Eau de parfum 004 : A Gin tonic cologne.

Seated on the terrace, the time between two glances provides the perfect opportunity for a sip of G&T. The bar is filling up and it’s looking like a long and lively night. Or a biting winter’s morning, your eyes resting on a deep blanket of snow in Méribel.

Bon Parfumeur 004 opens on a gin note imparted by juniper berry, a zesty cold spice that gives the cologne it's vigor and modernity. Paired with a cocktail of citrus fruits where Italian lemon, bergamot and mandarin resonate with sun-drenched vitality. A heartwarming hint of nutmeg helps to transition from the heart notes to the base of Indonesian patchouli, which brings warmth to this icy, sparkling cocktail with its earthy, mossy notes of smoked wood. Lastly, tobacco, tonka bean and white musks temper our cologne and give it staying power – enough to awaken the mixologist within you.

What is a “gin” note?

Gin is a type of liquor obtained by flavoring ethyl alcohol with juniper berries, the only spice to be produced by a conifer. The essential oil contained in these very aromatic fruits has a fragrance and taste that combine woody, fresh, balsamic and floral notes. The result is a full-bodied fragrance, gentle and slightly sweet with a spicy hint of pepper. Gin is used as a base for many mixed drinks. Here, Karine used an overdose of juniper berries to lend this cocktail of citrus fruits its gin aspect.

What is expression?

Expression, or cold pressing, is a process used for fruits and citrus ones in particular. This is because the essential oils of these plants are contained in small glands on their peel. The technique of expression comes from Italy which makes perfect sense as the region is one of the main producers of citrus fruits! In the past, expression was carried out by hand using a procedure called “sponge-pressing”. Nowadays expression is performed using machines that abrade the rind and tear the outer surface of the fruit to release the essence.

What is patchouli?

Patchouli is a tropical plant grown in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. The plant has long stems that can grow to 1 m (3 ft 3) tall. But don’t expect to be able to identify its smell just yet as it’s the drying and processing of the leaves that creates the fabulous scent of patchouli. The patchouli essence obtained after distillation releases an earthy, damp, ethereal, powerful and vibrant scent that gives it all its charm. Patchouli is used as an ingredient in perfumery for its incredible stabilizing and binding properties.