Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait review (Quentin Bisch) 2024 + Norwegian Wood Giveaway

Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait

J’s image of Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait

The much loved Essential Parfums Bois Imperial has been taken into the night with this darker extrait version composed by Givaudan perfumer Quentin Bisch. Bois Imperial Extrait is a refined meditation on pine; it’s a beautifully layered olfactory journey , capturing the essence of sap, branches, and the surrounding air, all crafted into a scent that exudes elegance and sophistication. While Bois Imperial Extrait (also composed by Quentin Bisch) does share some similar notes it’s definitely not a mod of Ganymede. Bisch is like a painter employing his colour palette, using it to compose a whole new experience with it. Ganymede is all about immortelle whereas Bois Imperial Extrait takes you deep into the trees.

Perfumer Quentin Bisch

Perfumer Quentin Bisch with Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait courtesy of the brand.

Sun warmed citruses sparkle as spiced peppers flicker like beams through trees, a soft woody aromas blossom with a sweet spicy freshness as a touch of smoke lingers below like mist lingering between the bases of tall trees in a forest. A pink grapefruit fruitiness gives Bois Imperial Extrait this rather appealing feel like a sun fuzzing like it’s been freshly seasoned with peppers and a pinch of salt. It feels cosy and inviting while being rather grand and airy too, fresh, but there’s darker elements brewing below.

Bois Imperial Extrait Essential Parfums

J’s image of Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait©

You can feel a soft musky smoky woody warmth grow, blooming with soft green spices getting smooth and creamy, dark whispers of clove pushing the brighter peppery spices forward. There’s a rather ethereal feel to Bois Imperial Extrait, wafts of a pine green freshness swirl around this woods as a rose blooms. It like its painted in translucent layers, feeling light, yet has a huge presence with it being too in your face, while leaving a beautiful scent trail wherever you go. The Timur pepper’s sweetness gives the rose this almost osmanthus-like apricot fruitiness, with silky petals forming this elegant rose. Atlas cedar builds on this honey sweetness; it’s sap like with soft powdery facets adding more elegance and smoothness to this rather beautiful round feeling composition. Its as if your have brushed up against a pine tree and its sap and scent are perfuming your body. There’s still a bit of vertical thrust from the metallic aspects of the Akigalawood, but the rose and resins softens it beautifully, like dew drops glistening on its petals. There’s an elegant powdery smoky woodiness to Bois Imperial Extrait, it’s almost like soft wood shavings have been atomized into this smooth cloud that enrobes you. Faint wisps of incense smoke thicken up this sensation, giving more body to Bois Imperial Extrait and also a darker twist. It’s honeyed floral fruity tones too turn darker melting into the pine sap resins, giving more depth and complexity to the woods while still reminding a rather elegant and easy perfume to wear. The first time I wore this I kept thinking how sophisticated and refined this feels, while also being effortless.

pinus ponderosa

Pinus Ponderosa tree, bark and sap via Wikipedia.

Soft pine balsamic facets take over from the peppers sweet honeys giving a richer darker depth while more cedar dry woods seem to unfurl as the rose opens up. You get this gentle toughness of woods as the powdery woody shavings feel more denser but oh so smooth and clean. More of the woody smoky aspects appear in the late dry down with a soft muskiness of vetiver adding to the cosy smokiness and warmth. Bois Imperial Extrait has a lovely herbal woody green clean fresh feel, that’s complimented by the darker woods, spices and resins with that soft sweet sap like rose giving it a sensual sophistication. It’s a refined pine tree, sap and all that’s been carved into the sleek woody elegant perfume. Bois Imperial Extrait remind me of driving through Norwegian woods and past saw mills, where you’d get this intoxicating combination of fresh pine trees, soft sawn woods and sweet delicious resinous sap creating magic in the night air.

Norwegian Woods somewhere south of Trondheim and oslo

J’s photo of Norwegian Woods somewhere south of Trondheim and north of Oslo©

Had I smelt this before I wrote my CaFleureBon Best of Scents 2024, Bois Imperial Extrait would have been in my top 10. It’s one of those perfumes that feels effortless and is a joy to wear and enjoy while giving you a scented journey to go on. Its suave elegance feels dressed up, but I’d happily wear this anywhere, it’s just so good.

Notes: Black pepper, timut berry, rose absolute, Akigalawood, Atlas cedar, fir balsam, labdanum.

Disclosure: Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait was sent to J, his thoughts and nose are his own.

J Wearescentient, Senior Editor, artist & olfactive writer.

Bois Imperial extrait by essential parfums

Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait courtesy of the brand.

Thanks to the generosity of Essential Parfums, we have a draw for a 100ml bottle of Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Extrait for one registered reader in the USA, EU or UK. You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you enjoyed most about J’s review, if you have a favorite Essential Parfums fragrance, and where you live. Draw closes 1/10/2025

Essential Parfums Néroli Botanica was on Michelyn, Sandi and Oli’s Best of Scent top 10 lists of 2024.

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebonoffical @essential.parfums @quentinbischperfumer @wearescentient

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45 comments

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I have not had the chance to try the original Bois Imperial but the extrait trend does continue into 2025. It’s a safe assumption nowadays that if a brand has a bestseller, at some point, an extrait version of it will emerge and here we are. I, myself, don’t have any fragrances that take you deep into the forest and where you can experience the piney aspect of it so I liked the way J described it. Quentin Bisch does live to use akigalawood and I think it’s now his favorite note you will find in most of his creations. I’ll take a deeper, extrait version over anything all things considered. Bring in the power! I’m located in the USA.

  • Marko227 says:

    The fragrance sounds great, the wood, pine with pepper smell like a dense forest, no doubt elegant. As J says, it sounds like a joy to wear and effortles, i’d love to smell it and experience the sensations it offers
    I’m from EU

  • Scentlogue says:

    Wow, what a beautifully written review! I especially loved how J described the layers of pine, rose, and smoky woodiness, making it feel like a walk through an enchanted forest. The comparison to Norwegian woods and sawmills was such a unique touch, it brought a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

    While I haven’t had the chance to try Bois Imperial Extrait yet, I’m a big fan of Neroli Botanica—its bright, zesty warmth feels like sunshine in a bottle. But now, J completely convinced me to add Bois Imperial Extrait to my must-try list. The blend of Timur pepper and that sap-like rose sounds like a dream. Thanks for the inspiring review!

    I am from the EU

  • Froaderick says:

    I’ve been eager to try this, as Bois Imperial and the new extrait seem to be getting a lot of love as of late. J’s description of this feeling sophisticated yet effortless is an immediate draw. Reminds me of how a professional athlete or artist make something so complex or astonishing seem so easy! The melding of notes with a darker side is always appealing for me. Can’t wait to try it! Cheers from Ohio! 🙂

  • Scentofme says:

    Thanks for the review. I already like the original version and have even higher expectations from this new Extrait release. I like the brand very much as it offers high quality niche perfumes created by master perfumers, while the prices are affordable. The eco friendly packaging is a big plus too. I have few of their perfumes – I adore Mon Vetiver which is a fresh and aromatic scent. Also, I have Patchouli Mania which is incredible too. I would love the lovely herbal woody green clean fresh smoky resinous feel of Bois Imperial Extrait as well. Greetings from EU.

  • INYA says:

    I do love the creative fragrances by Quentin Bisch and would like to try Bois Imperial Extrait. There’s nothing like a relaxing walk through the woods and this perfume sounds like it represents it perfectly. Thanks for the opportunity to sniffing. MICH USA

  • systeme_d says:

    What a beautiful review. I grew up near pine forests in New England, and J’s review brought me right back to the soft crunch of pine needles on the ground and the resiny scent in the air. I would imagine that the rose note brings quite an unexpected dimension to this fragrance.

    I have yet to sample any offerings from Essential Parfums, and I would love Bois Imperial Extrait to be my first. Quentin Bisch is a master of his art.

    I remain in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, USA.

  • Raoul says:

    Thank you for the review of Bois Impérial Extrait, Quentin Bisch’s creations never fail to amaze! I love how you described the intensified woody and spicy notes in this extrait version, and the balance with fresh elements sounds divine. Essential Parfums continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable fragrances, which I deeply admire.
    I’d be thrilled to experience both Bois Impérial Extrait and Norwegian Wood. These scents seem like a perfect blend of sophistication and innovation. I’m from Europe, Romania. Good luck to everyone participating in this giveaway!

  • PerfumesforLife says:

    J’s review was on point and I enjoyed the original Bois Imperial. I believe this extrait made an excellent improvement on the also-excellent original. I wanted a denser version ofvtge original as I am a fan of the pine, foresty smell. rose+smooky woodiness adds to the beautiful regal smell of the original. Pepper as well. I would love to try it. my favorite was the original bois imperial

    USA

  • Danu Erce Seith-Fyr says:

    Such a sophisticated intoxication, Bois Imperial is a personal favourite of both myself and my husband. J, how marvellous to delve into its recesses here in Extrait. The labyrinthe thickens and we are invited into suave territory indeed. Impeccably attired and composed, Geraldine and Quentin have created another masterpiece. I live in SW France

  • GinandSniff says:

    I love the original but the description of the extrait as ‘moving into the night’s makes it sound perfect for those darker days and nights of winter.

    I’m in the UK

  • EmJay87 says:

    J’s review has managed to do something that I didn’t think was possible – when I first read about and heard about Bois Imperial Extrait, I thought it wasn’t necessary to own. I own and love the original Bois Imperial, and I don’t usually buy Extraits or flankers just for the sake of it.

    But what J has managed to do is so aptly describe what the Extrait is, and what differentiates it from the original, that I have changed my mind completely, and I know need to try it!

    Kudos to the wordsmith that is J Wearescentient!

    London, UK

  • Danny says:

    I was on the fence about buying it in extrait because I do own the original. The deeper aspects seem worth it.
    Love the photo of Norwegian woods.
    USA
    My favorite is bois imperial the original.
    I need to get my nose on Neroli Botanica too

  • Jeremi says:

    I enjoyed learning about the fascinating notes and compositions od if this fragrance. I haven’t tried any Essential Parfums fragrance so I don’t really have a favourite but Bois Imperial Extrait really fascinated me with its natural beauty. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • AleksCipri says:

    I love Quentin Bisch Akigalawood fragrances. They are just so good! I’ve tried bot Ganymede and the regular Bois Imperial (and love them both) and I do find them a bit different even though they definitely share part of the DNA. I’m very excited about trying the extrait version as Bois Imperial was my favorite from the whole line. I love how the extrait sounds from J’s review. I was particularly excited by this sentence: “Norwegian woods and past saw mills, where you’d get this intoxicating combination of fresh pine trees, soft sawn woods and sweet delicious resinous sap creating magic in the night air.” That sounds right up my alley! I’m from Illinois, US.

  • Arron_Q says:

    The original Bois Imperial is my favorite fragrance from Essential Parfums (though The Musc is near-equally stunning). Because I love the original so much, this one has been on my radar for a couple months now. What interests me most is the darker tones provided by the pine and resins that J mentioned. I love the blend of herbal tones with the cedar and honeyed touches in the original. I imagine the extra depth of the balsamic notes in this one just take it to another level. Best of luck to everyone I live in NC, USA.

  • womaningold says:

    Wow what an amazing perfumer and name of the fragrance I have never tried it however I’m very very interested to add this to my Collection.
    USA

  • Gabriel Gallawa says:

    This scent sounds amazing. The description and woody nature sound right up my alley. I’ve never smelled anything from this house so I can’t say I have a favorite but I live in Florida USA.

  • JSO says:

    I have been wanting to get my nose on this or the original Bois Imperial. Sadly, I have not yet sampled it. I enjoy woody fragrances and J’s review makes it sound like I would enjoy this. I am in the US.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Faint wisps of incense smoke thicken up this sensation, giving more body to Bois Imperial Extrait and also a darker twist. It’s honeyed floral fruity tones too turn darker melting into the pine sap resins, giving more depth and complexity to the woods while still reminding a rather elegant and easy perfume to wear. The first time I wore this I kept thinking how sophisticated and refined this feels, while also being effortless. Soft pine balsamic facets take over from the peppers sweet honeys giving a richer darker depth while more cedar dry woods seem to unfurl as the rose opens up. You get this gentle toughness of woods as the powdery woody shavings feel more denser but oh so smooth and clean. More of the woody smoky aspects appear in the late dry down with a soft muskiness of vetiver adding to the cosy smokiness and warmth. Bois Imperial Extrait has a lovely herbal woody green clean fresh feel, that’s complimented by the darker woods, spices and resins with that soft sweet sap like rose giving it a sensual sophistication. It’s a refined pine tree, sap and all that’s been carved into the sleek woody elegant perfume. Bois Imperial Extrait remind me of driving through Norwegian woods and past saw mills, where you’d get this intoxicating combination of fresh pine trees, soft sawn woods and sweet delicious resinous sap creating magic in the night air. A beautiful description really intrigued by the Rose, Spices and Akigalawood. This sounds like a majestic fragrance. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Soft pine balsamic facets take over from the peppers sweet honeys giving a richer darker depth while more cedar dry woods seem to unfurl as the rose opens up. You get this gentle toughness of woods as the powdery woody shavings feel more denser but oh so smooth and clean. More of the woody smoky aspects appear in the late dry down with a soft muskiness of vetiver adding to the cosy smokiness and warmth. Bois Imperial Extrait has a lovely herbal woody green clean fresh feel, that’s complimented by the darker woods, spices and resins with that soft sweet sap like rose giving it a sensual sophistication. It’s a refined pine tree, sap and all that’s been carved into the sleek woody elegant perfume. Bois Imperial Extrait remind me of driving through Norwegian woods and past saw mills, where you’d get this intoxicating combination of fresh pine trees, soft sawn woods and sweet delicious resinous sap creating magic in the night air. A beautiful description of pine trees, sawn wood and resins. I have not tried the original but I am eager to try this version. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    This sounds incredible. I love the primal and this sounds more rich and complex. I’d love to win and live in Indiana. The original BI is is my fav from the house.

  • DuftHochZwei says:

    You had me at darker. I quite like the original Bois Imperial, but this Extrait sounds like it catches those last details for me. I’d love to win this to Germany, thank you for the draw!

  • Annie025 says:

    Thank you for your article. I have been looking for the right “forest” fragance. Since I have health issues, I can’t go out and walk around in a forest, but I remember it as a young adult. J’s description of the herbal yet dark acspect is the piece of the forest, is enchanting. I gave Fig Infusion to my bestie for her birthday, and when she sprayed it for me, I was blown away with it’s complexity. I can’t wait to get this one!

  • Sonbahia says:

    Nice review Mr. J! The new Bois Imperial extrait has conquered me with its description as “refined meditation on pine”. I love the smell of the sap, branch and needles: fresh, cold, smoky, sharp, woody, slightly minty, sweet, dusty and terpentine as each season is different. I spent my childhood in a pine forest by the sea. Love the opening of citrusses, peppers and salty. the blooming rose with its osmanthus/apricot side in the heart and a woody heart with, it could not be otherwise with Mr.Bisch, a metallic akigalawood. For me it is not so much this Norwegian woods but a day in the pine forest by the sea in North Catalonia of my childhood finishing with a fire with pine fruits after eating the pinoli. My favourite Essential Parfums fragrance is Néroli Botanica that made it to many 2024 top lists. I live in Spain, EU.

  • Cynthia says:

    When I tried the original Bois Imperial I immediately bought a bottle and gifted it to my husband, but I use it too. I love wood scents but this one did the magic trick of having light and airy notes, but still delivering the deep depth of woods. The wonderful description here sounds like this aspect is still a factor, but I love that the pine notes of wood have been amped up. I cannot wait to get my hands on this. I loved J Wearescentient’s year end list, and the fact this would have been on their list as a top ten speaks volumes. Thank you to Cafleurebon and Essential Parfums for this draw. I’m in the USA>

  • Cynthia says:

    When I tried the original Bois Imperial I immediately bought a bottle and gifted it to my husband, but I use it too. I love wood scents but this one did the magic trick of having light and airy notes, but still delivering the deep depth of woods. The wonderful description here sounds like this aspect is still a factor, but I love that the pine notes of wood have been amped up. I cannot wait to get my hands on this. I loved J Wearescentient’s year end list, and the fact this would have been on their list as a top ten speaks volumes. Thank you to Cafleurebon and Essential Parfums for this draw. I’m in the USA>

  • Arian Jamali says:

    My favorite one is Fig Infusion. This fragrance sounds great, the wood, pine with pepper smell like a dense forest, no doubt elegant. As J says, it sounds like a joy to wear and effortless, I’d love to smell it and experience the sensations it offers. I am from US.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    Amazing review!J’s review is so realistic, it seems walking in the forest smelling each unique clean and clear note at each step, enjoying this scented journey!
    I like the original, but I have the feeling that the extrait is denser, darker, more resinous, warmer, and heavier with a prominent rose note mixed with peppers. I am sure would love it! I am fascinating as J sais that Bois Imperial Extrait has a lovely herbal woody green clean fresh feel, combined with darker woods, spices and resins, followed by a sensational rose. This deeper profile sounds to me a sensational
    bolder richer creation. Sounds like a dream!I’m definitely intrigued!
    My favourite from Essential Parfums is the OG, so beautiful and nostalgic to me.
    Thanks for the chance!
    Greetings from Germany.

  • tkfg says:

    Excellent and very compelling review – about half way through I was flaring my nostrils trying to catch some of the notes in the cold air surrounding me. Would definitely love to try.

    USA

  • goknitintheocean says:

    Hi there,

    I’m very interested by this post; I think sometimes I confuse cedar notes for pine notes, and vice versa…This writing seems to really nail the unique qualities of this note combination and an afternoon spent walking through a warm, sunny, dense coniferous forest is exactly where I’d rather be right now. I have yet to try any of the Essential Parfums, but have enjoyed reading about them here, and hope to seek them out in person early this new year. Thanks so much for this giveaway! I am in NYC/USA.

    Deborah

  • Maryjean says:

    This fragrance sounds interesting. Love the notes definitely feeling the Woods vibe.I hope to explore this fragrance house. Thank you for this chance USA

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    This sounds like an amazing fragrance. I do enjoy piney fragrances. I don’t believe I’ve smelled any Essentials Parfumes before although I do recognize the name.

    Smokey, woody, spicey, peppery with cloves just sounds right up my alley.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • tf2guycamp says:

    I love how J is able to describe every facet of the fragrance with such detail. It shows that J has many years of reviews under his belt. I wish to be able to describe a fragrance in that much detail. After reading his review, I can tell why this would have been in the 2024 top 10s. I live in the us.

  • opalbear says:

    I’ve been a fan of Fig Infusion for years but I haven’t tried any others. I keep hearing great things about this one and would love to try it!!! My only hesitation is I’m not a big fan of synthetic woods but I’ve been pleasantly surprised before! I am located in the USA.

  • Vladimir says:

    What a lovely highlight if all the different shades of the new Bois Imperial Extrait. The original holds a special place in my collection due to its versatility and unique DNA, and I’m sure the extrait sure surpasses it !

    Thanks to J for the lovely review and kind giveaway !

    Based in the EU

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    Essential Parfums has been on my radar for a little while, but I’ve yet to choose one for purchase to experience the house first hand. Divine Vanilla would probably be my favorite, with Bois Imperial extrait being second. I do love a woody fragrance and I am a fan of Quentin’s work. J reviewed this perfume beautifully, and it just solidifies my own thoughts on this fragrance. I live in Oregon.

  • Annika says:

    I’ve never tried the original Bois Imperial but the extrait version sounds like a dark detour into the forest. The emphasis on a green pine effervescence with a smoky woody base and pepper and rose livening the sylvan feel seems like a great cooler weather fragrance. MD, USA.

  • zibbyz says:

    Oh I would love to try this one, I’m still looking for a pine scent, and this includes so many of my favorite notes. Those images of the ponderosa pine reminded me of a family trip we took to Oregon in the semi arid area near Bend. There were lots of ponderosa pines around, and they smelled like vanilla, especially after being warmed by the sun in the summer. With the dry heat, the warm pine needle scent, it was lovely.
    Thank you for the lovey review ands the generous draw! I’m in the US.

  • zibbyz says:

    Oh I would love to try this one, I’m still looking for a pine scent, and this includes so many of my favorite notes. Those images of the ponderosa pine reminded me of a family trip we took to Oregon in the semi arid area near Bend. There were lots of ponderosa pines around, and they smelled like vanilla, especially after being warmed by the sun in the summer. With the dry heat, the warm pine needle scent, it was lovely.
    Thank you for the lovey review ands the generous draw! I’m in the US.

  • marla says:

    I loved this idea of modern woody-aromatic fragrance created by perfumer Quentin Bisch. While woody fragrances can sometimes feel heavy or overly earthy, Bois Impérial strikes a balance by incorporating fresh, green notes that lend a clean, contemporary edge.
    From EU.

  • Roberto Cifarelli says:

    this black pepper, woody, rose and berry notes sounds really great to me. I read what J said and i really like this type of fragrances that you can wear anywhere and you feel comfortable wearing it. I hope that i can smell this extrait.
    I’m from Italy, EU

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I do not even know the original, but I do know that is very liked and I also know that I am a big fan of Quentin Bisch, so I am sure you cannot go wrong with this latest release. Thanks! Europe

  • tannina says:

    i love the scent of pine and would like to smell it on my man, this sounds as he would love to wear this. i would mot mind wearing this myself.
    i live in EU

  • mmerline says:

    I love an evergreen forest scent and appreciate perfumers interpreting that brief in unique ways. The salty grapefruit note is an interesting nod to the citric aspects of pine, the airy “ethereal feel” is different than many heavy, resinous evergreen fragrances, and the progression from “honeyed floral fruity tones” to a hint of smoke in the sappy, balsamic drydown sounds compelling. I also love a strong black pepper note. Bois Imperial Extrait sounds exceptional and I’d love to try it.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any Essential Parfums fragrances yet.