Jingle Smells: An Olfactory Guide to Festive Fragrances

By Michael Donovan

Buying perfume as a gift for one's nearest and dearest should always be a joy, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to select something new and exciting rather than repeat a tried and trusted favourite. It may be the safer option, but it will not illicit the squeals of delight that make Christmas morning so magical. Here are some truly inspirational scents that are guaranteed to caress the nostrils and set pulses racing long after the tinsel has been packed away.

For women one need look no further than 'Kiss My Name' from Spanish Master Perfumer Ramon Monegal. Not only is this the most romantic of monikers but the delicious scent is utterly seductive and quietly theatrical with tuberose, Egyptian jasmine and a lovely, mystical hit of tolu balsam. It's the Mata Hari of a fragrance and a great fi t for the fl irtatious.

'Dagian' (which means 'dawn' in old English) from British Master Perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek has it all and is the most optimistic fragrance to have crossed my desk in quite some time. Ruth translates the beginning of a new day and its "exhilarating hope of a fresh start" with a truly epic explosion of lime, lemon and mint at the top that would wake even the most practised somnambulist. Heart notes of jasmine, orange blossom and a mellifluous sandalwood base evoke a velvety, rather knowing sensuality that is both soapy and deliciously seductive at the same time. My thanks to the Marvellous Mrs Mastenbroek for raising the bar and producing a scent that is energising, sophisticated, culturally relevant and uplifting. The perfect gift for those whose cup is always half full.

Hiram Green in Switzerland makes the most opulent of scents and among my favourites is the luminous 'Dilettante'. This is a fl oral fragrance with one foot in the present and other in the 1930s (perfume's golden age). It pulls o the dual aspects of contemporary extravagance and old world glamour with olfactory aplomb and features a rich combination of orange flower, orange essential oil and warm, sweet resins. This is simply magnificent and will dazzle those that enjoy the spotlight.

For gentlemen, here at Rouillier White we adore the hirsute traditionalism of 'Forbes Of Forbes' from Castle Forbes in Scotland. It has festive top notes of orange and tangerine teamed with oak moss and pine from the Highlands over patchouli and ambergris. This is a handsome fragrance of sophistication and elegance. Likewise 'Milano Cento', which is also British in origin but inspired by classic Italian colognes of the South.

The fragrance opens with zesty, sparkling notes of lemon, bergamot and green petitgrain. Herbaceous notes of lavender and rosemary combine with the intensity of basil and clary sage, followed by rich, sensual sandalwood and patchouli. Spicy clove, cinnamon, amber deliver a modern twist on a traditional cologne and this fragrance is both ageless and timeless. For the contemporary urbanite our best-selling fragrance is 'Gruhme No14' with its sensual, aromatic woody accord and notes of juniper, bergamot, lemon and lavender, interlaced with traces of cumin, celery seed and petitgrain. This is a youthful, vigorous scent that works equally well for work or play and is a fragrance for the charismatic charmer.

At Roullier White we are dedicated to helping our customers fi nd something truly inspirational at Christmas and o er the little safety net of a free sample of any fragrance purchased as a gift. This means that the recipient can take the scent for a spin prior to opening the bottle and therefore can exchange it should the perfume not love them back! So be courageous this Nöel and eschew the safer choice in favour of something fanciful and extraordinary. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a cool Yule and a fragrant 2020.