caron
Parfum Sacre EDP

1990

PERFUMER
Jean-Pierre Bethouart

cardamom
pepper
clove
cinnamon
coriander
lemon

rosewood
jasmine
orange blossom
rose
mimosa

amber
civet
cedarwood
musk
myrrh
vanilla

I tried this version of Parfum Sacre EDP in the form of the 3ml all-gold miniature. I think my miniature is from 1991, but I could be wrong.

Straight from the first sniff, you notice the amber base here. Vanilla was probably the first thing that I noticed; a dry, spicy vanilla. After the liquid dries, more and more florals come through, as well as the woody base.

It doesn’t have as green and mossy as a base, nor as strong of a civet note, as some of the vintages that I’ve tried thus far. Instead, it’s a slightly more modern take (which makes sense, since this was released in 1990). I mostly smell cedar wood, citrussy fresh florals (they feel ‘happy’ like mimosa and orange blossom more often do; I smell less of the rose and jasmine) and a lot of dry vanilla. Given all the spices listed, I think they might have lost most of the punch they once packed due to aging; from my vial, the spices are there, but not sharp or distracting at all. If anything, it started to remind me of spiced chocolate at times.

As it dries down further, a persistent smokiness starts to come through. It’s like a bitter, very dry, earthy chocolatey sandstorm with the florals adding hints of green and freshness occasionally.

As someone who loves sweet fragrances, this was a nice experience. The citrussy, brighter aspect tinge that the floral projection carried, was a weird mix with the vanilla at first, but this only ‘bothered’ me on a few wafts. For the most part, the sweetness and smoky edge won the battle and I wasn’t complaining.