GROSSMITH
SHEM-EL-NESSIM EDP

2009

PERFUMER
Trevor Nicholl

Bergamot
Neroli

Geranium
Rose
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
Orris

Musk
Patchouli
Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Heliotrope
Vanilla

Shem-El-Nessim was first released in 1906. It was re-released in 2009.

‘Arabic for ‘smelling the breeze’. iris, known for its rarity and expense is truly at the heart of this fragrance. Originally created in 1906, this rich, luxurious fragrance typifies the Edwardian era with its warm floral powdery character.’ – Grossmith

Shem is probably my least favorite of the Grossmiths that I’ve sample so far.

It opens with a high-pitched babypowder. It’s white and green, floral and chalky. it gradually sweetens up with the heliotrope going in an almond direction. The more the wear progresses, the more the comparisons people make to Guerlain L’Heure Bleue make sense. I happened to have sampled the Guerlain in the same week and Shem-El-Nessim is less sweet than the vintage L’Heure Bleue Parfum. It’s also a bit less dense, making for a bit nicer of a wear for me, but still one that I don’t love.