by Andree Putman
Tan d'Epices is a warm, spiced gourmand with a restrained sweetness that avoids overwhelming cloyiness. The opening features a bold, cinnamon-led gingerbread note balanced by heliotrope, which provides a powdery floral lift that prevents the fragrance from feeling heavy or syrupy. As it develops, the spicy warmth gives way to an elegant, dry incense base that is both smoky and woody, with benzoin adding a resinous, slightly sweet depth. Cedar enhances the dryness, threading through the composition without dominating. The overall effect is a sophisticated winter scent that feels both intimate and wearable, with a subtle, enduring trail of incense and wood. It evolves slowly and linearly, with the drydown being particularly praised for its balance, unfolding into a dusty, tobacco-like warmth that is more refined than overpowering. The fragrance strikes a careful balance between sweet and savory, making it appealing to those who like gourmands with an edge but not those seeking intense candy or overwhelming sweetness.