of Tonka beans to soften the earthy, rough
effect of the roots. “A tender vetiver, enveloping and warm…”
alenachka_m – :
I totally agree that Jerome Epinette brutally yet unskillfully copied this formula with limited secondary developments and released it twice under Byredo and Atelier Cologne, sequently. Don’t be surprised, Epinette did this kind of tricks numerous times. And I might also add a hyped discontinued scent that took a lot of pages on it as well, i.e. Dior Vetiver. The point is that the quality of (Haitian) Vetiver in Vetiver Tonka is far more superior than Fatal Vetiver by Atelier Cologne, and the base is balanced way better than Dior Vetiver.
Technically, Vetiver Tonka is barely a gourmond fragrance, instead along the way of conventional interpretation of vetiver note, almostly. It reminds me of Guerlain Vetiver (current), with a skillful decoration by using hazelnut, tonka, probably plus toffee, which makes it sweet, silky, smooth and with a bit smoky nuance lingering across the space, yet not as consevative nor ascetic as Guerlain Vetiver that might push off the new generation. The only con for me is that the floral note (mostly the violet) in the opening, a little bit dandy-ish and turns me off, but to be noted, it deserves to wait for the elegent drydown when the floral note to be smoothened by the presence of realistic camp fire vibe. That is the very part Epinette fails to follow up.
No doubt, this is one of the better scents from Hermessence after big dispointments from the overhyped Osmanthus Yunnan and Iris Ukiyoe. Rating: 8-8.5/10If you are curious about Vetiver Fatal (Bal d’Afrique), just think about replacing only one note — the hazelnut — with much more violet leaf (herbal and fruity) note and dilute it with a bit more alcohol… wait a second, almost forget to add the Eau de Rochas-esque citrus note as Epinette always does, now shake it before you get Vetiver Fatal (Bal d’Afrique) ! Keep in mind, it maybe difficult for ones who hasn’t smelt them before to tell the differences among these three by drydowns and sillages.
After sampling Fat Electrician, I do get some comparisons. The opening of Fat Electrician is quite close to Vetiver Tonka, with darker and denser camp fire vibe akin to this, also reminds of Dsquared He Wood Rocky Mountain. At that moment I nearly decided to get a full bottle untill the drydown pulled me back. That a drydown is fulled with Iso E Super is really not my cup of tea.
oreshek – :
A delicious vetiver. The smoky vetiver works very well with the nutty and creamy qualities and it smell delicious, but I wouldn’t really call it a gourmand. It smells addictive and the composition is very smooth and rounded. It’s just the perfect amount of smoke, green and caramel/praline. I only wish it was more tenacious.
Scent: 10/10
Longevity: 8/10
Projection: 4/10
obc681intitytek – :
i really don’t care which one released first…consider that hermessense was a limited and low accessible perfume.i could hardly get hand to vetiver tonka even in 2018.both mentioned perfumes especially vetiver fatal are cheaper and more easy to find…so no matter which one launched for the first time…and obviously i can see the year of introduction mentioned below each perfume…
im not talkin about originality…both Vetiver fatal and bal d’afrique are easy to find so im talking based on my personal findings…if anyone is going to try it NOW,probably he/she won’t be surprised…that all was trying to say
for example nowadays you cant say aventus is a unique scent!bcz of tones of clones out there.there are many alternatives to aventus with much lower price.
buy viagra cheap – :
Yes, the point is that, as Oscarsh86 says, both Vetiver Fatal and Bal d’Afrique are clones (from the same perfumer, Jerome Epinette) of Hermes Vetiver Tonka.
NATASHA.FEDOSUYK – :
Really nothing new here
if you have or tried Byredo Bal d’Afrique or Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatal don’t waste your time and money on this one.not gonna say it’s a bad one…just not new to be in exclusive line and deserving that price!
But have to mention the openning is really pleasent and new to me which i pretend to be the main accord of this fragrance…vetiver,hazelnut,tobacco and tonka made an interesting opening which i appreciate.unfortunately this accord disappears in the dry-down,which is a sad news.
In the dry-down it’s a certain “NO” to me
Scent: 6/10
Longevity: 5/10
Sillage: 5/10
——————————————————–
Overall: 5.5/10
dvlasov81 – :
I fall in love. You know how it happens when you fall in love with someone who was supposed to be the last person for that. You feel confused and embarrassed, cheking again and again: “It must be a mistake! It will be gone soon!” But it is not. “He is not mine.Too expensive. Not available here. It’s just a caprice, you know, I am very unstable sometimes. There are better ones”. Then I put it away. In few months: “Well, now I will come back to get sure how ugly and alien it is!” But it is not. I’m still in love.
Hermessence Vetiver Tonka. I took a sample with curiosity and distrust. I don’t like vetiver. Reading about the fragrance to know my love better, as it has already happened. Green woody – usually I don’t like it. Tobacco… Oh my God! The most disgusting smell ever. Unisex – don’t like. It smells like a man, but I am fascinated wearing it. You may say I’m old fashioned but I am not that girl wearing men perfume. Yes, I am out of trend but there are perfumes for men and for women (even if there are not my nose will specify them 🙂 ). My new love is an exception.
Very intellectual, noble and intense, serious and profound, with such a deep inner world. I’m not joking, it will become your psychoanalitic, go with him and you will know yourself better. I am telling you.
P.S. The problem is that a sample lives a short life …
maiorgladkii – :
Just wanted to throw this out there in case people were wondering the differences, as I too had the same question.
Vetiver Tonka: Sweet, Hazlenut, Vetiver, airy
Vetiver Fatal: Dryer, Fruit (plum), Vetiver, tad fresher
Bal D’Afrfrque: Sweeter, Powdery, vetiver, dense (IMO leans feminine)
No experience with Viaggio D’Africa
ixn278Diobtetty – :
Very sophisticated scent.
long lasting on my skin even if I’m with dry skin
I own Viaggio d`Africa and when I compare them performance-wise Hermes Vetiver Tonka is superior.
But I still prefer Viaggio d`Africa because of this cappuccino flavor.
3031 – :
Mugler Pure Tonka mixed with Windex… At least that’s what I’m getting from it off paper
dimaka73 – :
Le matin en Provence by Paul Cézanne 1900-06
mitriy32 – :
Once again, J.C. Ellena NAILS casual elegance. VT is a perfect balance between sweetness and woodiness. So classy, so handsome. Could be worn with a suit on a formal evening or a linen shirt on a spring day.
korol.nata – :
Interesting take on vetiver, a gourmand one! It smells like a mixture of praline and hay. The notes are well-balanced, I would even say that this leans slightly towards the feminine end of the spectrum. The hazelnuts and caramel add a chocolate-like aroma. This perfume is very similar to Mugler’s Muse, but not as sweet. It is light enough to wear in the spring/summer, but can be worn year-round.
prizrackkk – :
The Different Vetiver
First things first – Hats off to Jean-Claude Ellena! I believe no one else could’ve done this. He is undoubtedly one of greatest contemporary perfumers and also one of my personal favourites of all time. If one could perceive perfumery as music – for the nose, then JC Ellena could be likened to a contemporary composer mainly influenced by impressionist masters like Debussy & Ravel but with strong shades of late romanticism from Schubert, Schumann and Brahms. He takes his main motif/idea and juxtaposes it with some dissonant contrasts while keeping it very minimal and transparent all the time. But at the same time he embellishes each stage of the movement in a very romantic manner choosing very traditional, pleasing, consonant harmonic ornamentation. One can see this across his compositions, especially for the house of Hermes. (I think he probably got the most freedom from this house in terms exploring of his own creativity.) And I think Vetiver Tonka is, arguably, his pièce de résistance.
Vetiver is a grass native to India but is also found in abundance across Haiti, Indonesia, China, Java, and Reunion. The oil extracted from its roots has a distinctively complex scent ranging from wood shavings, wet earth, fresh green grass, roots to ink, licorice, nutty-roasted sugar, and cold-humid air – depending on it’s origin. So a perfumer is to not only know what material to use but know each strain of that material intimately well to know what works best for the brief at hand. For instance, in my opinion, the vetiver used here is Bourbon vetiver (Reunion, Madagascar etc) which has more of the nutty, chocolate-y facets. Using Haitian vetiver or another kind would’ve taken this composition to a completely different place. Ellena takes this main motif of Vetiver & Tonka and gives it a form going from nutty (hazelnuts) to caramel-y/cacoa (praline) to an almost burnt sugar accord. And embellishing this main idea is a touch of flowers (Muguet) in the heart and some soft woods (Sandalwood and cedar probably) in the base just to balance the composition from getting overwhelming. And a dash of tobacco for some contrast and probably to accentuate the dry hay-like facets of tonka beans. Utterly fascinating! It’s light, airy, sweet and extremely pleasant to wear. Quite a unique take on this multi-faceted root. Highly recommended if you are open to a different vetiver.
9/10
rzy374bedyWelty – :
Vetiver Tonka is an intelligent mossy gourmand scent by JCE. It exudes class and confidence. The vetiver in this is hyper realistic and the essence of the material itself. Mixed strangely with edible ingredients such as tonka bean and almost chocolate things, it comes together well… on others. Sadly not on me.
On me, this goes very sour and, for the majority of the wear time (which is quite considerable compared to the others in this range), unbearable. I placed this at the end because I wanted to highlight that this fragrance has the potential to be stunning on certain skin types. My skin type allows me to wear most fragrances quite well, only compromising longevity. This is one of the only fragrances this has happened for and I couldn’t be more saddened because I genuinely love it. I initially was scared off at the idea of a slightly gourmand vetiver scent, but this really did a 180 on me. Not entirely revolutionary from a perspective of the fragrance world, but it was new to me.
Very interesting indeed
ghj,bhrf – :
I love vetiver, Terre has been the closest thing to a signature for me during the past 10 years, basically because it is fresh, interesting, very masculine and others love it on me too.
I fell in love with Encre Noir, it’s a total masterpiece, but when I wear it too often it weighs me down with it’s darkness. I found Creed’s OV to be a bit boring and Guerlain’s Vetiver seems slightly dated after a while. Tom Ford’s GV was fresh and sexy but not very interesting as time passed. I’m currently enjoying L’occitane Vetyver and Ferrari Vetiver Essence and now my wife bought me this…
What can I say? The scent is gorgeous. Earthy sweetness in a bottle. Blending and quality perfection and you know it is Ellena from first sniff. I love the combination of sweetness with vetiver which is why I enjoy the L’occitane offering. I have a shaving cream called French Vetiver which smells like a swamp fire coupled with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Yep, sounds weird but I love it, I will layer the shaving cream with Vetiver Tonka. Will it be my signature? No. Will I get tired of it by the time the tank is dry? Too early to say.
As they say, thumbs way up!
123599 – :
Vetiver Tonka is a really enjoyable gourmand fragrance for those who don’t like them over-the-top sweet. Indeed this has some sugar too but it’s balanced with warm woody notes and diffused with some light airiness and a hint of manly green.
This is really smooth and luscious and somewhat linear. I think I enjoy Pierre Guillaume’s Aomassai better for that woody hazelnut-caramel fix as it has some interesting spices and a darker earthiness going on.
Straightforward sweet, aromatic hazelnut and caramel, a bit overpriced for the scent but the quality is certainly there.
ybc256JeomiWogkig – :
This is way more masculine for a unisex scent. The projection is pretty strong. A little goes a long way.
BiofVoineef – :
Yet another masterpiece from Ellena. This fragrance takes two notes, vetiver and tonka bean, that I wouldn’t expect to work well together, but it is blended to perfection. It provides a wonderful balance of earthy and sweet, while still having an inoffensive, mass appeal quality. I think this works well on a man or woman, ages 25+ and can be worn year round. This can also be worn any occasion, but I tend to wear it casually during the day when it’s a bit cooler outside. Performance is very solid lasting 8 hours or so, with above average projection. Overall, a brilliant composition and a must-have for me.
9/10
antoshka2002 – :
To me, this vetiver is mostly a gourmand and it feels odd. The vétiver note is beautiful, fresh and green, but I can’t deal with all the pastry notes. Too bad!
valdimar – :
In my opinion this is exactly what Terre d’Hermes should’ve been, by the same perfumers no less. The vetiver is coarse, foresty and animalistic, creating a strong and interesting accord with the tonka. Aiding this is a deep if somewhat rough bed of nuts and spicy tobacco, with hints of sweetness and citrus in wisps. An odd sweetness appears from the tonka, aided by the praline, forming a roundness in the vetiver-dominant scent.
Vetiver and Tonka is quintessentially masculine without the melodrama or excess of many men’s fragrances. This scent is serious but not dark or overtly formal, avoiding the errant sexuality of many modern men’s fragrances, more like the early-30s owner of a bourbon distillery than a count at a ball.
It garnered some massive compliments from my partner a bit further than an arm’s length away, but overall it tends to invoke more of a reaction of interest than attraction, which I’m definitely appreciative of.
voyager441 – :
I never thought a vetiver gourmand would be possible, but here it is. This is cool and warm at the same time – perfectly balanced and sophisticated, with no conflict. All my “vivaldi” all-season fragrances are that way incidentally. This is the first that has seemed very purposeful in this regard – it is an all-season fragrance by design and definition.
This is fresh, unique, and could be a great year-round signature scent. I highly recommend checking out a sample if you can.
Syperdetka – :
I agree with Shiva, this a vetiver gourmand, which is an odd experience, if not an altogether unpleasant one. The sense I get from this is of a vetiver-garnished soufflé, the kind of odd savory dessert you sometimes get at high-end restaurants with something to prove. The tonka presents very heavily and when paired with the chestnut and sandalwood accords gives the whole composition a sweetened caramel sense about it. In addition, the dessert notes project much further on my skin than the vetiver, which again diminishes its presence.
I would not really recommend this fragrance, especially not to vetiver fans. If you’re looking for a sweet dessert cut with a little something extra, maybe this is for you.
lqs588bedyWelty – :
This is a surprisingly “gourmand” vetiver which I find disconcerting. The praline, caramel, tonka, hazelnut aspects compete with the vetiver and LOTV rather than smooth it out for me. The tobacco, one of my favorite scents amps up the “sweet” notes and creates a further tension with the vetiver/LOTV. The sweet notes also have a somewhat synthetic quality, one that is terribly familiar with the last few years’ of mall-frags. I prefer my scents a bit darker. This is an interesting twist on vetiver, so I do recommend trying if you haven’t been a fan of the note thus far. For me this if a pass on a FB.
zop329Bessinepome – :
I remember its smoothness–nothing is rough, pungent, or out of balance. Then there is the way that it seamlessly combines coolness and warmth without either quality losing its identity. This duality makes it wearable year round. It is gourmand, but light. Cereals, hay, dry vetiver, and mild tobacco keep the praline and hazelnut out of sticky-sweet territory, and give it an earthy feel.
I’m surprised there aren’t more female reviewers for this scent; to me it sits on the feminine side of unisex. For added warmth, it is luxurious with Ambre Narguile. To sharpen it, use with Poivre Samarcande. Though wonderful on its own, it is a versatile layer too.
I remember reading that the scent was meant to evoke wool, and the wool in this imagination is not angora or cashmere but raw and soft, and meant for hugging shoulders. I will receive the fragrance in a few days, and of course I wonder how my memories compare.
EDIT: I’ve now acquired a bottle, my first in years. Since I’ve worn this, I’ve begun wearing sweeter scents, which no doubt alters my experience of this one. The vetiver is so warm and clean and gentle here, and hovers above the sweet, faintly rich nuttiness. The tobacco note is more prominent than I remember, and might even prohibit me wearing it alone as I used to. Now my favorite way to wear it is under L’Ambre Des Merveilles. Do give this a try if you like smooth vetiver or tobacco fragrances.
volk840 – :
scent : 10/10
sillage : 8/10
longevity :8/10
60% day / 40% night fragrance
reminds me a little bit of chanel Sycomore and Encre Noire by Lalique
nice smoky and vetiver scent
art-b89 – :
I’m not a huge fan of this kind of composition but I do like it as a change of pace. That said, I don’t really like this particular composition. I’d rather wear the Pal Zileri Africa scent or Cereus #5. This one, though, seems designed to be “safe,” to the point that even those other two scents, which are rather tame too, seem wild by comparison. There’s not enough of a gourmand element for the gourmand fans like myself and of course if you want a strong vetiver scent along these lines (but with no gourmand element) you can spend a lot less on Encre Noire. So, my thought is that this is a kind of introductory scent for those with “fat wallets.” Nothing wrong with that, I guess, but there’s nothing I find special about this one.
Дмитрий-ПК – :
I fall in love. You know how it happens when you fall in love with someone who was supposed to be the last person for that. You feel confused and embarrassed, cheking again and again: “It must be a mistake! It will be gone soon!” But it is not. “He is not mine.Too expensive. Not available here. It’s just a caprice, you know, I am very unstable sometimes. There are better ones”. Then I put it away. In few months: “Well, now I will come back to get sure how ugly and alien it is!” But it is not. I’m still in love.
Hermessence Vetiver Tonka. I took a sample with curiosity and distrust. I don’t like vetiver. Reading about the fragrance to know my love better, as it has already happened. Green woody – usually I don’t like it. Tobacco… Oh my God! The most disgusting smell ever. Unisex – don’t like. It smells like a man, but I am fascinated wearing it. You may say I’m old fashioned but I am not that girl wearing men perfume. Yes, I am out of trend but there are perfumes for men and for women (even if there are not my nose will specify them 🙂 ). My new love is an exception.
Very intellectual, noble and intense, serious and profound, with such a deep inner world. I’m not joking, it will become your psychoanalitic, go with him and you will know yourself better. I am telling you.
P.S. The problem is that a sample lives a short life …
Crorsonoemege – :
My second Hermessence sample.
Vetiver is a difficult note for me. Here, however, it is very soft, warm, nutty. I also get a tobacco note which I love.
This would be perfect for autumn, if it lasted more than five minutes on me. As it is, I appreciate its fleeting beauty but there would be no point in investing in a bottle.
Hitman2205 – :
very lovely and quite addictive, soft vetiver fragrance: the plush version of ellena’s very dry terre d’hermes, which i also have (aftershave is my favorite formulation in that one) and love.
Radoman777 – :
Fragrances based on vetiver are usually ”harsh”. This it’s rather smooth and sweet due to caramel and praline mainly. Hence, I could say that Vetiver Tonka it’s a ”gourmand vetiver”. Mainly, I detect the aforementioned notes and the ”unusual hazelnut”. A very elegant and original. Suitable for all occasions since it’s not overpowering. IMO a ”crowd pleaser”!!
Scent: 10
Longevity: 5
Projection: 5
Sillage: 5
Uniqueness: 10
Versatility: 7
Overall: 7
omon73rus – :
I got this as a swap for a tiny 1/4ml vial of Roja’s Diaghilev and honestly I regret the swap.
The start was nice, emphasising the nutty and caramel side of vetiver, turning it into a socially acceptable scent, well realised, balanced and thoughtful, and I initially thought I had found something else to wear professionally without being too boring.
After just an hour, it started turning into the sweet synthetic woods that Encre Noire is made of, which I find slightly sickening and bearing little relation with vetiver except if I think about it quite hard. If you actually like this kind of thing, Encre Noire is much cheaper per bottle.
Unfortunately, this means I won’t be wearing it. I prefer Carven’s and Givenchy’s vintage vetivers which actually do keep smelling like vetiver past the first hour. Is it IFRA’s fault?
michii – :
“Elegant and sophisticated… an epitome of the modern gentleman.”
Vétiver Tonka is a 2004 fragrance from Hermès, and is one of the first fragrances to the exclusive Hermèssence line by Hermès’ in-house perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena. This is another decant that I have from the French luxury brand, and is easily my favourite among the Hermèssence.
Jean-Claude Ellena is no stranger in the perfume industry. He is one of the most prominent and respected perfumers in the modern perfume world and his fragrances have a distinctive signature which many have called it the “watercolour” effect: transparent, light, simple and there elegant.
Vétiver Tonka is Ellena’s take on the classic tobacco fragrance that conventionally caters to male users. There’s something very distinguishable about Vétiver Tonka that sets itself apart from other fragrances of its kind. The main notes are tobacco, vetiver, tonka beans and hazelnut, the fourth note being something I only realised much later after using for some time.
On my skin, it works exactly as how I had expected from a perfume by Ellena: transparent and elegant, the unmistakable “watercolour” effect. The tobacco is utterly smooth and refined, and blends seamlessly with the hazelnut-praline accords to make it deliciously gourmand. The vetiver is earthy, which is a very typical description, but at the same time, it’s surprisingly clean and works well with the other notes. Because of its gourmand notes, I think it may also work for female users, especially those who are quietly confident and mature enough to take on it.
Vétiver Tonka is an Eau de Toilette, and thus I can see it being worn at any time of the day and any season of the year. Ideally, because of its semi-dark notes and above-average sillage, I think it works best in the autumn followed by the winter. This is also a perfect scent to be worn daily in the office because of its lightness and subtlety.
Vétiver Tonka is personally one of the first fragrances I smelled that made me learn about Ellena, and understand his talent in the art. It’s the epitome of what a modern gentleman is: refined and mature, pleasant to the people around him and quietly confident of his own abilities. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to get a full bottle because the price is too extravagant for me, as expected from the brand name. Alas, there’s no denying how beautiful the fragrance really is and I offer my applause to Ellena for his masterpiece.
xnc713Negeltzex – :
I’ve owned this a couple years now…
Was reminded not too long ago at how amazing this scent is. In the only Hermes Perfumerie in the world, just steps from the World Trade Center in Brookfield Place, I planned on starting from one side of the store and making my way to the other smelling everything that Hermes offered.
Starting with the 10 year anniversary of my beloved Terre, next Santal Massoia, next Bel Ami, absolute masterpieces we are talking about here. Between all of this, every now and then a new customer would walk in and I would smell a blast of something fantastic. I would light up each time and be tricked at first as to what it was, just to soon realize it was Vetiver Tonka. Vetiver Tonka as I’ve never before smelled, not on me, but dispersing through the room by someones else’s touch. Surprise is everything.
I think I will forever remember the Winter Garden Atrium through the smell of Vetiver Tonka.
бона – :
Vétiver Tonka is with no doubt the best Hermessence, and one of the few “gourmand-ish” colognes that I really care about.
This fragrance develops in my skin, in such a beautiful way! The vétiver in here, it’s a eatable one, due to the amazing concoction with the hazelnut/tonka/praliné notes. Vétiver Tonka is the finest fragrance in my collection, and the one that I’m really in love with, and that love will last, oh it will…
Whenever I wanna feel special and unique, I go for it! Another mesmerizing factor, is that almost no one in my surroundings knows or wears it. A real masterpiece, a true gem fragrance!
9/10
Dimon4ik – :
I love it soo much .. Very cool
ilnur2011 – :
The strength of vetiver and smooth,mouth-watering hazelnut.Supple,sensual.
Vetiver,dried fruits,cereals,roasted and caramelised hazelnut.
Elultjagbug – :
On colder days, Vetiver Tonka comes straight out as Tobacco Caramel. Fortunately, with temperatures increasing great changes do take place- becoming far more complex, smooth and utterly attractive.
Overall VT acts as a refined gourmand. The most prominent note, tobacco is fine, dry and aromatic, and brilliantly well paired with the sweetness of pralinee and the freshness of lily. Moderately warm, chilly and humid weather brings out the full richness in VT- adding layers of deepness and creaminess, reaching almost delectable character. Projection is decent and lasts all day.
Though in a way that bottle is a challenge to me, I think it is a very elegant and thoroughly refined creation, and even more attractive when worn by a man.
MarinoDrag – :
Sublime fragrance which had me “at hello”. So ethereal and light! Some reviewers here complained about low projection but this is actually to my liking. Vetyver Tonka is elusive and makes you focus on itself.
I get mostly Vetyver and Tonka as the name suggests
The middles notes are lily of the valley, caramel, more vetyver and sandalwood. This olfactory dance lasts for hours and ends in a beautiful classy and refreshing drydown.
Full bottle is a must!
fokClahwawl – :
Love this,
starts with smoke, ends with a flower,( lily of the valley ) brilliant!
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first sniff, but the orchestration of elements, along with my chemistry, made sense of it. It’s at peace on me, and lingers long through my day, revealing itself, nurturing me, with it’s subtle notes.
It’s not perfect, but what it gives is something I can live with very nicely.
meleshkin – :
Vétiver Tonka, as indicated by its name, manifests on my skin as a juxtaposition of vetiver and gourmand notes led by tonka beans. The vetiver is grassy, almost sharp with a lemony nuance, while the tonka enveloppes the vetiver with its sweet, warm tide.
At first, the fragrance feels a little bit dry and earthy, as the vetiver is more prominent, and the hazelnut also contributes with its woody and nutty nuance. With time, as the praline and caramel get stronger, the fragrance embraces their velvety texture, and the vetiver now provides freshness to the sweet, roasted aroma.
The transition between different stages is very smooth, and Vétiver Tonka feels more or less linear during its 10 hours longevity. The sillage is relatively soft, and the fragrance has a certain translucency inherent to the Hermessence collection.
I find Vétiver Tonka an interesting exercice of the two namesake materials, and the contrast between the sharp/grassy and velvety/sweet aspects is quite intriguing. At the same time, I can see how those who prefer tough, stark vetiver might be disappointed, and the combination of the lemony nuance and caramel might occasionally turn out too sugary to some. I think Vétiver Tonka definitely worths a try, but I’d recommend it as a refined gourmand fragrance and a relatively radical vetiver interpretation.
Evangen – :
Surprisingly made me think of Chanel’s Sycomore, like its younger clean-cut brother. I was hoping it’d be more gourmand with all that promising nutty goodness (was even hoping it’d be chocolately, but not overly sweet of course).
*So turns out Dior’s Vetiver actually smells more gourmand!
poz708speagoessenda – :
Jean-Claude Ellena set out to tame vetiver’s harsh scent in the creation of this Hermessence fragrance. He achieved this by adding the soothing and caressing qualities of tonka bean to round out the rough edges of the root’s odor. The scent of vetiver is naturally pungent, woody and roughly hewn, with subtle facets of nut, smoke and earthiness. Tonka bean’s natural coumarin scent profile helps to lend a nuanced sweetness to the fragrance, much like the that of freshly mown hay or cut grass, along with a slight vanillic overtone. It is for this reason Ellena chose to combine other beautiful gourmand notes in his ode to vetiver, in what is one of the most creative interpretations featuring the fragrant root I have encountered.
‘Vétiver Tonka’ begins with heavy handed gourmand notes of dark praline, rich caramel and warm hazelnut. The scent seems to glaze over one’s skin as if being poured. I notice hints of maple syrup with its smokey and caramelic features here as well as an odor of slightly burnt toffee. As the fragrance dries on the skin, one is able to note the familiar scent of vetiver piercing through. Ellena expertly amplifies the nutty qualities of vetiver root by the addition of pralines and hazelnut respectively, as well as its smokier nuances by the addition of blonde tobacco notes. The composition is so well blended that the included tonka bean seems to gently come in and out of focus, hidden amongst the gourmand notes of the opening. Sandalwood’s creaminess furthers aids in the blurring of focus away from vetiver’s harsh qualities and lending with it a tonality of calm and relaxation.
MJbecki – :
I didn’t expect to like this but I love it, despite its shamelessly marked up price for a low sillage EDT.
It dries down so smooth and creamy with a hint of bittersweet woods. The caramel in this is tastefully done and not overwhelming. I also get wafts of warm tobacco which always brightens my mood.
So far, this is my favorite of the line.
moldavashka222e – :
Smooth and elegant. A very good scent. Wish the projection was better. I sampled this today and will confirm I don’t need a bottle for that price.
svh760bedyWelty – :
One of the worlds great fragrances. Elegant and refined, Grassy and sugared. A spring masterpiece.10/ 10 on scent.
roza.mamu – :
The most beautiful, perfectly blended vetiver over there. Hermes quality. So elegant, understated and classy. The projection could be a bit stronger though
CTEEH – :
I tested it yesterday and immediatly thought I’ve smelt it before and loved it. Yes this is an even spicier bal d’Afrique. I test them now side by side and they are extremely alike. BdA has a f