Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, Macaron Bourbon (Patricia de Nicolaï) 2024 + Dessert Tasting Giveaway

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova, Saint Honore and Macaron Bourbon first gourmands by Patricia de Nicolai

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, Macaron Bourbon Photo by Olya Bar©

 In their newest collection, Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur, the art of perfumery is served up with the same reverence and creativity as the finest pastries on the streets of Paris. It transports, tantalizes, and transforms. This collection turns iconic desserts into olfactory gourmands. Each fragrance in this trio— Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, and Macaron Bourbon—whisks you away to the streets of Paris, where every scent promises a decadent explosion of taste and tradition, le grand tour of Parisian patisserie, transformed into an olfactory delight.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova by Olya Bar©

Our first course, Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova, captures the ephemeral beauty of its namesake dessert. This fragrance dances lightly on the skin, much like a ballerina en pointe which served as its inspiration. It opens with a zesty flourish of passionfruit and sun-ripened pineapple, but quickly settles into a creamy whisper of peach—just shy of full ripeness, with the delicate texture of peach fuzz touched by a splash of rum to give depth and complexity. This composition mirrors the dessert’s airy meringue: not overly lactonic, but perfectly capturing the crunch and softness of perfectly baked whipped egg whites. Patricia de Nicolai’s first venture into the land of gourmands is nothing shy of spectacular, her craftsmanship shines, achieving a sublime balance that reflects the dessert’s light, fruity sweetness with an airy quality.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova Notes: Passionfruit, Pineapple, Rum, Peach, Raspberry, Coconut, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk, Cedar. 

The sweet journey continues with Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Saint-Honoré, a scent inspired by the patron saint of bakers. This fragrance is a masterclass in savory gourmand notes, ideal for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar. It starts with a tempting mix of roasted nuts and a sprinkle of pepper—so vivid, you can almost hear the crunch. This gives way to a milky, lactonic heart that thickens into the rich texture of whipped cream, encasing the essence of puffy pastry cream-filled choux. The base of savory vanilla rounds out the fragrance, offering a bread-like, buttery warmth that’s addictive and distinctive. This olfactory version of the Saint Honoré is as innovative as it is indulgent, challenging traditional sweet scents with its depth and complexity

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Saint Honoré Notes: Bergamot, Pepper, Hazelnut, Milk, Orange Blossom, Sandalwood, Vanilla Absolute, Amber, Musk

.Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Macaron Bourbon review

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Macaron Bourbon

Our final act, Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Macaron Bourbon pays homage to the evolution of the macaron a staple of French confectionery. This fragrance is an ode to modern culinary experimentation and classic refinement. Filled with a boozy vanilla ganache, a warm touch of cinnamon and nuanced by the powdery bitterness of almond shells, it’s a complex portrait of indulgence. The floral notes of jammy rose intertwine beautifully with a sticky caramelized davana undertone, creating a delicate balance between a floral side and the sweet tartness. Each spritz is like biting into a freshly assembled macaron. The dry down offers all the roasted beauty of the tonka bean and the airiness of musk. The sweetness peaks with this last round of dessert and serves as a great finale to the tasting.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Macaron Bourbon Notes: Rum, Bitter Almond, Davana, Cinnamon, Rose, Clove, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli, Musk.

Patricia de Nicolai of Nicolai Parfumeur Createur

 Patricia de Nicolaï (Photo Credit: Madame de Nicolaï) ©

 Chapeau Patricia de Nicolaï! I’ve emerged from this olfactory tasting both sugar-buzzed and emotionally charged. As much as I tried to pick a favorite, I find myself delightfully torn, unable to favor one over the others. As a dedicated gourmand aficionado, you’ve masterfully spun a collection that’s as daring as it is wearable. It is set to bewitch anyone with a sweet tooth, seducing our senses with the collection’s delicious, dessert-driven charm.

Disclaimer: I was gifted Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, and Macaron Bourbon which were generously provided by the brand. My opinions, as always, are my own.

Olya Bar, Editor

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova, Saint Honre and Macaron Bourbon reviews

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, Macaron Bourbon Photo by Olya Bar

Thanks to the largesse of Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur we have an AVANT PREMIERE 30 ml bottle of the reader’s choice of Pavlova, Saint Honoré, or Macaron Bourbon Eau de Parfum for one registered reader in the USA or EU. 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 05/1/2024.

Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova, Saint Honoré, Macaron Bourbon were showcased at Esxence 2024 and are not currently for sale. They will be launched September 2, 20024

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

If you would like your comment to count twice, please include a quote from Michelyn’s interview here

Let’s go Behind the Bottle with Madame de Nicolaï with Baïkal Leather Intense

Read Ida’s Iris Médicis Intense Review here.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @olyabar @nicolaïparfumeurcréateur @michaudenicolay @damienvflynn

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61 comments

  • I love the description of motes especially the sweet ones. I would love to win Macaron Bourbon. I don’t really have a favouriite from this house but Maacaron Bourbon would definitely steel my heart. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Ramses Perez says:

    This is quite the conundrum! Like Olya, I am first and foremost a gourmand lover when it comes to fragrances (half my collection are sweet references). If Patricia herself came up with this idea to do a whole collection of gourmands, we applaud here in this house because she chose 2 really good desserts and then a mix of really good gourmandy notes. Should I win, I’d have to go with Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova since I already own similar scent profiles to the other 2 fragrances. However, you couldn’t go wrong with either of them. I sadly don’t know any Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur fragrances yet or shockingly have had the chance to try any of them, but I’m hoping that will change soon. Cheers from the USA.

  • They all sound incredible, Olya! How can anyone resist Patricia Nicolai’s work? Patchouli Intense is one of my favorites, so I’m curious to smell her take on a gourmand. Her fragrance compositions always feel like musical scores, so I wasn’t surprised by this quote in Michelyn’s interview: “A music composer! Arrange notes, looking for harmonies, evoking emotion (this is not very far from my current job).” Out of all the descriptions, the savory aspect of Saint-Honoré appeals to me most. Thank you all for the draw! I’m in New York!

  • coolcookstyle says:

    They all sound incredible, Olya! How can anyone resist Patricia Nicolai’s work? Patchouli Intense is one of my favorites, so I’m curious to smell her take on a gourmand. Her fragrance compositions always feel like musical scores, so I wasn’t surprised by this quote in Michelyn’s interview: “A music composer! Arrange notes, looking for harmonies, evoking emotion (this is not very far from my current job).” Out of all the descriptions, the savory aspect of Saint-Honoré appeals to me most. Thank you all for the draw! I’m in New York!

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Because I like macarons, the description of the sweet notes, I am curious how is it this parfume and I would like to win Macaron Bourbon
    I am from EU

  • It all makes me drool, but the Macaron Bourbon seriously makes me want to run out to the bakery and get macarons. I adore macarons and bourbon? Win win. I live in the US and my favorite Nicolai fragrances so far have been Juste un Reve or Sacrebleu.

  • Everything about Olya’s reviews tantalizes me about these fragrances! I love how she mentions taste, texture, and feel so I can fully imagine what it might be to fully experiences these fragrances. Thus, it’s really hard for me to pick one but I think I’d pick Macaron Bourbon. I haven’t ever smelled anything from this house before. I’m located in CT, USA.
    Loved the opening question from the review:
    We welcome you to CaFleureBon. Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first scent memory?

    Patricia de Nicolai: Definitely the scent of the school inkwell. It has indeed a very particular scent that I later found in perfumery like in the natural essence of white thyme or the cedar essential oil.

    First scent memories stay with us forever and inform our palates for a long time!

  • AleksCipri says:

    Ah all three sound spectacular. Patricia is amazing…I cannot wait to sample her gourmands. I samples.most of jer fragrances so far but I’m not sure I have a favorite…maybe Fig tea.

    My favorite quote from her amazing interview is “Is perfume an Art or a skill? Definitely an Art. Everyone who creates a perfume IS artist. However, you need to have some skills…Not everyone who creates a perfume is a great artist! But isn’t the case with all the arts?”

    It was very thought to choose one of these three, but I will choose Saint Honore. I am one of the people that loves vanilla without sweetness
    I love nuts and bready notes. Sounds like my kind of gourmand. I’m from Illinois US.

  • phuongmtran says:

    They all sound delicious, but my ultimate pick would be Pavlova! I can’t resist gourmands. I am in CA, USA.

    Everyone who creates a perfume IS artist. However, you need to have some skills…Not everyone who creates a perfume is a great artist! But isn’t the case with all the arts?

  • Great review of these gourmands!
    I would pick Pavolva.
    The description of the fragrance as having “sublime balance that reflects the dessert’s light, fruity sweetness with an airy quality” is just fantastic.
    I would be more than happy if i won this bottle giveway! I’m in Chicago, USA.

  • These all sound lovely! I love the idea of a fragrance that transports, tantalizes, and transforms, and the innovation shines through in the descriptions. Although it’s hard to choose, I think I am most curious to try Macaron Bourbon. I also enjoyed this quote: “ For my ‘musk’, I tried a different path—one paved with flowers.” Thanks and hello from CO, USA!

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    Saint Honoré is most intriguing with the milk notes being my favorite. This reviewer has made me want not one, but all three fragrances to be included in my modest library. Delicious!
    “To me, Madame de Nicolaï is to niche fragrance what Amelia Earhart represented to the field of Aviation.”

    I live in Oregon.

  • Oh how cruel you are to make us choose between these divinities?!! Cruel I say!! I have a dozen or so Nicolai perfumes and not one is unworthy! An absolutely solid house but it does seem here she has outdone herself!! And I’m not even a gourmandienne. After much gnashing of the teeth I have settled on Saint Honoré if I am so lucky. I am located in California. Thank you for the chance.

  • Sarah Friedhoff says:

    Olya, your review made my mouth water! Particularly your description of Saint Honore—your characterization of crunchy toasted nuts and pastry cream makes this my very top choice if I was lucky enough to win this generous giveaway! I’ve loved getting to know Fig Tea from Nïcolai, and I look forward to exploring the brand more. I loved reading more about Patricia de Nïcolai’s story, and I loved to hear her explain why stating her own brand was so liberating: “ I left Quest because I was restrained by the practice of creating fragrances based on focus groups and marketing questions. I was very frustrated and I wanted to be free!”

    Much love from New York

  • Forgive me if this shows up twice! I couldn’t tell if my post “stuck!”


    Olya, your review made my mouth water! Particularly your description of Saint Honore—your characterization of crunchy toasted nuts and pastry cream makes this my very top choice if I was lucky enough to win this generous giveaway! I’ve loved getting to know Fig Tea from Nïcolai, and I look forward to exploring the brand more. I loved reading more about Patricia de Nïcolai’s story, and I loved to hear her explain why stating her own brand was so liberating: “ I left Quest because I was restrained by the practice of creating fragrances based on focus groups and marketing questions. I was very frustrated and I wanted to be free!”

    Much love from New York!

  • Nikolina_84 says:

    What a great idea to turns iconic desserts into olfactory gourmands, le grand tour of Parisian patisserie, transformed into an olfactory delight…. Yummy!
    Olya did a great job describing all 3 perfumes and ,Id love to try Pavlova because it “dances lightly on the skin, much like a ballerina en pointe”.
    My favorite Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur is Neroli intense.
    EU

  • Three beautiful creations, definitely worth trying, I don’t own anything from this brand, I love Macaron Bourbon for its warm notes, this perfume gives me infinite well-being.
    Linda (EU)

  • Olya Bar’s reviews of the Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur collection are like embarking on a delectable journey through the essence of Parisian patisseries. Her descriptions vividly evoke the scents and sensations of iconic desserts, weaving a tapestry of fragrance that tantalizes the senses. What’s truly captivating is her ability to not only articulate the notes of each perfume but also to convey the emotions and experiences they evoke.

    The way Olya delves into the intricate nuances of each fragrance, from the top notes to the dry down, provides a comprehensive understanding of their olfactory profile. Her comparisons to the desserts that inspire them add a layer of allure, transforming the act of wearing perfume into a decadent indulgence.

    If I were fortunate enough to win, I would choose the Saint-Honoré fragrance, drawn to its savory gourmand notes and innovative twist on traditional sweetness. My favorite Nicolai parfumeur fragrance that i have in my collection is Amber Oud,

    I live in France (EU)

  • chamberoflilith says:

    Loved the way you presented the scents as courses of a decadent meal, Olya. My favorite… it was hard to choose, really. First off the bat, I was most attracted to Saint-Honoré, because a not sweet vanilla is just my thing. It seems like the perfect choice for day and evening, a gourmand with a woody texture. This I love. Of course, the other two also sound wonderful, the tropical air of Pavlova reminds me of ballet dresses and the sweet scent often found in ballet schools, while Macaron Bourbon intrigues me with its Davana element. All seem wonderful. And I like what they inspire together. Thank you, from Romania.

  • Hard to choose, which desert sounds more tempting… As I am craving more for savory and not so much for sugary, Saint-Honore sounds to me the most interesting from these 3: ” ideal for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar. It starts with a tempting mix of roasted nuts and a sprinkle of pepper—so vivid, you can almost hear the crunch”.
    Good news, I will try to test them all as soon they will arrive near me.

    Thank you for this chance, I live in the EU and for the draw I am choosing SAINT-HONORE

  • Olya Bar’s descriptions truly bring to life the essence of Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur’s latest collection. Each fragrance seems to offer a journey through the streets of Paris, indulging in the finest pastries and desserts, but through the medium of scent.

    Pavlova captures the delicate balance of fruity sweetness and airy meringue, offering a light and refreshing experience reminiscent of its namesake dessert.

    Saint-Honoré, on the other hand, delves into the savory side of gourmand scents, challenging traditional notions with its nutty, creamy, and slightly spicy composition.

    Finally, Macaron Bourbon presents a complex and indulgent portrait of the iconic French treat, with its boozy vanilla ganache, warm spices, and floral undertones.

    I would love to win Macaron Bourbon, it sounds like a delicious charm!

    From France (EU)

  • Olya’s reviews are truly tantalizing, painting a sensory journey through the world of fragrance with vivid descriptions and evocative imagery. Her ability to capture the essence of each scent, from the ephemeral beauty of Pavlova to the savory indulgence of Saint-Honoré and the modern sophistication of Macaron Bourbon, is captivating. I find myself drawn into the world she creates, where perfumery becomes an artful exploration of taste and tradition.

    If I were to win, choosing among these delectable fragrances would be a delightful challenge. However, the allure of Nicolaï Parfumeur-Créateur Pavlova, with its blend of fruity sweetness and airy sophistication, resonates strongly with me. The combination of passionfruit, pineapple, and rum, balanced with creamy peach and subtle woody notes, promises a unique olfactory experience that I would love to explore.

    As for favorite Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur fragrances, while I appreciate the craftsmanship of Patricia de Nicolaï across her entire range, New York Intense holds a special place for its dynamic blend of spices, woods, and leather, which captures the essence of the vibrant city it’s named after.

    Based on EU.

  • Macaron Bourbon sounds lovely! Caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, tonka, almonds and rum! Exquisite! Mouth watering! I am really looking forward to trying this one! Thanks!!

  • I loved the Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur Saint-Honoré, a scent inspired by the patron saint of bakers. This fragrance is a masterclass in savory gourmand notes, ideal for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar – like me!
    From EU.

  • Kelly Atwood says:

    Reading this review brings me right back to the streets of Paris! It’s hard to pick just one, but I think Saint Honore is the one calling my name the most! The only thing I’ve smelled so far from the house is Odalisque, which I LOVE!! I’m in Austin TX.

  • I’d love to try Saint Honorè, since nutty fragrances makes me mad, plus this sounds lactonic too! Argh! I am so curious about them since I never tried a sort of gourmand by Nicolai. My favourite is probably Cap Neroli. I am from Eu. Cheers!

  • All three of these selections sounds fantastic, but since I’ve been on the hunt for something fruity, I feel Pavlova would be a fantastic addition to my wardrobe!
    -Chicago

  • All three sound delicious, but I think the one that calls my name is Saint Honoré. Hazelnut, Milk, Sandalwood and Vanilla Absolute make for a cozy and comforting scent.

    Thank you from Europe!

  • I would like to try all three. Because I can’t resist a vanilla I will choose the Macaron Bourbon for the draw. From the house I do like New York. US

  • Olya makes these all sound absolutely delectable and it’s VERY difficult to choose which one I’d like to try (all of them!) but if I were to win, I’d choose Pavlova. The fruitiness sounds irresistible.
    Here’s my quote from Michelyn’s interview:
    “My mother’s room was situated underneath mine and the scent came through my window which was always open, because sleeping with an opened window is in fact very healthy. You can trust my grandmother on that!”
    I love sleeping with the window open – and I also like the idea of a little bit of Shalimar wafting in!
    I’m in the USA.

  • Olya makes these all sound absolutely delectable and it’s VERY difficult to choose which one I’d like to try (all of them!) but if I were to win, I’d choose Pavlova. The fruitiness sounds irresistible.
    Here’s my quote from Michelyn’s interview:
    “My mother’s room was situated underneath mine and the scent came through my window which was always open, because sleeping with an opened window is in fact very healthy. You can trust my grandmother on that!”
    I love sleeping with the window open – and I also like the idea of a little bit of Shalimar wafting in!
    I’m in the USA…

  • As an admirer of Madame de Nicolaï’s work, I can say that choosing just one of these would also be impossible for me. If forced to, however, I suppose it would be a toss between Pavlova and Macaron Bourbon. Olya’s descriptions and experience with these perfumes should appeal to every gourmand lover, I found myself drooling a bit. I, for one, would love to satisfy my sweet tooth with each of these.
    I loved from the interview that Madame had no intentions of taking up her heritage of perfumery until she took a chemistry class.
    I would love Pavlova, I am in the USA.

  • Oh, wow! These 3 sound incredible! I’ve never tried any fragrances from Nicolai Parfumeur. The 2 gourmands are calling my name! If I had to choose, it would be Macaron Bourbon. Love me some boozy gourmands!
    I live in the USA

  • I love the personal Motto that Mme Nicolai states in the interview with Michelyne: “Everything is ahead and the best is always to come. Every day is a battle and you must never rely on a so-called success of yours otherwise you’re finished! Especially in the niche family…“

    I would Choose Pavlova an I’m in eu

  • Reading the descriptions of gourmand fragrances is usually a mouthwatering experience. What’s not to love about perfumes honoring macarons and Pavlovas? I’m most drawn to Saint Honore. I love hazelnuts and the pairing with a not too sweet vanilla sounds delightful. MD, USA.

  • I would definitely choose Macaron Bourbon, Boozy vanilla, a jammy rose and sticky carmel, a gourmand after my own heart… I want to smell like a boozy desert.

    Indiana USA

  • Madame de Nicolai is a brilliant perfumer and has created some truly stunning creations over the last 30+ years. I am sure this new trio will stand proudly among her other works. She doesn’t have a ton of gourmands in her lineup so it’s nice to see some more coming into the collection. I’m particularly interested in Saint Honore for it’s not-so-sweet take on vanilla and pastry. The toasted nuts and pepper in it sound really delectable as well. I’m excited to see what these are like. My current favorite from her is Number One Intense (closely followed by New York Intense.)

    I read Michelyn’s interview with Madame de Nicolai and I loved how she spoke about not needing an alarm clock because the scent of her mother’s Shalimar would alert her each morning. That reminds me of my childhood when wafts of Old Spice would let me know that dad was ready to go. I also love her take on IFRA and how overly-restrictive they have become. She said, “but now, in a time when science everyday discovers new molecules that ‘could’ be allergens; regulations tend to be very zealous. As far as I know, perfume never killed anyone .” This is so true, it seems like everything out there could potentially be an allergen to someone and banning all these ingredients is slowly killing the industry. I could rant about this for hours, but I’ll spare you. lol

    Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA and I would pick Saint Honore if I were chosen.

  • I find the differences in how these three gourmand sound, from sweet to savory to be most interesting. I’m curious how the differences smell. As a fan of her work–I have six of her fragrances–these do sound different. While I’m not sure I’d like wearing them, they sound like something I’d like to smell on my wife.

    I enjoyed Michelyn’s interview. It is interesting that she saw niche Perfumery adding ” fresh air” to Perfumery especially in light of why she said she left Quest.

    Two of my favorites of her fragrances is Patchouli Intense and Bois Belize Intense. If lucky enough to win I would select Saint Honore, given its description as a more savory gourmand.

    I’m located in the USA.

  • This is the most exciting release I’ve seen in awhile. A trio of Parisian deliciousness sounds amazing!! I see why Olya had a hard time choosing a favorite. They all sounds so divine! If I’m the lucky winner I would choose Macaron Bourbon because I did learn to make them (not often…..too much work). Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • Olya has a gift for writing; the way she describes everything is truly delectable. She has me salivating over here.

    I don’t have a current favorite from this house as I have yet to have the privilege of smelling most of her scents, but I’m dreaming about Pavlova. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fragrance note structure that looks more divine. Pavlova and I are a match made in heaven!

    I live in the US in the state of Hawaii (island of Maui). The pineapple and passionfruit touches and the light whipped airiness in Pavlova will be just perfect for my tropical humid climate <3

    A great quote from the interview (love the comparison between scents and sounds):

    "A music composer! Arrange notes, looking for harmonies, evoking emotion (this is not very far from my current job)."

  • Mouthwatering reviews, thank you Olya! Thanks to them, I’d love to try every perfume because I’m a total gourmet lover! If I’d have to choose one, it would be Macaron Bourbon because I’m intrigued by statement “Filled with a boozy vanilla ganache, a warm touch of cinnamon and nuanced by the powdery bitterness of almond shells, it’s a complex portrait of indulgence.”
    Haven’t tried many Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur perfumes, but I do like Vanille Intense.
    EU

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Wow they all sound like delicious gourmands. I would probably go for Saint-Honoré. I like the bakery vibe and the visual of a pastry with whip cream on top. That sounds like it would smell great!

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Bourbon macarons sound like an amazing muse, I’d love to try this out. But I think my heart leans toward the patron saint of bakers! In maryland.

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    I am a huge admirer of Madame de Nicolai, both in her body of work, her family connection and her career path. How could she have not gone into the world of perfumery. This beautifully written piece by Olya takes us on a gourmand’s voyage into the heart of Paris and her numerous salons of the art of Patisserie. Merci Madame. Delicous temptation indeed, I should be a true french gourmand and explore all three!! However I am drawn to Saint-Honore and would live to explore it further. From Michelyn’s interview, this is what struck me,
    I lived within the Guerlain Parisian ‘Hôtel Particulier’ for the first 20 years of my life. We had – and we still have – a very big family and we all had our corner in this wonderful spot.I could tell loads of little stories about my childhood but if I had to take one moment, it would be when I was waken up every morning by the powerful and spellbinding Shalimar that my mother used to wear. I did not need an alarm clock in that time! The Shalimar scent was my morning wakeup call! And I loved it! My mother’s room was situated underneath mine and the scent came through my window which was always open, because sleeping with an opened window is in fact very healthy. You can trust my grandmother on that!

    Such a childhood !!!
    Merci Madame.

  • Wow! What got me about this review was how my mouth was watering by the end of it. . . The realism of the descriptions based on pure sensorial experience is what really pulled me into this review.
    My absolute favorite from this house is Riviera Verbena but honestly I’ve liked everything I’ve tried from them.

    As a mother, this is the quote that made me happy from the interview:

    “I was restrained by the practice of creating fragrances based on focus groups and marketing questions. I was very frustrated and I wanted to be free! Free to create whatever I wanted and free to organize my time as a mother of three and soon four“ (She sounds like an inspiring person!)

    If chosen I’d love to try Saint Honoré!
    I’m in the USA.

  • Although I’m not keen on gourmands, I must admit that Saint Honore piqued my interest after mentioning the cream filled choux. These are my favorite desert in the world! And not being a hardcore fan of vanilla in perfumery this fragrance sounds like something I could really wear and enjoy. Gettings from Romania, EU

  • John Gahlt says:

    Olya’s review is a delightful journey through the world of scent and taste, seamlessly weaving together the art of perfumery with the decadence of Parisian pastries. The way she describes each fragrance evokes vivid imagery and sensory experiences, making it impossible not to imagine oneself strolling down the streets of Paris, indulging in these olfactory delights. Her eloquent descriptions of Pavlova, Saint Honoré, and Macaron Bourbon leave me intrigued and eager to experience the intricate balance of notes and the emotional resonance captured by Patricia de Nicolai.
    My favourite is Baikal Leather, and I would choose Saint-Honoré
    I am from the EU

  • I love Nicolaï Parfumeur! Their fragrances are ao well composed and interesting. Olya really makes these sound mouthwateringly good and indeed a favourite is difficult to choose. Especially because i know all three will be well executed. I think my choice would be Saint Honoré as I like the sound of a lactonic, warm bread-like fragrance. Marit the Netherlands

  • Last week we went to Hamburg & I tested for the first time ever one of Nicolaï’s Perfumes – it was Pavlova!
    Thanks to the Guy from the store, he gave me a tester and I took one stripe with me home.
    Every morning I smelled it.

  • etherealfoam says:

    I haven’t had the privilege to try a fragrance by Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur. I would love to win Saint Honoré or Pavlova. The former sounds like a complex vanilla and the latter a great scent for summer. Quote from interview: “With Beethoven, it’s like a marathon: you always have to run to follow the music.” Based in the EU.

  • This is easy. What catches my attention about this line is that they are all gourmands. My favorite types of scents . You have Pavlova which has a zesty flourish of passionfruit and sun-ripened pineapple, but quickly settles into a creamy whisper of peach with that splash of rum. Know this will just be refreshing and sweet. Then you have Saint-Honoré, which is a masterclass in savory gourmand notes, ideal for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar. And Vanilla is in my top 3 notes so I just know this ne is a delight. The highlight for me though has to be Macaron Bourbon. This fragrance is filled with a boozy vanilla ganache, a warm touch of cinnamon and nuanced by the powdery bitterness of almond shells, it’s a complex portrait of indulgence. Just know that this scent is warm and inviting and ready to have someone cuddled up to you.

    If I were to win I would love to have Macaron Bourbon.

    I live in Dallas, TX

  • perusegenesis says:

    Olya’s descriptions sound so mouthwatering! Love all of the Nicolai fragrances I’ve tried, I made a trip to Paris in March and I’ve gone out of my way to get to the boutique. My current favorite is Sacrebleu Intense. If I were to win, my choice would be Pavlova, I think, it sounds unique and perfect for my peach obsession era, airy meringue should be it. I’m currently residing in Romania, Europe. 🙂

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    Because I like macarons, the description of the sweet notes, I am curious how is it this parfume and I would like to win Macaron Bourbon . From PA,USA

  • I’m new here. I’ve only bought the standard scents before and never anything extravagant. Since I tried Pavlova, I’ve fallen in love with this scent. Unfortunately I can’t say much about Olya’s reviews, but I will read up on individual scents in the future

  • I love many fragrances from Nicolai Parfumeur, so I was very excited to learn about their newest trio. Pavlova is delicious, and the fragrance sounds equally so. I am glad to hear that it’s airy with a lightness to it. Saint-Honore sounds amazing with its notes of hazelnut, milk, and orange blossom. I love that Olya describes it as being for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar. I am a huge fan of savory gourmands or those that are not overly sweet. The bread-like quality is especially appealing. I enjoy a good macaron, so Macaron Bourbon sounds very nice. I love that the composition includes a jammy rose. It sounds like it was very hard for Olya to choose a favorite from the three; I have no doubt I would be in the same position!

    While all three sound amazing, I would have to choose Saint Honore. I would love to own a bottle of it. Some of my favorite fragrances from Nicolai include Kiss Me Intense, Sacrebleu Intense, and Vie de Chateau Intense.

    Thank you for providing an opportunity for an additional entry. I read Michelyn’s interview with Patricia and it was fascinating. I also love L’Heure Bleue so it was especially interesting to read that Jean-Paul Guerlain did not like it. As Michelyn said, “Why *didn’t* Jean-Paul Guerlain like L’Heure Bleue?”

    Thank you, Olya, for the great review, and thank you to Nicolai for the giveaway. I am located in the USA.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I feel like Saint-Honoré would be a pefect comfort scent for me. I really enjoy milk, vanilla and sandalwood when used together in perfumery and I am sure Saint-Honoré would be a cozy fragrance that would warm my soul and uplift my mood.
    I am in Europe. Thanks for the reviews and giveaway!

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review Olya.
    I haven’t seen too many gourmands from the house of Nicolai and these were fun to read about.
    In particular, I really liked reading about Saint-Honoré, because i find the concept of savoury gourmand quite fascinating. The use of pepper, nuts and orange blossom is truly a class touch.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • realtyisme says:

    Oh my goodness! Olya, your article has me salivating. My wife and I are gourmand lovers. Each of these creations offer something very appealing to us. Pavlova – the tropical coconutty touch. Macaron Bourbon it’s the boozy vanilla ganache. And, with Saint-Honoré it is that milky, lactonic heart. My wife finds lactonic scents very alluring. Because of that, should we win the giveaway, my choice would be Saint-Honoré for my wife 🙂
    USA

  • Oh, how fantastic. I’m a huge Nicolaï fan and have loved so many of madame’s fragrances. One of my favorites is Kiss Me Intense. I’m excited about this new series of three gourmands. One of the things I enjoyed hearing in Olya’s review is that Saint-Honoré is ideal for those who prefer their vanilla with almost no sugar.

    From Michelyn’s interview, I love the following quote: “Madame de Nicolaï is to niche fragrance what Amelia Earhart represented to the field of Aviation.”

    Thank you to PdN and Cafleurebon for this generous draw. I’m in the US, and I would choose Saint-Honoré if I were to win.

  • foreverscents says:

    What an interesting collection of gourmand fragrances! Indeed, the collection sounds like a grand tour of patisseries. I am especially interested in Saint Honoré. The pepper note with nuts and vanilla sounds thrilling. I love New York from this house.
    I live in the USA.

  • I don’t typically reach for gourmands, but it’s always interesting to read about novel approaches to the style. The light, airy quality of Pavlova is impressively true to its namesake, Olya caught my attention in her comments about Saint Honoré (no sugar here), and the rose note in Macaron Bourbon sounds essential to balance boozy-sweet confection. “Daring yet wearable” is high praise.

    Thanks for linking to Michelyn’s interview with Madame de Nicolaï. This quote stood out: “Indeed, Jean-Paul Guerlain is not a real fan of L’Heure Bleue, created in 1912 by his grandfather Jacques Guerlain. After all, you don’t have to like ALL the perfumes created by the family. I know that unlike his grandfather, my uncle was always more attracted by floral than amber notes. This may explain why.”

    I’m in the midwest, USA. I haven’t tried any Nicolaï Parfumeur-Createur fragrances. If I were to win, I’d choose Saint-Honoré. Thanks!