Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga (Bertrand Duchaufour) + Flaming Citrus Draw

Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga

Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga (photo/digital effects by Despina Veneti©)

In 2018, young entrepreneur Thibaud Crivelli founded his own Perfume House aiming to offer scents that are both “surprising and authentic”. Maison Crivelli fragrances are unfailingly inspired by his own – vivid and unforgettable – multi-sensorial experiences in some of the world’s most astonishing places: sipping spicy coffee on the slopes of an erupting volcano, tasting saffron ice cream while walking through an idyllic garden, or drinking iced absinth shots under the Northern Lights… A self-described “emotional botanist”, Mr. Crivelli has always been closely connected to nature; he’s also a veritable globe-trotter, who has lived in Asia for ten years. His stay there, initially prompted by his passion for the Mandarin language, gave him a chance to further develop his knowledge of perfume ingredients, and their sources. As he told me, his knowledge is deeply empirical, not so much technical as it is sensorial, and complementary to that of the perfumers. Following his family tradition of entrentrepreneurship, establishing his own Fragrance House felt to him all but natural.

Maison Crivelli perfumes

Clockwise: Maison Crivelli founder/creative director Thibaud Crivelli (photo by Camille Brasselet©, via Maison Crivelli) & Maison Crivelli fragrances (photos by Eléonore Mehl© & Julie Robert©, respectively, via Maison Crivelli)

Knowing how essential it is for any brand, let alone a new one, to be guided by coherency, Mr. Crivelli set some fundamental standards for his Fragrance House: eco-responsible luxury (reducing waste in packaging and de facto promoting sustainability), “slow” perfume (taking all the time needed to get inspired, source ingredients and create), and fragrances with elements of surprise to highlight the unique experiences they reflect. Regarding the latter, all Maison Crivelli creations feature unexpected, even memorable, olfactory contrasts; to achieve this, Thibaud Crivelli is working with some of the most talented perfumers around. About his creative collaboration with them, he told me: “I brief the perfumers with a moodboard of scents, colors, sounds, pictures or videos, in order to fully communicate my multi-sensorial, surprising experience. We then translate this into perfume, always embracing contrasts of materials and sensations. Even though it is impossible for me to formulate (for the time being, at least!), I nonetheless provide a clear debrief to perfumers when it comes to evaluating/adjusting the formulas.”

MAISON CRIVELLI CITRUS BATIKANGA by Bertrand Duchaufour

Thibaud Crivelli of Maison Crivelli (photo courtesy of Maison Crivelli), perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour (photo via The Perfume Magazine©) & images from the moodboard for Citrus Batikanga (courtesy of Maison Crivelli)

When asked what distinguishes Maison Crivelli from other Houses, the brand’s founder/creative director answered: “I came to realize that there is a big disconnection between the way brands present perfume, and what each client feels. Fragrance is about individual emotions, as each one of us is more sensitive to different facets of the same composition. I decided to propose a synesthetic approach to perfume discovery, guiding our clients to experience the scents from a personal, sensorial, meaningful perspective: taking the time to explore, to understand why they like a certain fragrance. This is the reason why we decided to share the briefs sent to the perfumers. The idea is to smell the scent while discovering its moodboard. Step by step, the words, pictures, sounds and colors will help unveil the fragrance’s facets. It makes the perfume more tangible, easier to connect with.” Maison Crivelli currently offers nine fragrances: Rose Saltifolia by Stéphanie Bakouche, Bois Datchaï by Dorothée Piot, Santal Volcanique by Richard Ibanez, Absinthe Boréale by Nathalie Feisthauer, Papyrus Moléculaire by Leslie Girard, Iris Malhikân by Marc Zini, Fleur Diamantine and Citrus Batikanga by Bertrand Duchaufour, as well as the brand new Osmanthe Kōdoshān composed by Mme Bakouche. For my introductory review of Maison Crivelli, I’ve chosen the Duchaufour-composed Citrus Batikanga, whose amazingly warm, balmy take on bergamot makes it an ideal citrus scent for cooler seasons.

Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga (photo collage/digital effects by Despina Veneti©)

Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga opens like a succulent aromatic blend of pleasantly bitterish, invigorating citruses (bergamot, pomelo, orange bigarade) liberally sprinkled with green, slightly minty cardamom, and stalks of tart-sweet rhubarb infused in the spicy juice. Structurally speaking, the citrus accord here is not actually a top note, but the fragrance’s very own heart – pulsating, vibrant, evolving. As if that wasn’t remarkable enough, chili oil (a key element of the composition) is bound to impress even further: peppery and warm, it raises the temperature and hues the fragrance orange-red. Subsequently, it transforms the bergamot (and its citrusy companions) from luminous to blazing, from refreshing to intoxicating. And the surprises don’t stop there; a distinctively nutty undercurrent emerges from the synergy of vetiver and fenugreek: the hazelnut undertones of the former meet the maple syrup facets of the latter. Last but not least, tears of sweet myrrh and shavings of serene cedarwood form a grounding woody base, while providing that meditative aura that can be felt in so many of Mr. Duchaufour’s creations.

best citrus fragrances for cool weather

Memories of Santorini (photo collage/digital effects by Despina Veneti©)

The beauty of good perfume is that, although it might have been created as a reflection of one person’s specific memory, it can stir an equally personal one within another. Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga transported me almost twenty years back, to a mild winter afternoon in Santorini: there I was, watching a mesmerizingly red-hued sunset near a crackling fire, sipping an icy tangerine-aperol vodka cocktail garnished with flamed orange peel. In times of confinement and isolation, this memory touched a deep chord. For that, I’m grateful.

Notes: Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Pomelo, Cardamom, Chili Pepper, Rhubarb, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Fenugreek, Myrrh.

 Disclaimer: I’d like to thank Maison Crivelli for my tester bottle of Citrus Batikanga, and the samples of all their other fragrances. The opinions are my own.

 

– Despina Veneti, Senior Editor

Maison Crivelli Iris Malhikân Fleur Diamantine, Osmanthe Kōdoshān, Rose Saltifoli ,Bois Datchaï ,Santal Volcanique

Maison Crivelli Deluxe Sample Set (photo courtesy of Maison Crivelli©)

Thanks to the generosity of Maison Crivelli, we have a draw for a Deluxe Sample Set, containing 9 x 1.5ml samples of all the House’s fragrances, for one registered reader WORLDWIDE. You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you enjoyed most about Despina’s review, if you are familiar with Maison Crivelli fragrances, (which appeal to you and why) and where you live. Draw closes 2/17/2021

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebon @despinavnt @maisoncrivelli

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57 comments

  • Dubaiscents says:

    While I’m not typically a huge fan of citrus scents, the addition of chili pepper and myrrh intrigue me. I like that Mr. Crivelli wants to create slow perfume. His collection sounds very well thought out and the perfumers are all too notch. I would love to try them all. Thank you for the draw. US.

  • SB76 says:

    Despina’s review is great, as always – I love the quotations from Mr. Crivelli; it’s is always great to know the brand starting from the intention of it’s creator – and I love that she included her own personal scent memory associate with experiencing this particular one. I always think scent memories (or creating new ones) are essential for really enjoying a perfume.
    Unfortunately I still don’t know any of Maison Crivelli perfumes, so, this discovery set would be great!
    I’m from Portugal (EU)

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I enjoyed hearing about a fragrance that transforms bergamot with the notes of chili peppers and rhubarb. I was also cool how the fragrance transported Despina back 20 years to Santorini. I live in Maryland.

  • Carboytony826 says:

    Despina, thank you for the phenomenal review. I’d like to think that I’m M. Duchaufour’s biggest fan, and so I always get giddy with excitement when one of the CFB team reviews his work!

    Thank you for giving some of the backstory about the brand. I’ve never had the pleasure of sampling any of their scents, and both the way that the fragrances are conceived as well as the noses that are creating them make me yearn for them.

    Oh Santorini, I was just mentioned to Aaron how I’d love to go to Santorini, I can imagine myself in that same situation!

    The notes of this sound wonderful to me and hit on some of my favs: rhubarb, pomelo, cardamom, myrrh and yes, fenugreek. Actually all the fragrances sound wonderful, and I wear fragrances from all genre.

    I’m in the US.

  • Trinity33 says:

    It seems like Maison Crivellii intends to make its scents a multi-sensorial experience by sharing the inspirations that went into creating each fragrance. The pictures, the sounds, the colors all go into telling a story that adds to the enjoyment of the experience. Despina’s selection, Citrus Batikanga, is a good example because of its ability to conjure a vivid, happy memory. The perfumers chosen for this project are excellent and I would love to try any of the offerings. I’ve never tried Maison Crivelli but I am eyeing Iris Malikhan. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Nina Savino says:

    Rarely am I envious of another’s memory… and while I do not have the scents in front of me… the imagery created by Ms. Veneti transports through time and space to life in an orange orchard, living off the land… fresh picking black fig for breakfast… a tip of the hat from New York

  • AlenaK says:

    OH WOWWW TOM YUM PERFUME!! (Thai spicy soup based on chili, lime and bergamot leaves (like many Thai dishes — and Chinese cuisine of certain regions — do)), and the additional citrus would help prevent it being too foody!

    I enjoyed most the explanation (and poetry) of the house’s philosophy for creation, providing a grounding background for the scent description to come. Memories distilled in a bottle and come out entirely a different one for different people. Almost too magical to be true.

    + Extra appreciation goes to “Slow Perfume” — giving time to creativity as well as for consumers to have their preferences evolve over time as they experience the world. Avoiding having precious extracts of elements from all around the world to be left ignored in closets after just a few sprays. While I work in this field myself (corporate sustainability), I never put slow+perfumery together before! Slow+[anything] is a truly rational pairing — and how worrying it is that we are now condition to see Fast as the norm (while it could be the farthest from any normal growth of resources!)

    I’m sadly not yet familiar with Maison Crivelli fragrances.
    Those that captures my attention and refusing to let my mind go:

    Citrus Batikanga appeals to me as I have tried capturing chili scent in the past (DIY solid perfume from chili-infused oil), and goodness it BURNS! Always extra appeal for being able to handle natural essence to be interesting but not to the point of hazard. But that’s not all — the hazelnut and maple syrup sounds like a cultural twist to the peanut and coconut sugar in papaya salads (which of course features chili and citrus), but the reinterpretation is creating something entirely new. If only hazelnuts are not worth their weight in gold over this part of the world, I’d want to experiment with using recipes! (Hmm, maybe pancake with hazelnut, bergamot peel shavings, and tiiiiny bit of chili drizzled in maple syrup?)
    TL;DR – inspiration in a bottle!

    Osmanthe Kōdoshān – basically what I’m looking for in life. Pepper, black tea, leather, tobacco, spice (star anise) all rolled in one plus waves of osmanthus from mountains away.

    Papyrus Moléculaire – forgive my lack of perfumery knowledge, but not quite sure from the composition if this would, in some way, links with the imagery of ancient parchment and leathery ware of spice-celebrating cultures. *fingers crossed*

    Bois Datchai – tea, spice, and all things nice in the thick of the forest. It reminds me of the Russian gift tea set in red heavy wooden crate that first introduced the young me to endless possibility of tea blending. First impression recreated in a bottle!

    Santal Volcanique – it’s not there but I’m hoping for sulfur! Reminds me of the fanfiction I read, of geoscientist taking a bitter sweet trek up the volcanos in Hawaii with their SO. Hmm, surely perfume is capable of bringing back memories even those purely imaginary!

    Rose Saltifolia – more like a reference. I am happy with the simple concoction I made for cranberry-in-summer-house-by-the-sea-with-herb-garden-and-seaweed-aroma (again, in the honour of a fanfiction that grips me), but it was miles away from the vivid remembrance that the writing deserves. What level of scent complexity can be made to properly pay tribute to this piece of writing? Too amazing a happy coincidence but I’m glad cafleurbon is here to show me yes, the imaginary scenes almost exist in a bottle!

    I’m based in Thailand!

  • LindsayK says:

    Oh wow. As I was reading this I was thinking I can not wait to sample every single Maison Crivelli creation. So excited that the draw is for a sample set! The concept behind this house really resonates with me, I love the acknowledgement that the client doesn’t always interpret perfume in the same way as the brand presents it, and the transparent approach of sharing the brief/mood board. Very excited to explore this house. Thank you from Oregon, USA.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    The main thing that I enjoyed most from the review can be summed up. in this statement: “I brief the perfumers with a MOODBOARD of scents, colors, sounds, pictures or videos, in order to fully communicate my multi-sensorial, surprising experience. We then translate this into perfume, always embracing contrasts of materials and sensations. Even though it is impossible for me to formulate (for the time being, at least!), I nonetheless provide a clear debrief to perfumers when it comes to evaluating/adjusting the formulas.” I can appreciate that mindset of creating fragrances to match, or create, an emotional (“sensorial”) reaction in the wearer, such as what Despina had: “Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga transported me almost twenty years back, to a mild winter afternoon in Santorini: there I was, watching a mesmerizingly red-hued sunset near a crackling fire, sipping an icy tangerine-aperol vodka cocktail garnished with flamed orange peel.”

    I was only, by way of a review, familiar with Santal Volcanique and Iris Malikhân.

    All of them appeal to me (definitely wouldn’t mind getting my nose on the set), because of the note breakdowns, so I’ll just put it into 2 categories according to how the notes ‘spoke’ to me:

    – Blind-buy Worthy = Iris Malikhân, Santal Volcanique, Osmanthe Kōdoshān, Citrus Batikanga, Rose Saltifolia, Absinthe Boréale

    – Sample Worthy = Bois Datchai, Fleur Diamantine, Papyrus Moléculaire

    I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA.

  • DuftHochZwei says:

    I like the names of these perfumes, which are relatable yet unique. I’d love to find an old memory like Despina did with that Santorini night. Please let me win this to Germany, thanks for the draw.

  • C K says:

    I enjoyed learning about the mood board used in creating the perfumes as well as that they are all based on the experiences of the creator of the house. I also liked the memory that Despina shared which was brought back up for her by Citrus BatiKanga. I’ve heard of Maison Crivelli from a video Sebastian made on a few of their fragrances but have not experienced them myself though a number sound great to me. Some that interest me are Santal Volcanique, Iris Malikhan, Fleur Diamantine, and Papyrus Moleculaire. Although most of the ones I didn’t mention also sound really interesting and id love to experience them all. I also like that they offer 30ml as well as 100ml bottles. Thanks for the generous draw, from CT USA.

  • Paeonnia says:

    Great collages by Despina, as always. I loved the passus about fragrance evoquing a memory in someonee and an equally personal, bu of course different memory in someone else.
    I’m in Slovenia, EU

  • mronhubbard says:

    I like Despina’s point about one person’s memory inspiring a perfume which can awaken another unique memory in someone else. (Also, I’d like to try that cocktail.) I hadn’t heard of Maison Crivelli until now. The ones that appeal most to me are Iris Malikhân, Papyrus Moleculaire, Absinth Boréale, Osmanthe Kōdoshān, and Citrus Batikanga– such interesting combinations of notes! (USA)

  • Amaziz89 says:

    The beauty of good perfume is that, although it might have been created as a reflection of one person’s specific memory, it can stir an equally personal one within another. Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga transported me almost twenty years back, to a mild winter afternoon in Santorini: there I was, watching a mesmerizingly red-hued sunset near a crackling fire, sipping an icy tangerine-aperol vodka cocktail garnished with flamed orange peel. In times of confinement and isolation, this memory touched a deep chord. For that, I’m grateful.

    Notes: Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Pomelo, Cardamom, Chili Pepper, Rhubarb, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Fenugreek, Myrrh. I am intrigued by the notes especially the spices and citrus notes. A beautiful description by Despina captures the power of perfume brilliantly. A house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by nonetheless . Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga opens like a succulent aromatic blend of pleasantly bitterish, invigorating citruses (bergamot, pomelo, orange bigarade) liberally sprinkled with green, slightly minty cardamom, and stalks of tart-sweet rhubarb infused in the spicy juice. Structurally speaking, the citrus accord here is not actually a top note, but the fragrance’s very own heart – pulsating, vibrant, evolving. As if that wasn’t remarkable enough, chili oil (a key element of the composition) is bound to impress even further: peppery and warm, it raises the temperature and hues the fragrance orange-red. Subsequently, it transforms the bergamot (and its citrusy companions) from luminous to blazing, from refreshing to intoxicating. And the surprises don’t stop there; a distinctively nutty undercurrent emerges from the synergy of vetiver and fenugreek: the hazelnut undertones of the former meet the maple syrup facets of the latter. Last but not least, tears of sweet myrrh and shavings of serene cedarwood form a grounding woody base, while providing that meditative aura that can be felt in so many of Mr. Duchaufour’s creations. I love Spicy and citrus notes so this sounds like a magical concoction. A house that I am not familiar with I am afraid. I think Despina captures the power of perfume and past memories really struck a chord. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Laurentiu says:

    I’m up for testing anything that has Bertrand Duchafour written on it, but I am also curious about the other perfumers behind the creations of this house as well!
    EU. Thanks!

  • Sonbahia says:

    I like how Despina introduces us in the world of Thibaud Crivelli and his approach to perfumery. I would highlight what Mr. Crivelli says about the “disconnection between the way brands present perfume, and what each client feels..” Who doesn´t love citrus!! the mixing with the chili oil sounds amazing and worth to try. I haven´t tried the Crivelli Perfumes but I have read great things about it and the way he wanted to focus on textural accords: very interesting! I live in Madrid, EU!

  • JulietteC says:

    Very nice review, Despina!

    I am all in for the loooong dry-down, so I really want to discover that distinctively nutty undercurrent of Citrus Batikanga.

    I am not familiar with any of Maison Crivelli’s scents, but I would really enjoy to have the chance to sniff them! Especially Absinthe Boréale and Iris Malikhân.

    Thank you for the chance, I live in Europe (Romania).

  • oyom says:

    It´s great that Despina has given us the chance to discover such a new and inovative perfume house. In my opinion, letting us experience the moodboard that has inspired the fragance will allow us to further enjoy it and to the discovery of new facets that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

    I still have not had the chance of sampling these fragances, but given the reviews I have read regarding this particular house I can´t wait to get my nose on them!
    I believe I would be most drawn to
    Iris Malikhân (due to the powdery iris and leather combination),Rose Saltifolia (a rose in the seaside? I want to try it!) and Fleur diamantine (an icy white white floral with saffron and created by Bertrand Duchaufour, I am sure I will love it)

    Thanks for the giveaway, I am from Spain, EU.

  • Kateryna Plesiuk says:

    I loved the part about Santorini, made me feel nostalgic of a place I’ve never been to, haha.
    I have never tried Maison Crivellis fragrances, but would love to! I live in the US

  • xoe says:

    I had never before heard of Maison Crivelli. Despina’s review makes this sound unlike any other scent. And I wonder if the chili oil burns, or how they keep it from burning. I am in the US.

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I like this house’s approach towards perfumes – ecological and sustainable packaging, fragrances that are not rushed on the market and carefully selected ingredients and noses that work for them!
    I am based in EU and it would be nice to give them a test!

  • jojosi3 says:

    I am not familiar with Maison Crivelli fragrances unfortunately, as I am relatively early in my olfactive journey! I think what I liked the most about Despina’s review was the point about scent bringing back memories from 20 years ago – that is such a true statement and I have that feeling with just a tiny portion of the fragrances I own! I also enjoyed that this is described as a warm balmy citrus that could be worn in cooler months! That appeals to me on this cold february day for me here in Canada 🙂

  • wilsonwc76 says:

    This sounds wonderful! Citrus scents are my favorite, and I love the idea of adding a chili oil note for heat. Very intriguing! I don’t know this house, but I love their backstory and I’d love to sample all of these scents! I’m in NYC.

  • Bcigar says:

    Still learning Mandarin myself, and hope to be fluent someday. Following your passion is the key to a fulfilled life, so I would imagine Maison Crivelli reflects that with their fragrances.

    Cheers from L.I.N.Y.

  • dorseyhorsey says:

    I’m not familiar with this house but Citrus Batikanga sounds great. I love peppers in perfumes, L’artisan’s Piment Brulant and Aftelier’s Wild Roses are among my faves.

    I’m in the US!

  • Annatar says:

    I’ve never heard of Maison Crivelli before, thankfully, I’ve been a Çafleurebon reader long enough to know that I’ll be hearing about this house 🙂 I love the idea of olfactory contrasts presented in Maison Crivelli perfumes, and I always root for an eco-responsible brand. So, fingers crossed. Russia

  • Jed Or Alive says:

    I haven’t previously been familiar with Maison Crivelli, but after reading this article I’m thoroughly intrigued. I really appreciate the concepts of slow perfume and sustainability. Citrus Batikanga particularly appeals to me, as I’m a huge fan of both citrus and spicy foods/flavors. Located in California.

  • rphawks says:

    I certainly could do with a fragrance that takes me to Santorini… Despina’s review is very detailed, as these always are. I’ve never heard of Maison Crivelli, but the inclusion of chili oil is extremely interesting. USA based.

  • mleenstra says:

    I wasn’t familiar with Maison Crivelli, but really like the eco friendly ethos and the aim of taking time to develop fragrances. Thanks to Despina for introducing the House before moving onto the fragrance review, because it is nice to have that background.
    Citrus Batikanga sounds phenomenal. I really love spicy fragrances and grapefruit/pomelo, Cardemom, rhubarb and fenugreek/cumin are notes I really like when done well in perfumery. Bertrand Duchafour is also a perfumer I admire from his L’Artisan work. Will check this House out! Marit UK

  • wandering_nose says:

    A warm, fiery and intoxicating citrus fragrance that will shine in cooler seasons – I absolutely love this innovative idea which nicely fills a niche! Despina’s review made my mouth water to try this cocktail of amazing notes I love: bergamot, bitter orange, cardamonm, chili, vetiver, myrrh, rhubarb, cadarwood. I love Despina sharing the travel down the memory lane she experienced via the fragrance. Maison Crivelli has been on my lisy of houses to learn more about and hopefully try out – I am now feeling closer to that goal and enticed to accomplish it even sooner. Based in Ireland

  • Dumi says:

    The first time I hear or read about this house, they fly under the radar seeing that they launched in 2018 and have a generous portfolio done by famous perfumers. I would love to discover their fragrances! Thank you! Europe

  • Osman says:

    Nice pictures! Together with the review, they did remind me of summer and holiday and beach and ice cold cocktails and fun and no stress and playfulness and youth and love!
    Thank you!!

  • Tobacco11 says:

    A great article highlighting another perfume house unknown to me.
    The chili/Vetiver/Citrus combo of Citrus Batikanga is intriguing, I would love to sample this and the others from the house.
    I’m from Canada.

  • Dami C says:

    I liked how this fragrance evoked Despina’s memories in Santorini. I am curious to see how the citrus fruits blend with the chili pepper and other spices. I especially enjoy pomelo in fragrance, so I am intrigued. I haven’t tried any of the line’s offerings so I love the idea of winning the discovery set. In the USA.

  • aurora_ru says:

    I really liked the concept of unexpected combinations: “sipping spicy coffee on the slopes of an erupting volcano, tasting saffron ice cream while walking through an idyllic garden, or drinking iced absinth shots under the Northern Lights… ” As a lover of woody-spicy scents, I am especially interested in Santal Volcanique and Bois Datchai, but others seems intriguing too (i cannot resist to that idea to tasting that safron ice-cream in blooming garden). I live in the EU and would love to win the sampler set, but if not lucky, I will probably order on my own, thank you for informing us about such nice new brand.

  • macaroni023 says:

    Thank you Despina for telling a bit about Thibaud Crivelli, what a truly sensorial founded!!!. I have never heard of this house but so happy to learn that they are taking responsible, sustainable approach to their products, world needs more brands like this. Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga sounds so good so refreshing I need to try it out.
    I am based in EU

  • Salem says:

    Sounds like such a unique perfume. The blend of bitterish, almost cocktail-like citrus spiced with CHILI is something I have never heard about before.
    The other Maison Crivelli fragrances which appeal to me by the name are Santal Volcanique Santal Volcanique, Absinthe Boréale and Iris Malhikan. Haven’t smelled them, but those title notes sound appealing. I live in Europe and would be delighted to try these. Thank you!

  • London says:

    I’m not familiar with Maison Crivelli so I would love to try these. I love the evocative description in the final paragraph. I wish… I am in the UK.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the beautiful review Despina. This sounds like a fascinating house.

    I think the provoking idea in this review is that citrus does not feel like a top – that is a hard feat to accomplish

    I am not familiar with this brand.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Eirik H. says:

    I most enjoyed Despina’s description of Thibaud Crivelli’s creative process when coming up with and designing a new fragrance with perfumers. Having followed the brand for some time on Instagram, I have been deeply intrigued by all their offerings. It would be amazing to sample all of them, including Citrus Batikanga! Thanks so much for the chance. I’m in Oregon, USA.

  • Ali.b says:

    Absolutely great review Despina!
    Specifically, I really enjoyed how you described this perfume is full of surprises. The citrus notes are not at the top, but at the heart. And there’s chili oil too? And myrrh?! Now I love to smell this one and all the other scents from this creative brand! This is the first time I’m hearing (reading) about them, hopefully I smell them soon.

    Greetings from Aalborg, Denmark!

  • Niinocka says:

    I appreciated the presentation of the founder of Maison Crivelli, his background, and experience. A mission of the house to make fragrances more tangible seems to be welcomed by the fragrance lovers. The fundamental concepts that fuel and navigate the perfume creation have contributed to establishing the well-known brand in just two short years. Very impressive!
    I was introduced to the Maison Crivelli on Youtube by the editor Sebastian Jara aka #theperfumeguy recently. His review positioned the house as »must- try« and »blind -buy worthy«. I remember that a depiction of Santal Volcanique made quite an impression on me, but since I refound my love for perfumes in the middle of 2020, I haven’t had the chance to sample it yet.
    After a recent analysis of the list of notes of my favorite and/or most worn perfumes through the years I realized I was a full-blown, – but not aware of it- citrus addict. This winter, I have been delving into citrusy fragrances intentionally– from sampling, comparing, buying, researching to wearing them in the midst of a real winter (- 10 degrees celsius).
    So, imagine, how happy I was when I read the caption »an ideal citrusy scent for cooler seasons«. 🙂 According to the listing of notes, and according to how Despina described the development of the fragrance it seems to be a quite unique citrusy scent. Invigorating citruses with minty and tart-sweet undertones seem to make a great combination with warm spicy heart and vetiver and woody scents later on.
    Thank you for a great article and a generous draw. I live in the EU.

  • verausserung says:

    I’m always interested to try out this house. The addition of chilli pepper to citrus seems very creative. The spiciness is a nice spin. Great review as always!
    From Hong Kong.

  • zhiang0113 says:

    I really liked how Despina mentioned how a good perfume, despite being inspired by a person’s unique experiences, can bring up another person’s own memories. A good fragrance should be transportive, evocative, and moving; and what better way to connect with someone emotionally than to be linked with a long-cherished memory of theirs?

    I’ve smelled a few of Maison Crivelli’s fragrances, including Santal Volcanique and Bois Datchai, in a boutique in Geneva but Rose Saltifolia spoke to me the most; growing up in Southeast Asia, I used to have an ice-cold drink flavoured with rose syrup to fight off the humidity and heat. Smelling Rose Saltifolia made me feel washed over with a sense of cool relief and nostalgia – what a lovely scent! I really loved the spray-to-show-the-artwork blotters as well!

    Of those I have not tried, Osmanthus Kodoshan appeals to me the most; I lived in Shanghai for a couple of years as a child, and every year, the streets would be filled with the joyous, radiant aroma of osmanthus. I’ve watched Monsieur Crivelli’s Instagram video on Osmanthus Kodoshan’s conception, and I would love to experience the olfactory interpretation of his experiences!

    I live in the UK, and would love to participate in the draw. Thank you for your generosity and for hosting the giveaway!

  • Jannick85 says:

    I enjoy a good citrus in the summer but only if it’s not generic and boring so the Citrus Batikangaand with all it’s unique notes especially the chili oil, that sounds very interesting and no I have never tried this brand before
    From Denmark

  • Isasi says:

    “The beauty of good perfume is that, although it might have been created as a reflection of one person’s specific memory, it can stir an equally personal one within another.” Definately my favorite part of the article, the acknowledgement of the difference in perceptions. Loved the fact that the creator traveled to asia for the language and got inspired as I want to do so myself! I’m not familiar with the fragrances but I would love to be! I live in Spain.

  • drjedi says:

    Not familiar with this brand, yet. But from Despina’s review, I like the “slow”, personal approach to perfumery and their sustainable practices. Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga seems interesting with fenugreek and chili pepper notes, which are new to me. Thanks for the review and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    This fragrance has been on my “want to try” list so I am excited for the chance. What an interesting duo of notes, I am not familiar with it in any other fragrance. One of my fave chili perfumes is Chili Vanilli, and I LOVE that heat! Their Santal Volcanique has also been on my list to try. CONUS

  • Kyuu says:

    As someone who craves citrus year round and lives in cold temperature I’m glad you put this on my radar! Thank you for the chance at the giveaway, iowa usa.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I enjoyed Despina’s review learning about a new fragrance house Maison Crivelli fragrances. I enjoyed learning about the history of the company and sustainable eco friendly products and packaging they use to the contrasting natural ingredients. I am not familiar with or have I tried any of the fragrances in the line, but the featured fragrance Citrus Batikanga sounds very appealling to me. I am from the USA.

  • Noteworthy says:

    I like that the review is to the short and to the point. The fragrance Maison Crivelli Citrus Batikanga sounds likes masterpiece . Definitely would love to try this and others from this line.