Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau Review (Maurus Bachmann) 2023 + A Soul Stirring Giveaway

 

 Thomas de Monaco Grand Beau

Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau, Photo by Michael Devine

 “There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

After the 2020 limited release of the coveted cult-favorite Raw Gold and its acclaimed 2022 follow-up Eau Coeur (at the top of Michelyn’s and my favorite releases of 2022), could Thomas De Monaco strike gold again with his newest release, Grand Beau? Well, that’d be a big, sunny, soul-stirring yes. It’s also quite a departure, conceptually, from the previous releases while adhering to the brand’s standard of impeccable ingredients, exquisitely blended. Beyond Raw Gold’s pulsing dancefloor, beyond Eau Couer’s heart-melting sensuality, there’s Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau—an exhale on a Mediterranean beach. Let’s follow the footprints in the sand and explore this transportive new creation.

Thomas DeMonaco and Maurus Bachmann

Thomas De Monaco (l) and Maurus Bachmann (r), photos courtesy Thomas De Monaco

Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau, an extrait de parfum marvelously composed by Maurus Bachmann (also the nose behind Eau Coeur), is described by the brand as “a day by the sea, a few steps beyond the nearest dunes, eyes closed, in the shade beneath the pine trees. In the distance, the roar of the breaking waves. Caressing the skin, a salty breeze with a hint of dry driftwood and the tang of damp seaweed. I’ve learned that in French, Grand Beau has dual interpretations: “Il fait grand beau” describes the perfect weekend while “Le grand Beau” suggests the beautiful person we aspire to be. As a perfume, Grand Beau encapsulates both meanings.

Thomas de Monaco Grand Beau

The Big Blue Mediterranean at Antibes, Claude Monet, 1888, Public Domain

My first wearing was curious and compelling. In the midst of a white-skied New Jersey winter, with barren trees and busy ski slopes in the distance, I was suddenly, incongruously, wonderfully transported. The opening notes of pine absolue, juniper berry, and angelica root—through a ambrosial breeze of distant seaweed—carried me to a paradisiac beach, warm and inviting. The pine absolue provides a bracing, outdoorsy element, while the juniper berry infuses a gin-soaked crystallinity that’s both stimulating and calming. As the composition progresses, the opening blast of fresh sea air subsides and the heart reveals tuberose absolue, olibanum and vetiver. To my nose, the tuberose reads as almost coconutty, suggesting an opulent tanning lotion. The olibanum adds a resinous depth while the vetiver calls to mind seagrass amid the dunes. As each accord is thoughtful and restrained, the tuberose never veers toward the tropical, nor does the seaweed become too oceanic. Grand Beau presents a tableau captured by a painter rather than a photographer.

I’m discovering Grand Beau at a time where I’ve made efforts to minimize the distractions of today’s digital life. There’s a lot of noise in the world and it can be a challenge returning to a place of calm. Our souls need nourishment and reflection. Meditative and perhaps introspective, Grand Beau is the olfactive equivalent of unplugging. It’s also a worthy addition to Mr. De Monaco’s impeccable collection.
Top: Pine Absolue, Juniper Berry, Angelica Root; Heart: Tuberose Absolue, Olibanum, Vetiver; Base: Ambrette, Seaweed Absolue, Ambrocenide

Disclosure: This review is based on a bottle of Grand Beau graciously gifted from Mr. De Monaco; opinions are my own.

Michael Devine, Senior Contributor

Grand Beau Thomas De Monaco

 Thomas de Monaco Grand Beau, photo courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Thomas De Monaco and Indigo Perfumery we have a bottle  of Grand Beau to give to one lucky registered ÇaFleureBon reader IN THE CONTINENTAL US OR EUROPE. There is one winner only. Please register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment with what intrigues you about Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau and indicate where you live. Draw closes 2/5/23

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63 comments

  • What intrigues me about this fragrance was the description of the opening blast of fresh sea air followed by the heart which reveals tuberose absolue, olibanum and vetiver. US

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I’m a big fan of aquatic fragrances. I liked the description of a fragrance that is in the shade of the pine trees, a few steps beyond the nearest dunes. I live in Maryland USA.

  • The notes look so intriguing when placed all together! And of course anything featuring tuberose. This perfume sounds lovely, I especially like the idea of olfactive unplugging. I live in Missouri, USA

  • Great review by Michael. I was bought when he wrote: “Grand Beau is the olfactive equivalent of unplugging”.
    I love Thomas De Monaco fragrances, they are something different in the world of perfumery.
    The notes of tuberose and olibanum seems to stand out and just perfect in this composition. Would love to try it.
    USA here.

  • The fascinating and absolutely beautiful notes of this fragrance intrigues me. This composition sounds perfect. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • I’ve really started to enjoy exploring seaside perfumes with unexpected takes on aquatic or beachy atmospheres. The combination of bracing green with coconutty tuberose, resin, and seaweed sounds a little familiar, a little meditative, a little mysterious. The name alone inspired confidence, but I’m easily drawn in by any mention of pine, and I do love a tuberose with a twist. I’d love to try this one. I’m in the USA, thank you for the draw.

  • I am glad to see Thomas Monaco try something different. I like the imaging and history presented in the review. Grand Beau is a fresh beachy uplifting smell. I am intrigued by the mix of coconutty tuberose with olibanum and vetiver. It’s definitely something I would like to try. I love the description: “a day by the sea, a few steps beyond the nearest dunes, eyes closed, in the shade beneath the pine trees. In the distance, the roar of the breaking waves. Caressing the skin, a salty breeze with a hint of dry driftwood and the tang of damp seaweed.”

    Thank you. USA

  • I have heard from several people that this scent is like walking along the wooded seaside cliffs of the Pacific Northwest. In his review, Michael reveres it for its meditative properties and likens it to unplugging from the world. As my favorite use of fragrances is therapeutic meditation, this one sounds like an absolute wonder. Sign me up! Reading from NC, USA.

  • hippononamus says:

    I loved the notes until I saw the seaweed. Hearing that it doesn’t go too oceanic and the vetiver bringing up images of sand dunes sounds most appealing, particularly as the dunes by me are being dug up and replaced with a seawall! I’m in the CONUS.

  • I have not tried anything composed by Maurus Bachmann and also nothing from Thomas de Monaco. It would be nice to start with Grand Beau.
    Thanks

  • liquidasset77 says:

    Angelica root, tuberose absolue, olibanum, vetiver, ambrette, seaweed absolue has to be the most eclectic and intriguing note structure ive ever encountered. must be vey enveloping.

  • pine absolue, juniper berry, and angelica root. This sounds like an amazing combination.
    I love a.marine. type of.scent also.
    USA

  • I really adored eau Couer, thé magnolia was sooo incredible in it and the warmth and sensuality. I’m looking forward to how this is blended with the noble pine, a cooling juniper and savory seaweed, warmed by ambrette and ambrocenide. Some tubérose giving us a softness and tenderness and vetiver a spot of sunshine that a wonderful day outside gives. I’m exited! Hoping hoping!!! In California USA

  • I’m intrigued by how Michael described Grand Beau as reminiscent of the beach without being too tropical or too oceanic. That sounds like such a delicate balance to strike! I would love to be able to smell this one. I’m in MN, USA.

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I am intrigued by the combo of Vetiver and olibanum. I’d love to win and live in Indiana.

  • Thanks for the great review, Michael.
    Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau (and thanks for explaining/both meanings of Grand Beau, invites to a dip introspection of enjoying the moment, life, and aspirations.
    To me, Vetiver and juniper berries, add that freshness that invites to calm and enjoy. I wish I can experience the unplugging Michael refers to by winning this giveaway.
    From Massachusetts, USA.

  • I think I’m most intrigued by is tuberose smelling coconutty. But I think this scent sounds interesting and really ,with how cold it is, I wouldn’t mind feeling like I’m at the beach right about now. I live in New York.

  • I think the first aquatic fragrance that I had has Davidoff cool water. The thing that really intrigued me about Thomas de Monaco Grand Beau was the description by the brand, especially with describing it as being by the sea . I’m interested to see how the pine plays together with the aquatic notes. From TX, USA.

  • You had me at exhale on a Mediterranean beach – what a wonderful association! I’m especially curious how the Tuberose fits in those rather masculine notes. I wish to smell this on myself. I’d love to win this to Germany, thank you for the draw!

  • Thomas de Monaco has only put out bangers, and I reckon this will not be an exception to that. The notes in this one sound very yummy and perfect for the summer. Hopefully I can win.

    I live in Sweden, EU.

  • This sounds very interesting and delicious. Michael’s description of this one certainly caught my attention. It would be awesome if I were to win this one. Thanks.

    Writing from Sweden, Europe.

  • This sounds very interesting, especially the development from the top notes which are fresh to the tuberose and olibanum heart.
    I’m in the EU.

  • I am also, “In the midst of a white-skied New Jersey winter, with barren trees.” I’d love a fragrance experience of a Mediterranean seaside. New Jersey, USA

  • bigscoundrel says:

    I would love to win Grand Beau and let it transport me to a walk near the ocean. I’m in New Jersey, USA.

  • I would love to experience a warm inviting beach in the middle of winter. The juniper berry note mixed with the scent of seaweed sounds delightful. Mich USA

  • I was interested in Michael’s review of Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau as soon as I read Victor Hugo’s quote in the beginning – ” “There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables”. Then the quoted brand’s description calmed me down by transporting me to the area described (beach, breeze, seaweed smell, and so on). And the part that makes me most interested is the last paragraph where Michael says – “There’s a lot of noise in the world and it can be a challenge returning to a place of calm. Our souls need nourishment and reflection. Meditative and perhaps introspective, Grand Beau is the olfactive equivalent of unplugging.” A calming, restorative perfume sounds perfect and Grand Beau seems to be one. Thanks for the review and draw. From continental USA.

  • It’s so unusual that a fragrance which opens with coniferous notes, pine and juniper, would then proceed to reveal a tuberose, and a coconutty one at that, and then deeper and more enveloping vetiver and olibanum.
    It sounds like a totally unique combination between a suntan lotion and a fresh crystalline androgynous scent and that’s what I found to be most unique.
    I live in Europe.
    Thanks!

  • Ooooh ive been wanting to try Thomas De Monaco for awhile. I love extremely clean, classy branding like this. Its not in your face with some ridiculous bottle (cough cough house of sillage omg), just what i need – basic, beautiful, timeless. The fragrance itself sounds super interesting. Im a huge fan of tuberose and can actually see how it could be interesting against a salty base. Seaweed, on the otherhand, could be a bit challenging for me. However, as i smell more niche and indie houses, im finding myself enjoying more and more untraditional notes. Im in WA, USA.

  • Johnmichael02302 says:

    What intrigues me about Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau is the incredible reputation that follows this house. I live in Boston, Massachusetts! USA!

  • Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau is inspired by the sea as the inclusion of seaweed and ambergris indicates. The tuberose also gives a coconutty vibe. I am in US.

  • Michael gave us such a great review of Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau, I feel transported to a Mediterranean beach. My takeaway is that the fragrance has impeccably sourced ingredients which are expertly blended. The pine resins, the coconutty tuberose, the grassy vetiver and the salty seaweed all seem to work together to scent the perfect beach weekend. MD, USA.

  • This review takes me to the beach on a warm day.
    Maybe not quite warm enough for the masses to be out, but enough for the faithful who love all the beach has to offer.
    The notes sound wonderful.
    Oklahoma USA

  • I appreciate the poetry in this perfume. I also enjoyed reading the article. I would love to have my own poet’s interpretation on it soon!
    From Staten Island NY

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Wonderful review Michael! What intrigues me about Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau is the idea of a transportative fragrance that embodies “a day by the sea, a few steps beyond the nearest dunes” of a beautiful Medditeranean beach. A perfume that can take one there mentally even in the midst of a snowy white northern winter sounds perfect right now. I live in the US.

  • Maybe it’s the mood I’m in, or Michael Devine though of Grand Beau , but right finished reading his review, I felt like the character of Robinson Crusoe in Daniel Defoe famous novel , like a castaway on a remote tropical desert island near the coasts of Venezuela and Trinidad, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued.
    Quite a departure indeed from Eau Coeur, and my favorite
    Raw Gold by Thomas De Monaco. Both I sampled, soon after I bought Raw Gold , hard to describe artistic fragrance , in my opinion slightly dusty, chocolaty patchouli, plum liquor , makeupy, lipstick kind of iris , and pinch of coffee
    Just followed @maurusbachmann , the other
    profiles I follow for a while , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    I have been so impressed and deeply touched by the perfumes created by M. de Monaco that this will be no exception. It fascinates with its duality expressed by Michael, a light and calming resonance enveloped with an expansiveness. From these initial impressions it gives me a sense of those deep exhalations we experience when immersed in the beauty of nature and her restorative attributes. Thank you for this beautiful insight, I would be honoured to receive this, I live in France.

  • What intrigues me is the feeling of being transported to the Amalfi Coast. Anyone else getting that vibe? I’m located in NY, New York.

  • Grand Beau seems to be an absolutely marvelous “marine” fragrance – without it meaning that it has marine notes or is an acquatic fragrance in any way. But with its identity as a painting rather than a photograph, in a place near the sea, with wafts of seaweed, forest and a suntan lotion, it seems to wanna transport the wearer to a beautiful secluded beach in the Mediterranean.
    I would be delighted to smell this, from Europe.
    Thanks a lot.

  • I’m a massive fan of beachy fragrances. It’s more of an experience for me because it makes me feel like I’m on vacation. It’s funny that Michael spoke about wearing it in the middle of a New Jersey winter, because I live in New York and burn beachy candles all winter long. It’s definitely a mental escape!
    New York, USA

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    I love the scent of seaweed so I was immediately drawn to your review. This sounds like a perfect day at the beach on a crisp morning. From the US.

  • I Love Tuberose and the notes look very intriguing combined all together.I also love oceanic fragrances.
    GREECE

  • Michael Devine take on Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau made me think of making Gin & Tonic Cake ,while on Mediterranean vacation . It’s delicious, light, with layers of lime sponge, buttercream, gin and tonic drizzled,and decorated with edible floral petals and lime slices.
    Sharing the cake with my girlfriend , meditative fragrance for a meditative moments.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’d love to try this one. I’m fond of some resinous, piney, marine/coastal, floral fragrances which are inspired by seaside areas, e.g. Veronique Gabai “Cap d’Antibes”. I would like to smell a fragrance of this style which features angelica, and this Thomas de Monaco fragrance does include angelica. I live in MD, U.S.A.

  • an exhale on a mediterranean beach sound lovely. I love going to the beach with pine trees nearby . yes our souls need nourishment and reflection . a good message at the start of the weekend.
    Thanks for the chance. USA

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Thomas De Monaco is a house I have no experience with. I remember Michael Devine told us before the owner is not just a businessman, but also a talented photographer and music lover, true artist . No wonder there’s a Claude Monet painting related to the fragrance , and it is described by the brand as “a day by the sea..”
    I think Grand Beau is definitely fragrance for people with adventurous spirit.
    Navy Blue wide lapel 3 piece Suit and lapeled double-breasted Vest, cognac brown leather oxford shoes and white dress shirt , is the outfit I’d pair Grand Beau with.
    Thank you Michael Devine, Thomas De Monaco and Indigo Perfumery
    USA

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    I’m intrigued by Michael’s praise about mr. de Monaco’s impeccable collection – now I’m curious about all of them, although Grand Beau, with its notes and double meaning [one’s gotta love that] seems more close to my tastes in fragrances.
    I’m in Europe.

  • I can’t say I’m artistic enough to be able to evaluate Claude Monet paintings , but I’m very much emotional and authentic myself , like Thomas De Monaco and his creations.
    I’m convinced that Grand Beau is right up my alley, it’s sophisticated and relaxing fragrance, with juniper berries, incense and pine.
    Michael Devine review, made me think of Spain and going on a walk with a classy lady on Puente de las Flores , or the Flower Bridge of Pelargoniums , the famous date location at the public park Jardinines del Turia in Valencia, Spain.
    I’m always looking for special fragrances, Grand Beau could be my new high-end romantic , and soothing fragrance .
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Michael’s terrific review and Grand Beau’s list of notes makes me think of evergreen woods opening up onto grassy dunes, right against the seashore. This line stood out: “Grand Beau presents a tableau captured by a painter rather than a photographer.” I like a perfume that captures a sense of place, but does so in a way that’s subjective, artful, and decidedly impressionistic. Grand Beau sounds wonderful.

    I’m in the continental USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Michael Prince says:

    What intrigues you about Thomas De Monaco Grand Beau is hearing so many great things about the house Thomas De Monaco and their previous fragrances. It sounds like Grand Beau is another hit. I liked Michael’s review and how the everyday high paced life can be improved with this relaxing fragrance and I enjoyed his cold weather in New Jersey references since I’m in Ohio, USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    Grand Beau sounds like the perfect fragrance to help the mind unplug from all the myriad distractions of the world. I loved Michael’s description of being transported to a beach paradise. His words were like the Claude Monet painting. I felt myself taken away to a beach surrounded by pine trees and filled with soft comforting sea air.
    I live in Massachusetts, USA.

  • I’m intrigued by the tuberose suggesting an opulent tanning lotion. Haven’t used one in a while.

    I live in Portugal

  • I am intrigued by the combination of Tuberose, Olibanum, Vetiver and seaweed most of all. I’m close to imagining a colder sea or ocean beach, and the idea of tuberose smelling coconut-y, as described by Michael, confuses me and intrigues further. I love Raw Gold, love Vetiver as a note and I have a feeling that Grand Beau would be a definite keeper for my collection.
    Greetings from Austria

  • If Raw Gold from Thomas De Monaco is Little Black Dress, high heels seductive fragrance, Grand Beau on the other hand feels like a traveling machine to my adolescence. Experiences and images that have burned themselves into my memory came to live , during the times when grandma used to love bringing me with to her regular , early morning walkings on the beach, and enjoying the Sunrise together.
    Grand Beau scent profile of the fragrance is unpolished and unique , like a tropical beach , with lots memories, and stories to tell
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great writeup!

    I enjoyed reading through this review and the impressionist details of this fragrance. All the notes are like different shades of the same scent idea, the merge into a nice larger picture. Love the use of a coconutty tuberose with frakinscense in the base and pine and juniper to create that outdoors, fresh, bracing air feel.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Phillip_Barkley says:

    Greetings everyone
    I’m so glad learned about Thomas De Monaco on Cafleurebon . After a friend of mine from Switzerland sent me a sample, I know now that Raw Gold fully deserves its own name , shockingly good fragrance , with leather, coffee, liquor with certain level of maturity.
    From Mr Devine I just learned Grand Beau is more peaceful, yet keeps the adventurous and raw Thomas De Monaco spirit alive , this time coming from the ocean , with the help of incense , and pine.
    Thank you, American living in Paris France

  • I still can’t believe Thomas De Monaco is renowned brand owner now , and his fragrances are making a big deal buzz in the fragrance community.
    I actually not just met him , but worked with him on a photo session/advertisement campaign for a major…..liquor brand . I was representative of the liquor brand back then.
    Multi-talented photographer, creator and perfectionist, such a surprise
    Cruise ship vacation, sitting on a deck chair, with a Coconut Milk and Gin cocktail in my hand, is what picture Michael Devine drew in my mind.
    The cocktail and Grand Beau can bring back my best holiday memories
    Inspired by the review, I’ll treat myself with Coconut Milk and Gin cocktail
    Cheers and thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • I am intrigued by the juxtaposition of notes. The pine and juniper sound crisp, bracing, and maybe even cold, but tuberose, olibanum, and ambrette sound warm and inviting. I also love all the imagery of the sea, and how it calms the soul. Hello from Colorado, USA and thanks for introducing me to this brand!