GUERLAIN
HERITAGE EDT
1992
PERFUMER
Jean-Paul Guerlain
Lavender
Aldehydes
Juniper
Clary Sage
Bergamot
Lemon
Violet
Green Notes
Petitgrain
Patchouli
Coriander
Geranium
Pepper
Balsam Fir
Carnation
Rose
Honeysuckle
Pink Pepper
orris
Jasmine
Cyclamen
lily-of-the-valley
Sandalwood
Amber
Oakmoss
Cedar
Musk
Heritage and I have been reacquainted after some years, but I’m still not ready for it. After having blind bought it and tried it in 2019-2020, I ended up selling it, because I felt I was perhaps 10 years too young to wear it (and I rarely ever feel young).
Fast-forward to 2023 and I’m giving Heritage another shot. I have an older miniature (either 1992 or 2002 based on the batch code). Unfortunately I don’t have my original review to compare, however, my overall feelings have not changed. This is a wonderful scent, that I can see myself wearing one day, but not yet.
Most prominent here are the aromatics and spices. I mostly get pepper up front. It’s fresh and airy, in a way an aromatic tobacco scent smells. I could easily picture a hay-like tobacco with Heritage.
It has a slightly outdated citrus top to me; similar, although not as prominent, as in Habit Rouge, the lemon comes across smelling a bit like a cleaning product to me. In Heritage it’s understated however and overpowered by the spices.
The pepper tickles your nose and becomes rather green. I get small whiffs of laveder, but mostly a mossy green pepper and coriander. It’s sharp at first, but develops into something smoother. With coriander I’m always reminded of Amouage Interlude Man, which shares a tiny resemblance, but whereas the Amouage is nearly unwearable for me, Heritage is much more manageable.
Especially after the first 1-2 hours, when Heritage becomes at its best for me. The warmer elements come through and create a slightly honeyed sandalwood base for the fresher spices to sit on. I’ve seen this compared to Tom Ford Beau De Jour, but the Tom Ford focuses a lot more on lavender and doesn’t get as sweet and warm as Heritage does eventually on my skin (especially in the vintage bottle).
As mentioned, I feel like this is a perfect signature-type scent for an older gentleman. At 33 years old, I absolutely appreciate this one, but I wouldn’t frequently wear it, mainly due to the super spicy opening. I think this time around I enjoyed the drydown a lot more. I’ll meet Heritage again when the time is ripe.
