Pois de Senteur by Guerlain c1839

Guerlain’s Pois de Senteur, launched in 1839 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Jacques Guerlain, carries a name that is both intriguing and evocative. The term "Pois de Senteur" translates from French as "scented peas," a reference to the sweet-smelling pea flowers. This choice of name reflects Guerlain’s penchant for blending poetic imagery with olfactory artistry. The name conjures images of delicate, fragrant blossoms and evokes a sense of freshness and natural beauty, promising a scent that is both charming and refined.

The interpretation of Pois de Senteur in scent would likely focus on capturing the gentle, sweet aroma of pea flowers. The fragrance might feature soft, floral notes with subtle green undertones, reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. This would create a scent profile that feels both light and uplifting, offering a delicate balance between floral sweetness and the fresh, verdant quality of pea blossoms.

For women of the early 19th century, Pois de Senteur would have offered a refreshing alternative to the more intense fragrances of the time. The period was marked by a growing appreciation for subtlety and refinement in perfumery, driven by Romantic ideals that celebrated nature and simplicity. A fragrance named Pois de Senteur would have appealed to women seeking a scent that embodied natural elegance and understated beauty. The choice of such a name would suggest a preference for fragrances that reflected a delicate, almost whimsical quality, aligning with the era’s evolving tastes.

Launched in 1839, Pois de Senteur was introduced during a time when the art of perfumery was becoming increasingly sophisticated. The early 19th century saw a shift towards more intricate and nuanced fragrance compositions, influenced by Romanticism’s emphasis on nature and emotion. Guerlain’s Pois de Senteur captured these trends, offering a fragrance that celebrated the subtle beauty of natural elements while appealing to a refined sensibility. The perfume’s name and scent reflected the era’s fascination with elegance and the desire to evoke a sense of freshness and grace through scent.

Fragrance Composition:

What does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: acacia, sweet pea, lemon, orange, almond, honey
• Middle notes: freesia, iris, jasmine, ylang ylang, lily of the valley, violet
• Base notes: orange blossom, heliotrope, musk, vanilla

Scent Profile:

Imagine encountering the fragrance of Pois de Senteur as a rich tapestry of floral and subtly sweet notes unfolds before you. At the top, the scent greets you with a vibrant burst of fresh, citrusy lemon and orange, their zesty brightness mingling effortlessly with the warm, nutty aroma of almond. 

This initial effusion is beautifully softened by the delicate sweetness of honey, which adds a layer of luxurious depth. As this introduction settles, the scent of acacia and sweet pea emerges, infusing the air with a gentle, floral sweetness that feels both inviting and tender.

As the fragrance evolves, the middle notes reveal themselves in a lush, complex bouquet. Freesia brings a crisp, green freshness, while the rich, velvety aroma of iris adds a touch of sophistication and smoothness. 

Jasmine infuses the scent with its heady, opulent sweetness, blending harmoniously with the exotic, creamy essence of ylang ylang. Lily of the valley contributes a light, dewy freshness, and violet adds a soft, powdery touch, creating a harmonious blend that is both elegant and uplifting.

In the base notes, the fragrance deepens with the warm, sensual aroma of orange blossom and heliotrope. Orange blossom imparts a fragrant, slightly sweet floral quality, while heliotrope brings a subtle, almond-like sweetness with a hint of vanilla. 

The scent is anchored by musk, which provides a soft, enduring warmth, and vanilla, which adds a creamy, comforting sweetness that lingers delicately. Together, these base notes create a lasting impression of sophistication and grace, ensuring that the fragrance evolves into a beautifully rounded, harmonious scent experience.

Bottles:

Presented in the quadrilobe flacon (parfum), the Lanterne flacon (parfum), the Goutte flacon (eau de toilette), and the Carre flacon (parfum).

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1953.