NISSABA
GRAND-ILE

2022

PERFUMER
Frank Voelkl

vanilla Planifolia
Pink Pepper
Pepper
Clove
guaiac wood
Cedarwood
Patchouli

Nissaba is a new fragrance brand that I can 100% get behind; using good perfumers and a high percentage of quality natural ingredients.

On first impression Grand-Ile has to be my favorite Nissaba. One of the best vanilla fragrances that I’ve come across in the opening, turning into a rather spicy affair, instead of just fading out, but keeping the vanilla prominent as well.

The vanilla itself is beautiful here; it feels lush, thick, though not overly sweet or creamy. It reminded me a lot of the texture of one of my favorite gourmands, Lorga Ambre Platine or a Guerlain Tonka Imperiale.

In the mid is where I got most of the spiciness on my first wear; the peppers give off a slightly metallic almost smoky spiciness. For a good moment it becomes significantly heavier than the vanilla overdosed opening and late drydown.

Despite not being overly sweet, this is definitely a vanilla-vanilla, that will mostly appeal (and perhaps be a must-have) to vanilla and gourmand lovers. Grand-Ile is not overly complex, but as with everything I’ve smelled from Nissaba, the quality speaks for itself.