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Hermessence Cedre Sambac
by Hermès
Hermessence Cedre Sambac is a modern, unisex fragrance centered around a creamy, indolic jasmine sambac and a dry, severe cedar. The opening carries a strong floral bloom with a slight indolic, inky depth—reminiscent of overripe fruit, mothballs, or dirty skin—which some find challenging. However, this complexity is balanced by an underlying woody accord that grounds the scent, gradually allowing the cedar to dominate the drydown. Over time, the indolic aspects fade, revealing a warm, plush, and subtly animalic suede-like quality, with hints of paper, rubber, and salted skin. The fragrance is restrained and intimate, projecting modestly and clinging close to the skin, making it more suitable for daytime or cooler seasons. It unfolds slowly, revealing layers of intimacy and quiet depth, with a surprisingly long fade-out for a perfume of its style. Many describe it as complex, elegant, and uniquely modern—bearing subtle affinities to other fragrances like Tom Ford's Santal Blush, Diptyque Do Son, or Serge Lutens' A La Nuit, but with a distinctly Hermès-presented clarity and restraint.
Pros
- +The fragrance is highly original and beautifully constructed with intentional balance between jasmine and cedar.
- +The drydown has a warm, plush, suede-like creaminess that is both comforting and distinctive.
- +It is unisex in character and wearable year-round, especially in spring and autumn.
Cons
- −The indolic jasmine can be overwhelming and unpleasant for those sensitive to animalic or fecal notes.
- −The projection is faint and skin-close, making it difficult to appreciate in crowded environments.
- −It can feel overly refined or 'angry' for some, creating an aloof or theatrical impression.