Notes Nº 7: Gourmands in Fragrance

A gourmand fragrance is a perfume that evokes edible notes such as chocolate, caramel, almonds, or candy. Although gourmand notes in perfume can be found as far back in history as 1916, when Parfums de Rosine celebrated the sweetness of a banana sundae in their fragrance Le Fruit Défendu, it was the early 1990s that solidified the popularity of this fragrance family. Theirry Mugler's fragrance Angel, was hugely popular due to the use of ethyl maltol (which conjures mouthwatering sugary caramel facets) combined with vanilla and patchouli. These days, perfumers have expanded this genre to include creations that summon Turkish delight, delicious pastries, and chocolate truffles.