TEO CABANEL
JE NE SAIS QUOI

2020

PERFUMER
Patrice Revillard

puffed Rice

Matcha
Mate
Violet

Sandalwood
Tolu Balsam
Guaiac Wood
Vetiver

Je Ne Sais Quoi is one of three simultaneous 2020 releases by the brand, as part of the new Les Expressions Parfumées line. This line is aimed a more environmental friendly perfumery. A big plus for me is that they now come in 30ml’s as well.

I didn’t have to look up the notes to pinpoint this as a genmaicha scent, it’s very prominent. One of my favorites in the general direction is One Umbrella For Two by Floraiku, which is also genmaicha, so I was interested straight away. Je Ne Sais Quoi is much heavier though, with less of a tea and fruitiness and more of a roasted/burned sesame connection for me. It almost smells like a rice cookie. The strength of it caught me off-guard a bit. It’s super unique, but ultimately not one that I would wear much.

Sidenote: A beautiful alternative One Day Oolong Tea, which is a lighter, more refined version of this style.