M. Micallef GNTonic (Sidonie Grandperret) 2023 + a sip of summer giveaway

M. Micallef Gntonic

M. Micallef GNTonic Cocktail Splash by Olya Bar

Whenever I suddenly crave the zestiness of gin and tonic, I know the official start of summer is just days away. The latest release by M. Micallef GNTonic is the olfactive equivalent, just as refreshing and invigorating. Encased in a stunning light green, frosted glass bottle, GNTonic immediately reminded me of a freshly poured cocktail in pre-chilled glass. I often pick the glass up by the stem and swirl the ice around the bowl to chill it to the rim. Trust me; it makes a huge difference.

M. Micallef GNTonic opens up with a bright and vibrant blend of bitter orange and lime, with a dash of ginger and peppermint, creating the coolness of the tonic water accord. The heart of gin is created without using the traditional notes of juniper berry we so often associate with the spirit. I imagine this cocktail blended with a softer botanical gin, leaning into a floral direction with the heart of lily of the valley and fragrant orange blossoms, spiced up by the addition of pink pepper and fragrant nutmeg.

M.Micallef Parfums GNTONIC

Tonic water via Pexels

Let’s rewind time and glimpse at the origin of this famous drink, which dates back to the nineteenth century in the heart of India, after the British Crown took over the governance of India. The control of the colony required the ability to fight the deadly disease of malaria, which was quite prevalent at the time; this explains why so many Brits residing in India at the time consumed rations of quinine in the form of “Indian tonic water.” Gin was added to the liquid to cut its bitter taste. Even the final component of the classic gin and tonic, a famous slice of lime, is linked to disease prevention; in 1747, British surgeon James Lind experimented on mariners aboard a Royal Navy ship. His findings proved that a lack of Vitamin C caused scurvy; therefore, by the late nineteenth century, Royal Navy ships provided a mandatory daily ration of limes for sailors to fight the disease. Fast forward to today, and this cocktail has become an absolute classic of a thirst-quenching drink enjoyed by many across the globe.

Dive into the summer PERFUMES

Summer vibes image via Pexels 

M. Micallef encompasses the idea incredibly accurately- a cocktail of nobility and sport, classical and avant-garde, transparent but with depth; GNTonic is characterized by its tonic, fresh, sensual, and refined trail. A shot of a rare aromatic vivacity to be savored anytime. The opening is slightly masculine due to its cologne-like structure, yet it quickly switches flavor gears into something softer and  gender neutral. It’s stimulating, mouth-watering, revivifying on a hot day and feels effortless. Like an oversized white button-down, it equally works its refreshing magic on anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The vetiver accord is rather prominent in the dry down and the vibrancy it brings, further enforcing the citrus aspect focused on the bracing bitterness rather than the juiciness of the citrus notes used. Finally, the long and comforting trail of clean musks and soft sandalwood is a perfect last “sip,” with a slightly green earthiness of the oakmoss lingering in the background.

Sparkly, bracing, and beautifully structured, M. Micallef GNTonic is just in time for summer soirees, chasing sunsets and good vibes.  This fragrance feels like a deep dive from a boat into the refreshing waters of the ocean, without a care in the world. My summer love affair with GNTonic may go on indefinitely, as I adore an aromatic fragrance that can uplift, cool down and quench that olfactory thirst.

Notes: bitter orange, lime, ginger, peppermint, pink pepper, cedar, nutmeg, lily of the valley, orange blossom, vetiver, white musk, sandalwood, amber, moss.

The fragrance was kindly gifted to me but opinions are always my own.

Olya Bar, Editor

Parfums M. Micallef GTONIC

M. Micallef GNTONIC by Olya Bar

Thanks to the generosity of M. Micallef we have a 100ml bottle of GnTonic for one registered reader in the USA, EU, UK or UAE. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about M. Micallef GNTonic, where you live, and which is your favorite perfume by M. Micallef. Draw closes 06/4/2023.

Please note the perfumer is Sidonie Grandperret of LUZI

Please read Michelyn’s Interview with Martine Micallef, cofounder and art director for M. Micallef here

GTONIC is part of the Jewel collection: Please enjoy our reviews of REDCOLORADO, EDENFALLS, OISATO, DESIRTOXIC, NOTES VANILLEE and Olya’s M. Micallef Note Vanillee Nectar here

Please follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @olyabar  @parfumsmicallef

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59 comments

  • Scentsational Exchange says:

    In Olya`s review I especially like how the fragrance pays homage to the origins of the gin and tonic drink, tracing back to its use as a remedy for malaria and scurvy, it sounds interesting. It is intriguing how M. Micallef captures the essence of this classic cocktail and infuses it with a sense of nobility, sportiness, and refinement. My favorite vetiver accord in the dry down seems like brings vibrancy and a touch of citrus bitterness, while clean musks, soft sandalwood, and oakmoss create a comforting and lasting trail. This perfume sounds like a good companion for summer.

    The combination of citrus, aromatic, and woody notes sounds invigorating.

    My favorite M. Micallef fragrances are Royal Mango and Vanille Patchouli.

    I live in EU.

  • joshuabrian says:

    This sounds amazing. It gets quite hot and humid here in the Midwest. I’m sure this would do amazing. Thanks for the opportunity. From USA.

  • A perfume named after my favorite cocktail! And the notes sound delightfully refreshing for summer. Hello from the USA!

  • The absolutely intriguing notes strike me. The bottle design is also stunning. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU. I never tried M. Micallef but probably my favorite would be GNTONIC beacuse of how unique it is.

  • The bottle design looks amazing, as well as the refreshing gin and tonic notes. A bright and juicy scent like this is all I need in the comming summer season. I live in EU and my favorite scent from the brand is Desirtoxic.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    I want to feels like a deep dive from a boat into the refreshing waters of the ocean, without a care in the world. This parfum promise that. I am from EU

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I love a good tonic fragrance. I’m curious about this one. I like the idea of a cocktail of nobility and sport, classical and avant-garde, transparent, but with depth. I live in Maryland USA and would love a bottle of this fragrance.

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thanks to Olya for the review! I haven’t tried anything from M. Micallef, but this sounds very fresh and fun.

  • Thanks for the recommendation Olya!

    As soon as I read tonic, I knew this was going to be a lovely fresh sensation, and I’m all ears! Whilst I do not drink alcohol, I do enjoy the notes in my perfumes.
    Fresh and uplifting fragrances are my favourite fragrances now that the sun has started to come through and with many social occassions coming up, I would love to bring GTONIC along!

    I loved my Micallef’s Desir Toxic and I love this lovely French family owned company. They have one of the most wholesome social media presence and I wish them nothing but the best.

    Greetings from the UK!

  • lillian33 says:

    This one sounds delicious. My mouth is watering. I would love to try. From Ct USA

  • John Michael Jones says:

    Wow does this look refreshing or what?! This has summer written all over it. Live in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • A gin and tonic is my go-to cocktail, so I’m always really drawn to scents that attempt to channel the notes and refreshing sensation of the drink. I appreciated the inclusion of the historical significance and origins of the gin and tonic as well. This sounds like a perfect summer scent! I live in New York, in the US. I haven’t experienced any M. Micallef perfumes but am hoping to soon!

  • chrisskins says:

    I know that the juice is the most important, but THAT BOTTLE! I buzzed over to their site and there are other bottles that look like this but have different scents and colours. Wow! GTONIC sounds like the perfect scent for summer – joyous, fun, “Make mine a double.” This would be my first M. Micallef. I live in NY.

  • I’ve been hearing quite a bit of buzz around this one. It sounds really nice and refreshing. I love fragances that accurately capture cocktails, especially vibrant and fizzy ones. Olya mentioned this one taking the gin in a more botanical/floral direction, rather than just being a juniper bomb, which I appreciate. The ginger sounds like it would give it a nice and zippy boost at the beginning. DesirToxic is the only fragrance I’ve tried by M. Micallef and it really impressed me. I’m eager to see what else they have to offer. I live in NC, USA.

  • I enjoyed the learning about the history of my favorite drink to have. I had no idea it was used for disease prevention. I only knew that it made it made drinking easy and you didn’t get a hangover from it. I’m interested to see how this fragrance sparkles. This strikes me as an effervescent fragrance that is cooling on a hot day. I’ve never tried any M. Micallef, but I’ve been meaning to try DesirToxic. I love in Illinois, USA.

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    I really enjoy limes in fragrances. I own and am a huge fan of Bohemian Lime from Goldfield & Banks. This offering sounds refreshing and surprisingly versatile. The history lessen of how Gin & Tonic came to be was an interesting inclusion by Ms. Olya. I’d really like to get my nose on this offering. The giveaway opportunity is much appreciated. Many blessings from Virginia, USA!

  • I was struck by this gin and tonic inspired fragrance not having a juniper berry note. I don’t have a favorite M. Micallef. US

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    During the warmer parts of the year, there appears to be nothing more refreshing than a gin and tonic. This fragrance seems to perfectly hit the spot.

    My favorite M. Micallef fragrance is Desir Toxic…so good!
    USA

  • Given the name and inspiration of M. Micallef GNTONIC, I was expecting a vetiver note to play a major role in the composition and it, indeed, seems to does that. My favorite from Micallef is Sashka Black, I am in US.

  • Mixing the freshness of lime with white flowers such as lily of the valley and orange blossom sounds intriguing! It’s what we need during a hot summer like the incoming one.
    I live in Italy, EU

  • Only reading about M. Micallef GNTONIC gave me chills…I like a scent that wakes you up and refreshes, sparkly, effervescent…I have no Micallef favorite. I live in London, UK.

  • The bottle looks gorgeous, it really gives the impression of a invigorating perfume. Now that summer has arrived, I really cant wear anything but cold, sparkling and zesty perfumes and GNTONIC sounds right up my alley. Im curious how can a fragrance smell like gin&tonic without juniper berries in its composition. Although I havent tested many M. Micallef perfumes, I really like Ananda. I am in Romania, Eu

  • Nice review Olya!!I have the same feeling as you with G&T and summer season: love to drink it in the heat of the summer before lunch as an aperitif: refreshing and invigorating so knowing that there is a great olfactive equivalent , by M. Micallef , my day. The story of the invention is amazing and , still in the 50´s in Spain, tonic water was a medicine. GNTONIC is fresh, sensual, and refined: The opening is a mouth-watering statement with bitter orange, lime, ginger and peppermint in cologne-like style. The drydown brings the vetiver to the scene to enhance the bitterness of the citrus to finish with clean white musks and sandalwood. Uplifting the very hot summer in Madrid is all I need. My favorite perfume by M. Micallef is the mega shifting Akowa. I live in Spain, EU.

  • Greetings from NYC. Haven’t smelled anything from this house but have had this one on my radar since release. I really enjoy a fragrance with an effervescent quality to it especially in the warmer months.

  • may go on indefinitely, as I adore an aromatic fragrance that can uplift, cool down and quench that olfactory thirst.

    Notes: bitter orange, lime, ginger, peppermint, pink pepper, cedar, nutmeg, lily of the valley, orange blossom, vetiver, white musk, sandalwood, amber, moss. A beautiful description by Olya this sounds like the perfect tonic for Summer. I am
    intrigued by the notes especially ginger, orange, lime, peppermint this sounds so good I could probably drink it.
    My favourite from M Micallef is Note Vanille. Thanks a million from the UK

  • M. Micallef GNTONIC opens up with a bright and vibrant blend of bitter orange and lime, with a dash of ginger and peppermint, creating the coolness of the tonic water accord. The heart of gin is created without using the traditional notes of juniper berry we so often associate with the spirit. I imagine this cocktail blended with a softer botanical gin, leaning into a floral direction with the heart of lily of the valley and fragrant orange blossoms, spiced up by the addition of pink pepper and fragrant nutmeg.peppermint, pink pepper, cedar, nutmeg, lily of the valley, orange blossom, vetiver, white musk, sandalwood, amber, moss. I just captured by the coolness this fragrance exudes just feels like Summer in a bottle. My favourite from this house is Note Vanille. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom.

  • I don’t drink but I love aromatic fragrances like GNTONIC especially when they are really well made.
    Micallef makes such quality perfumes
    my favorite micallef is black Ananda and ylang in gold
    I live in the UK

  • I do love the bottle design. It looks refreshing, like the fragrance itself. I liked reading about the history of gin and tonic. Thanks for another awesome review and draw. Mich USA

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    M. Micallef GNTONIC is perfect for summer soirees, chasing sunsets and good vibes. I am from EU

  • johnmadison says:

    Thank you for the lovely review of M. Micallef GNTONIC, Olya!
    I am a longtime lover of the cocktail, and this fragrance really seems to do it justice. I love how the bitter orange, lime, ginger and peppermint blend together to create the tonic water accord. And how it dries down with clean musks and soft sandalwood to embody “the last sip” is such a beautiful sentiment added to this fragrance. This sparkling beauty is one I would adore to wear during these warm Summer months upon us.
    I have yet to get my nose on any of M. Micallef’s line, but would love to explore it.
    I’m John and I’m in Minnesota, USA!

  • Ken White says:

    I’ve never had a chance to try M. Micallef fragrances but I’ve heard great reviews. I love gin and tonic. It’s a favorite cocktail and I love the way it smells. This sounds very refreshing and I would love to win this. New Jersey, USA

  • Trinity33 says:

    Gin and tonic is my go-to summer drink. I find it so refreshing and as Olya pointed out in her history lesson, it’s medicinal as well! I find it interesting that M. Micallef chose to not use juniper berry, but instead focused on the floral aspects of the traditional gin profile. The use of ginger and peppermint as well as bitter orange and lime to mimic the tonic water is genius. I love the bottle too. I do not have a favorite M Micallef perfume. MD, USA.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Olya Bar take on GNTONIC made me think of making , and later on eating the Gin and Tonic Drizzled Cake with Lime Slices on top I do on private orders only, and drinking Sprite Soda with Lime again.
    Desir Toxic i bought because of Gail Gross review on Cafleurebon, it reminds me of Vanilla Cassis Cake . My girlfriend also owns Mon Parfum Cristal , what a gorgeous scent, I can pull it off without any issues.
    Appreciate the review , and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • This looks and sounds so amazing and i cannot wait to put my nose on it. All of the notes are screaming summer and good vibes and that juice color is eyecatchy. My favourite for now from the line has to be Desirtoxic, beautiful blend and quite addictive. Thanks for the chance, i’m in the EU.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Wow, the history of Gin & Tonic is very interesting and to be able to make a fragrance that smells like a Gin & Tonic is very cool. A close friend would always order Gin & Tonics when we went out. I remember the smell of the sweet limes as the bartender made the drink. Something fresh & sparkly like a Gin & Tonic in a scent form would be amazing for the summer.

    Los Angeles, California USA

  • Laurentiu says:

    I love a nice gin and tonic. Everybody I know loves this refreshing drink. I am sure that wearing GNTONIC will be a head turner and definitely a nice starting conversation point. It would be great to win this perfume as I love everything about it.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • Ooh, I would love to be able to reproduce the scent of an exquisite summer cocktail with each spritz of GNTonic as the notes sound like a summer paradise. My favorite from the house is Royal Vintage. I live in KY/USA.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Ahhh this is my fave summer cocktail! Really Sounds exciting. Bottle pretty too. Im from EU, havent tried this house

  • What strikes me about *M. Micallef *GNTONIC is its sensual, vibrant and effortless uplifting summer time description of a fragrance. Also describe as a deep dive in the ocean without a care in the world. Absolutely Brilliant. My favorite *M. Micallef fragrance is *DESIRTOXIC. Thanks for the amazing giveaway and review. Greetings from the USA.

  • OH. MY. GOD.

    I really hope luck will be on my side for this one. I’ve been eyeing it for months since finding out about its release! Gentle Fludity Silver is my signature scent and I have been told of its comparisons.. Irregardless, the note breakdowns sounds so damn good!

  • OH. MY. GOD.

    I really hope luck will be on my side for this one. I’ve been eyeing it for months since finding out about its release! Gentle Fludity Silver is my signature scent and I have been told of its comparisons.. Irregardless, the note breakdowns sounds so damn good!

    Out of what I’ve tried (Eden Falls, Osaito and Desir Toxic), so far Desir Toxic is my favorite, the cannabis note definitely brings that earthy body to another level.

    I live in the USA, here’s hoping!

  • bhernandez says:

    I own Eden Falls by M. Micallef and I know first hand that house.

    GNTONIC is one of those fragrance you want to wear on a weekend with family and friends in the summer.

    I hope I can get my second M. Micallef in my collection.

    From Boston, MA

  • Was really interesting to read about the origin of gin and tonic, along with the slice of lime. What really strikes me about GTONIC was it’s refreshing/cooling aspect which makes it sound incredible suitable for the hot summer heat, which kind of reminds me of Davidoff cool water’s advertisements. Haven’t had the chance to sample any M. Micallef fragrances so I can’t really pick a favorite, but would love to sample them all one day.
    USA, TX.

  • Christos GX says:

    The first thing that captured me was the gorgeous design of the bottle along with the name and after that the notes,that seem to have the perfect effect of a cold drink on a hot summer day/night. For me it is a somewhat replication of an association that many people have with the season of summer. My favorite from M.Micallef is Desirtoxic and i live in Greece,EU.

  • I love those days of just jumping in the water, care free and just relaxing on a clear hot summer’s day.

    Love Olya’s take on that about this fragrance. I can imagine coming out of the water, take a nice cold shower and throw this on for dinner under the moonlight with the wife.

    Thanks for the review and giveaway from the USA

  • Oh boy, great review by the one and only Olya.
    I am a huge fan of M. Micallef, being Osaito my favorite one yet.
    GNTONIC seems like a very pleasing fragrance. I love that it has the vibes of the cocktail and it is so invigorating. This is surely a perfect fragrance for the summer.
    USA here.

  • When I saw the name of the fragrance, immediately I thought “Summer is finally here” .
    I no longer drink like I used to in my younger years, but I’m all for a few nice cocktails ones in a while.
    GNTONIC is a refined and relaxing vacation like fragrance to me, laying on the beach with Gin and Tonic , and a good read, while hubby is taking care of all the rest . The added sandalwood is welcomed.
    Sampled a few Micallef fragrances during the years, and most pleasing was Aoud Gourmet . First I did 50/50 split with my sister in law , and then I bought my own bottle.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • I love Micallef as a house and their creations somehow scream “classy” to me. I feel like their perfumes are so chic and put together, very classic French in style. It’s interesting to see an olfactive tribute / reference to a drink like gin and tonic, which somehow strikes me as more of a something that maybe an indie fragrance house would do. Yet, I’m sure the melange between Micallef’s usual style and a modern, “easy” inspiration can only generate an amazing jus.
    I loved hearing about the history of the gin, had no idea about its medicinal properties.
    My favorite Micallef is Black.
    Commenting from the EU.
    Thanks!

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    Even though I don’t like gin at aaaall, the first word that came to mind reading Olya’s review was ‘bitter’. The notes depict a very appealing type of gin :), and the combo green juice + frosted bottle looks absolutely amazing.
    So far, I liked Royal Muska, but I still have loads to discover from Micallef.
    Regards from EU.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Such a good looking bottle, don’t know who he is , but I’m a fan of the M.Micallef designer , hell of a job again.
    Personally I’m glad GNTONIC is not super boozy and sweet juvenile cocktail , but made of finest ingredient in familiar , but modernized gin and tonic combination , with musk and sandalwood.
    The two M.Micallef fragrances I’ve sampled are Eden Falls and and Desir Toxic , both are good for different occasions. Maybe Desir Toxic is slightly better.
    Thank you Olya, and M.Micallef
    USA

  • As always M. Micallef knocks it out of the park with the bottle presentation. It is a display-worthy piece of art in itself but if the quality matches the one from the brand I’ve tried, Royal Muska, then the juice matches the bottle. Such a lovely and fluffy cloud of perfume.

    Well, back to GNTONIC. No cocktail is as crisp and delightful as a gin and tonic on a hot day. I imagine GNTONIC would be no different. The way Michelyn describes it, it sounds like it gives an air of understated elegance.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • That green frosted glass bottle really is a stunner; its texture reminds me of vintage faceted glassware. I like the way GNTONIC references iced tonic, botanical gin, and cocktail citrus with a set of notes that’s not a photo-realistic recreation. Bitter citrus and spiced florals are a smart substitute. The counter-weighted vetiver is a nice touch as well. GNTONIC sounds refreshing and fun for hot summer days. And that bottle really is terrific.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any M. Micallef perfumes, though this one and REDCOLORADO both caught my attention.

  • This sounds like a perfect hot summer fragrance! Refreshing, snappy, crisp. And I can’t deny that the description of it’s notes makes it sounds wonderful. I live in the USA and my favorite Micallef is Guaiac, though Black Sea is a strong runner up.

  • Phillip_Barkley says:

    Greetings again
    Ms Bar can do justice to alcoholic beverage fragrances , like no other editor on Cafleurebon.
    Caribbean adventure done right is what I think of GNTONIC, I actually smelled the fragrance at Jovoy Paris. The two notes I perceive , and Ms Bar probably not are mint and ginger.
    I had no idea how the cocktail is linked to…disease prevention ,quite a surprise.
    Aoud Gourmet is my favorite M.Micallef
    Thank you , American living in Paris France

  • petergigov says:

    Olya Bar review of GNTONIC took us to not one , but three journeys, one part was like a reversion to 19th century Indian Tonic Water, the second part was like a history lesson, and the third made me fell I’m in Ibiza and waiting for some big party on the beach to start.
    I like the color scheme of the bottle , matches the GNTONIC name well.
    Delice i do smell regularly , my business partner signature scent , and my favorite M.Micallef
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Olya, I want to express my gratitude for your wonderful review and recommendation.

    The moment I came across the word “tonic,” I anticipated a delightful and invigorating experience. I’m eager to hear more! Although I don’t consume alcohol, I appreciate the aromatic elements in perfumes. Currently, I find myself gravitating towards fresh and uplifting fragrances, especially now that the sun is shining and there are numerous social gatherings on the horizon. It would be fantastic to have GTONIC as my companion!
    I have a deep affection for Micallef’s EdenFalls and this charming French family-owned company. Their social media presence is incredibly wholesome, and I sincerely wish them nothing but success.

    Sending warm greetings from the UAE!

  • foreverscents says:

    I don’t drink alcohol, but I just love the idea of the freshness–as well as the bitterness–of a gin and tonic. I never knew the origin of the drink. Once again, this website provided an interesting and informative history lesson. Every single note in GTONIC I love. I am especially intrigued by the peppermint note. How uplifting that must be.
    I haven’t tried anything by M. Micallef.
    I live in the USA.

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    I believe GNTONIC possesses a distinct “Enjoy your life the way you think it’s appropriate” spirit ,with a classical cocktail, beach atmosphere with some surfing too.
    If a fragrance can quench Olya’s olfactory thirst in such a way , it will most likely do the same for me too.
    My favorite M. Micallef is Desire Toxic
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’m familiar with not all , but most M. Micallef fragrances , excluding Note Vanillée Nectar , RedColorado , and the new hyped on all platforms GNTONIC.
    I’m a strict teetotaller, so no sips for me , but I absolutely love boozy fragrances, I’ll most certainly enjoy the fragrance and its beach and fun characteristics , on top of musc and creamy sandalwood.
    Edenfalls , personalized bottle of Delice , Aoud Gourmet , Vanille Aoud , and Avant-Garde are M.Micallef fragrances I own
    All profiles I already follow, @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA