For the Scent of It Grand Soleil Grand Soleil bottle, Photo by Michael Devine
“I know that if odor were visible, as color is, I’d see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.” – Robert Bridges
It’s no secret that Michael Schrammel is revered as a rising rockstar by the team here at ÇaFleureBon and also a colleague with his ÇaFleureBon Notes From the Lab Column. Where noses in-the-know once whispered about this upcoming indie perfumer, we are now shouting his praises as each new release becomes a new favorite. As the flowers of spring lean toward a sun made brighter by the promise of summer, a new fragrance fills the air (and fills my online shopping cart). For the Scent of It Grand Soleil is the latest perfume from the nose, mind and imagination of Michael Schrammel and I am here for it. Mind you, as this scent is so utterly transportive, I’m no longer sure where “here” is.
Michael Schrammel, Photo Courtesy Michael Schrammel
According to Mr. Schrammel, as expressed on his website, For the Scent of It, Grand Soleil was inspired by his vision of “a hidden garden oasis tucked high in the mountains. So close to the sun, it would be hard to tell if this oasis was on earth or in the heavens. ”Inspired by ingredients he found both grounding and euphoric, he wanted Grand Soleil to be “the most captivating summer fragrance” he ever smelled.
Flowers of Jasmine, Marianne North, 1873, Public Domain
The opening of For the Scent of It Grand Soleil is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and uplifting I’ve ever experienced. The top and heart notes call to mind what poet Robert Bridges muses “a summer garden in rainbow clouds.” From a billowy musk emerges a sparkling yellow lemon that would put a smile on a sourpuss and a fantasy “orange blossom water” note that’s simultaneously ultra-realistic and illusory. Red goji berries add a tart sweetness and when paired with purple shiso leaf, a unique and curious fusion. If by now you haven’t reached aromatic ecstasy, just wait for the jasmine note. Ah, there it is. At this point you’ll likely realize you’ve been overpaying your therapist.
Evening Shadows, Konstantin Somov, 1917, public domain
The rainbow touches town in a grassy field of vetiver, further grounded by hinoki wood and mastic. In the base, amber and sacred frankincense further the spiritual connection, providing balance to more than just the composition. Grand Soleil is quite an accomplishment; the execution exceeds the potential of an already-intriguing brief. What could just have been a fleeting summer pick-me-up spritz is actually a full-bodied, fully-realized composition crafted with more than just love. This takes skill. Last year, my olfactive summer soundtrack had Michael’s Black Sails on replay. I’ll be spending this summer under a Grand Soleil.
Grand Soleil is a perfectly genderless eau de parfum with excellent longevity and projection; each of my wearings has lasted over 8+ hours on my skin.
Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Goji Berry, Shiso Leaf, Heart Notes: Jasmine, Iris, Orange Blossom Water, Hinoki, Mastic; Base Notes: Vetiver, Amber, Sacred Frankincense, Musk
Disclosure: This review is based on a bottle of Grand Soleil purchased by the author.
Michael Devine, Senior Contributor
Grand Soleil, Photo Courtesy For the Scent of It
Thanks to the generosity of Michael Schrammel, we have a full bottle (30 ml) of Grand Soleil to give away to one lucky registered reader in the U.S. or Canada only. To be eligible, please leave a comment indicating what intrigues you about Grand Soleil. Please also note your location (US or Canada). Draw closes 5/6//2023.
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