Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense (Patricia DE NICOLAÏ ) 2025 + Fall Opulence Giveaway

 Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense by Olya Bar

“Crème Ébène was born from my desire to marry the enveloping softness of a cream with the powerful, textured facets of dark woods. It’s a fragrance of contrast, evoking the warmth of a cocoon and the nobility of ancient wood. An intimate, elegant, and deeply comforting harmony.”-Patricia DE NICOLAÏ, Perfumer And Founder

Patricia de Nicolaï Perfumer

courtesy of Madame Patricia DE NICOLAÏ

The Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur stand at the Esxence show in Milan this past February buzzed with excitement, drawing a crowd of perfume enthusiasts and savvy retailers. All eyes were on the latest release, Crème Ébène Intense Eau de Parfum, which stole the spotlight as the standout of the 2025 exhibition. Perfectly timed for the fall season, this creation by Patricia DE NICOLAÏ delivers a warm, resinous allure with a balanced, luxurious edge, redefining sophisticated scent for the cooler months.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Eau de Parfum Intense

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Eau de Parfum Intense via the brand

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense blossoms on skin, blending soft, milky cream with the profound depth of dark woods. The opening is a luminous burst with a vibrant trio of saffron’s golden warmth, cardamom’s sharp zest, and cumin’s earthy spice, softened by the delicate bloom of white flowers, setting a mysterious, captivating tone. This leads into a woody core, anchored by the crisp, regal presence of Atlas cedar and Virginian cedar, their texture smooth and almost tangible, enhanced by the sweet, velvety richness of Medjool dates and the lush roundness of vanilla. The milkiness here is a revelation, a delicate yet pervasive note that evokes the smooth, nurturing essence of fresh cream, gently contrasting with the robust, sun-ripened sweetness of Medjool dates. This interplay creates a luscious harmony, where the creamy softness tempers the dates’ caramel-like depth, while the dark woods, Atlas and Virginian cedar’s dry elegance and the subtle, earthy undertones of sandalwood provide a grounding counterpoint. Vanilla weaves through this composition, its warm, powdery richness amplifying the milkiness into a velvety cocoon, offering a tactile warmth that feels both indulgent and refined, as if the scent itself is a luxurious embrace against the crisp autumn air.

Wood in perfume

Wood texture via Unsplash.

As the fragrance deepens, a darker, more intricate layer begins to emerge. Refined leather, laced with the smoky hint of papyrus, merges with patchouli’s earthy depth, sandalwood’s creamy warmth, and white musk’s sensual finish, creating an enveloping, seductive aura. The creaminess here is a standout feature, a luxurious sensation that clings to the skin like a gentle, warm breeze, offering an opulent yet intimate experience. This is by no means a gourmand and will be very well suited for anyone who appreciates a creative play on woody notes and resins with just a hint of sweetness which feels more balmy than sugary.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense is my absolute obsession this fall, its balsamic depth and spiced-woody foundation delivering a signature that is irresistible, a scent that lingers like the quiet glow of an autumn evening.

Notes: Saffron, Cardamom, White Flowers, Cumin; Dates, Atlas Cedar, Virginian Cedar; Papyrus, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Patchouli, White Musk.

Disclaimer: The bottle of Crème Ébène was kindly gifted to me by the brand but opinions are always my own.

Olya Bar, Editor.

Nicolai Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense Eau de Parfum

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense via the brand

Thanks to the largesse of Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur we have a Crème Ébène Intense 100ml bottle for one registered reader in Canada or EU ONLY. YOU MUST REGISTER. To be eligible, please leave a comment describing what tantalizes you about Olya’s reviews, which you would choose should you win, whether you have a favorite Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur, and where you live. Draw closes 09/23/2025 and the winner will be announced within two weeks after.

Read Michelyn’s Exclusive Interview with Patricia de Nicolaï here.

Pavlova was a top 10 perfume of 2024 for Michelyn and the Gourmandise Collection as well. Read Olya’s review of Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Gourmandise Collection Pavlova, Saint Honoré, Macaron Bourbon here. Read Ida’s Iris Médicis Intense Review here.

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29 comments

  • Deso says:

    I would like to win Creme Ebene Intense as Olya describes it as a warm, resinous allure with a balanced, luxurious edge. From EU.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    I need something warm and sweet for the cold days ahead, caressed by delicate white flowers, giving a mysterious and captivating touch. I am from EU

  • Jeremi says:

    Olya’s reviews tantalize me with their vivid, sensory descriptions that make scents come alive, like the creamy-woody contrast in Crème Ébène Intense. No favorite Nicolaï yet, but I’d love to try this one.
    I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU

  • Jona says:

    I like the way Olya captures the contrast in Crème Ébène, she explains the lactonic-woody accord (milk over dark woods) without ever making it sound gourmand. The saffron and cardamom spark and the Atlas/Virginian cedar duo feel perfect for autumn. I’m in France (EU)

  • Vladimir says:

    What’s tantalizing here is how the review turns scent into texture and contrast—the golden snap of spice veiled by white blossoms, the lush sweetness of dates reined in by cream, the dry gravitas of woods keeping it all sculptural and grounded. The fragrance feels like silk draped over carved cedar: soft yet unyielding, indulgent but disciplined. As leather and smoke unfurl, it deepens into an intimate twilight aura, clinging like warmth on skin. What lingers is not just smell, but an atmosphere—a cocoon of cream and shadow, both tender and mysterious.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    Olya Bar’s review of the Creme Ebene Intense is truly a vivid journey and an evocative imaginary of a softness, dark and irresistible beauty with a captivating reflection of autumn evenings, enjoying the cocooning resinous warmth of this latest creation.
    What fascinates me most is the description of a sublime balance of warm milkiness with a spiced woody undertone that evoke a mysterious glow.
    I would be happy to experience Creme Ebene Intense. Thank you for this wonderful review and for the draw! My favorites fragrances from Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur are Saint honoré and Patchouli Intense.
    From EU

  • serdzo says:

    What stood out to me most in Olya’s review was the way she described the milkiness weaving through the darker woods and spices. It made me imagine how the creamy notes soften the strength of cedar and patchouli without turning the fragrance into something sweet. The mention of Medjool dates adding a rich, rounded depth was another detail that really caught my attention.

    If I were lucky enough to win, I’d definitely choose Creme Ebene Intense. I don’t yet have a favorite from Nicolai, but this one feels like the perfect place to start, especially for fall.

    From Croatia (EU).

  • Max Corvinus says:

    Beautifully written review – captures the essence of the perfume perfectly, I can almost smell it.

    I own a decant of Caravanserail Intense by Nicolai and it’s my Autumn love. Bought it from a friend and did not have the chance to wear it much, but it resonates with me greatly.

    Creme Ebenne Intense sounds like something I would enjoy – I generally love darker perfumes, so this sounds like something that would definitely find itself on my radar. I’m mainly interested in how the cream accord is blended with dark woods – it just sounds delicious, warm and comforting. I’m not a big vanilla/cream/gourmand person at all, but I believe this one has the potential to rock my dark world. Moreover, this sounds very gentlemanly and I just adore those luxurious gentlemanly scents.

    I live in Croatia (EU).

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I do not have much experience with this house and it is a shame as I have been reading a lot about them over the years, but I never got the chance to actually try something. Perhaps it is the time to order a sample set…

    The notes in Creme Ebene are right up my alley so I am sure this one is going to be an easy like for me. Thanks for the giveaway!

    EU

  • Eduardo says:

    Nicolai is such a classy house and is hard to find where I live.
    The milky Crème and soft woods sound beautiful. When I was in Paris I bought Cap Netoli which I wore all summer.
    I live in the Eu

  • nixa says:

    This tantalizes me the most: “Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Crème Ébène Intense blossoms on skin, blending soft, milky cream with the profound depth of dark woods. This is by no means a gourmand and will be very well suited for anyone who appreciates a creative play on woody notes and resins with just a hint of sweetness which feels more balmy than sugary.”
    I’d love to try Number One Intense and my favorite from the brand is Neroli intense.
    Hugs from Croatia, EU! ❤️

  • INYA says:

    My favorite from Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur is Cap Neroli. I would love to rock Crème Ébène Intense during the colder months. I’m a fan of spicy resinous fragrances and the creaminess in this perfume paired with Medjool dates sounds fabulous. On my wishlist it goes! Michigan USA

  • Kevin Wright says:

    A fragrance house that is not much talked about. I love Riviera Verbena and New York Intense is very nice. I would like to see how Crème Ébène smell like.

  • Doni says:

    It’s no secret that I’ve always been enamoured with Patricia’s work. Her classical Guerlain-esque style not withstanding, she’s one of the few perfumers remaining whose work continues to reflect traditional perfume structures, regardless of prevailing trends. Of course, with gourmands currently being all the rage, I can imagine that making a transition into the genre hasn’t been easy, especially since powerful woody ambers are often tough to balance in an attempt to add lift to heavier compounds. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the chocolatey and somewhat spicy-boozy take on coffee in Caravanserail Intense a few years back, with the additional performance being a welcome touch.

    Creme Ebene however sounds much more like a lactonic take on woody-spicy, similar in the way Michel Almairac silked out his formula of Gucci’s Pour Homme for Bentley’s for Men Intense – still one of my favs from the Lalique Group. The refined leather nuance as well as the papyrus that Olya mentioned particularly caught my eye because they’re some of the best accords to pair with a strong cedar. Great to hear that the sweetness is also carefully balanced to the point that it doesn’t stray into gourmand territory. Particularly for the autumn, dry, crisp and spicy is generally how I like ’em.

    Yet to sample Patchouli Spirit, but somehow I think it’ll be a love since Patchouli Intense remains my #1 from the brand, followed by Number One and New York Intense. But so many from the line are worth sampling, if only to remind oneself that elegance in perfumery has not yet been abandoned in favour of the garish yet frugal dessert of the month. My hope is that this addition is just as worthy. Canada.

  • Alen says:

    Almost everything i’ve tested from Nicolai house was a big like, wonderful house. My two favourites from them would be Cuir Cuba intense and New York intense. Thanks to Olya for a great description of the Creme Ebene intense, i would love to try it. I’m from the EU.

  • mmerline says:

    Reading about Crème Ébène Intense, I was surprised by some of the notes mixed with the fragrance’s creamy texture. The dates and vanilla notes seem like natural companions, rich and sweet, but the cumin and cedar take this fragrance in a very different direction. “This is by no means a gourmand and will be very well suited for anyone who appreciates a creative play on woody notes and resins with just a hint of sweetness which feels more balmy than sugary.” I was thinking this sounds nothing like most lactonic fragrances and seems like a must-try. I’m very curious how this all comes together on skin.

    I’m in the USA.

  • Agent47 says:

    Reading about Crème Ébène Intense by Patricia de Nicolaï felt like discovering a hidden gem. The article painted it as this creamy, woody scent with a touch of spice—elegant but cozy, like autumn wrapped in silk. I could almost smell it through the screen. It made me crave that experience: to feel enveloped in warmth while still turning heads with something unexpected. Now I’m itching to win this fragrance and see if it lives up to the magic the words promised.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I like the notes of Creme Ebene, so I am sure the overall composition is going to be great. Like pieces of puzzle that fit perfectly! Thanks! EU

  • Patricia R. says:

    I am mostly tempted by the description that states it is not a gourmand, yet the notes and the opulence and richness play on that surface. I also like the mention of creamy and velvety softness and the contrast with the dark woods. I live in the EU.

  • gggg says:

    Olya’s review highlights how this fragrance is a new, fresh take on the very popular ‘milky’ trend of the past year – taking it into a balsamic direction rather than a gourmand one, which really speaks to me as I don’t like excessively sugary fragrances. On top of that, I’ve been looking for a perfume with a date note for years and Creme Ebene Intense sounds just like what I was looking for! So I would love to try it (as I don’t have another Nicolai favourite yet). I’m based in the EU (France). 🙂

  • Jeffrey F says:

    Autumn is all about layers — the crisp air, golden leaves, and the transition into cozier evenings. Crème Ébène Intense feels like that season bottled: rich woods warming up, resinous amber melting gently, and a smokiness that evokes crackling fires and old books. It’s elegance and comfort combined, with a touch of mystery — exactly what I love in a perfume. I have a few of Patricia’s creations and they are always so well done. Looking forward to this one! Based in Toronto Canada.

  • Sonbahia says:

    Nice review, Olya. My admiration for Mme. de Nicolai is immense, her classic perfumery know-how, her elegance, or what Olya somehow expresses in three words: “allure… luxurious… sophisticated.” Now in the territory of spicy dark wood, but with her unmistakable style, without stridency. Saffron, cardamom, and cumin opening gives way to two types of cedar wrapped in a creamy and velvety date, sandalwood, and vanilla accord. Not a gourmand, not a Middle Eastern fragrance either. What is present is Nicolai’s way of making a scent. My favorites are Neroli Intense in the summer and New York Intense when the cold sets in. I live in Spain, EU.

  • Alex Claude says:

    What entices me in Olya’s reviews are her descriptions that make me feel as of I’m experiencing the perfume in person. I would definitely choose a bottle of crème ébène intense if I win and am thinking of purchasing a sample if not. I don’t have a favorite Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur as of yet and I live in Canada.

  • milleroots1223 says:

    Olya has made this sound like the perfect next pick-up. Who isn’t a fan of scent journeys? And that seems to be precisely what Olya is talking about here. Complexity, richness, and warmth are all great when it comes to those cooler fall days.

    Best of luck to all,
    from Canada.

  • kasstocko says:

    i so wish this was open to the US- this is on my wishlist! beautiful article- really shines a light on this fragrance! it sounds absolutely divine! so much luck to all the participates!

  • melipone says:

    I own several fragrances from Nicolaï and it’s hard to pick a favorite but I’ll go with Incense Oud (and Patchouli Intense as close second!) I’d love to try Crème Ébène which it sounds like such a great companion for the cooling season. In particular I am intrigued to experience how Patricia de Nicolaï has managed to convey creaminess, suaveness, and dryness all at once – that sounds like a feat but of course if someone should be able to do it, it must be her!
    Greetings from Germany.

  • Spoma says:

    Great review of Crème Ébène Intense, thank you Olya!
    What I liked the most is “this creation delivers a warm, resinous allure with a balanced, luxurious edge, redefining sophisticated scent for the cooler months, its balsamic depth and spiced-woody foundation delivering a signature that is irresistible, a scent that lingers like the quiet glow of an autumn evening.”
    My favorite from Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur is Vanille Tonka and I would really love to try Sacrebleu Intense.
    EU