When I was in High School in the mid 70’s there were two trilogies which were the gateway to two specific genres of fiction. Many of my classmates would be carrying around copies of the three books that made up JRR Tolkein’s “The Lord of the Rings” and would begin a life of reading epic fantasy. The other trilogy was Frank Herbert’s “Dune Trilogy” which was one of the first great science-fiction sagas.

In the first book “Dune” we learn of the most important substance in the universe melange which is also called “Spice”. The Spice is used as a life extender and, in some, can unlock almost magical powers. The flaw is once you use Spice you become addicted and the price of breaking that addiction is death. Obviously Spice is also the most valuable substance in this setting and its continued supply and availability are critical. Much of the events, in the first book, center around the fight for the control of the planet Arrakis, where the Spice originates. In Dune there is an incredible amount of adventure, philosophy, and wonder mixed into Frank Herbert’s words. One thing Mr. Herbert never truly describes in any great detail is what the Spice looks like. Depending on where it is found it changes color from orange to blue, it seems it can be gas, liquid, or solid. The only thing that Mr. Herbert consistently uses to describe Spice throughout all of the books in the series is the smell of it. Spice smells like cinnamon; which means as I would turn the page the smell of cinnamon would be my imaginary accompaniment. I envisioned the huge space ships ferrying the Spice to the edges of the universe always smelling of cinnamon.

Cinnamon and spices are common notes in perfumery and there are many fragrances centered around these notes. Spicy fragrances are among my favorites. So much so that when I am asked the trite question of if I was stranded on a desert planet which one fragrance would I want my answer has been the same for the last few years; Frapin Caravelle Epicee. Caravelle Epicee translates to Spice Ship and in my mind’s eye when I’m wearing Caravelle Epicee sometimes I’m with the early merchants aboard a Dutch West India Company ship bound for home. Sometimes I am on the planet Arrakis harvesting the mélange with my Fremen brothers. No matter what I am surrounded by the smell of spices.

Caravelle Epicee was released in 2007 by Frapin as one of their first four fragrances; Jeanne-Marie Faugier was the perfumer for all four. The opening of my favorite fragrance is the heat of cinnamon and pepper ameliorated with sweet nutmeg. Cumin, cardamom, and coriander add their zestiness to the melange before setting down on a landing pad of sandalwood, gaiac and tobacco.

Caravelle Epicee is my perfumed version of the Spice of Dune. It is my fragrant addiction and while I obviously won’t expire without its presence in my wardrobe I would be very unhappy. Thankfully I can travel in my easy chair to the shores of Arrakis transported by my wearing of Caravelle Epicee.

Thanks to our friends at MiN New York we have five sample vials of the perfumed version of the Spice to give away. Five sample vials of Frapin Caravelle Epicee will be given to five commenters. To be eligible leave a comment naming your favorite library or just name your perfume you have to have if you are stranded on a desert planet. We will draw five winners via random.org on April 18, 2012.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

All illustrations by John Schoenherr from the book "The Illustrated Dune"

-Mark Behnke, Managing Editor