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Un Crime Exotique 12.1
by Pierre Guillaume Paris
Un Crime Exotique 12.1 is a warm, spicy gourmand fragrance that evokes the cozy, festive atmosphere of a winter kitchen baking gingerbread and cinnamon buns. The opening features a bold, sweet-tart burst of cinnamon and star anise, quickly giving way to a rich fusion of gingerbread, tea, and vanilla, with a subtle, herbal touch from osmanthus and sandalwood. The overall impression is a warmly nostalgic and inviting scent, reminiscent of spiced chai, holiday desserts, and baked goods—though many find it leans heavily toward the sweet and spicy side, with a restrained, almost clean finish. It wears most naturally in winter and at night, with moderate to strong sillage and a longevity that exceeds expectations for a gourmand. The drydown carries a soft, woody-creamy depth, not unlike a more botanical, less saccharine counterpart to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille, though many note it lacks the full complexity of that scent. Despite its popularity in niche perfume circles, it remains divisive—some experience it as excessively sweet, perfume-like, reminiscent of holiday candles or store-bought bakery scents, while others praise its balance, elegance, and warm allure. Several users consider it a near-perfect alternative to Tobacco Vanille with far better value and a more wearable profile.
Pros
- +Strong, inviting warm spice and gourmand character that's ideal for winter and evening wear
- +Balanced sweetness with herbal and woody elements that prevent it from becoming cloying or too sugary
- +Remarkable likening to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille in feel and performance, but at far better value
Cons
- −Can feel overly sweet or literal, resembling store-bought holiday candles or baked goods on first wear
- −Overwhelming cinnamon and anise notes may be too intense for some, especially on direct skin
- −Slight lack of depth in the drydown—some find it linear or fades quickly without stand-out complexity