The first whiff I had of Five O'Clock au Gingèmbre was at a store in Montreal. For me, it was love at first whiff. It opens with a citrusy bergamot and smoky tea. Then, sweet, dry, warm candied ginger appears. Vetiver gives it a slight herbal sweetness, while patchouli and pepper give it an earthy, exotic warmth. A note of cacao at the base adds depth and a slight bitter note that balances any sweetness. This is not a gourmand, it does not smell like a ginger cookie or cake – is a deep, dark, luxurious scent made from rich exotic ingredients from the East.
It’s a great niche fragrance if you want something different, but not too strange. I bought a bottle the day after I sampled it.
G.
Notes: bergamot, tea, ginger, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, patchouli, woods, amber.
Type: EDP
Parfumeurs: Serge Lutens and Christopher Sheldrake