Prince Albert's Bouquet by Guerlain c1840

Launched in 1840 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, Prince Albert's Bouquet was crafted to celebrate a momentous occasion: the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This fragrance, also known as Bouquet de Albert, stands as a testament to the tradition of commemorating royal events through exquisite perfumery. The name “Prince Albert's Bouquet” evokes a sense of honor and celebration, reflecting the admiration and respect for the royal couple.

The term "Prince Albert's Bouquet" conjures images of regality and elegance, symbolizing the refined taste of Victorian nobility. It suggests a luxurious blend of florals, fitting for a prince whose union with Queen Victoria was celebrated with grandeur. The fragrance itself would have likely been designed to embody the sophistication and splendor associated with the royal court, offering a scent that was both opulent and memorable.

For men and women of the period, a fragrance like Prince Albert's Bouquet would have been a cherished token of royal celebrations. During the 19th century, perfumes commemorating significant events were highly sought after, and acquiring such a fragrance was a way to align oneself with the prestige of the monarchy. The popularity of “court” perfumes, such as Victoria Bouquet, Adelaide Bouquet, and Prince of Wales's Bouquet, underscores the era’s fascination with fragrances that celebrated nobility and significant occasions.

In this context, Guerlain’s choice to create Prince Albert's Bouquet not only capitalized on the fervor surrounding royal weddings but also positioned his brand prominently in the competitive perfume market. The fragrance would have been crafted to appeal to the tastes of the time, combining floral elements with subtle touches of animalics, reflecting both the natural and sophisticated sensibilities of the era. As the 19th century progressed, the formula for such fragrances evolved, incorporating newly discovered synthetic ingredients to enhance their complexity and longevity.

Guerlain’s dedication to commemorating nobility through fragrance highlights the importance of royal endorsements in establishing a perfume's reputation. By aligning his creations with royal events, Guerlain not only celebrated significant moments but also cemented his position as a leading perfumer in an era where such associations were highly valued.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is an aromatic floral amber fragrance for men and women. I have compiled the ingredients from various recipes of the era to make the pyramid below.

• Top notes: neroli, citron, bergamot, orange, cassie, angelica
• Middle notes: cloves, rosemary, cardamom, jasmine, tuberose, rose
• Base notes: clary sage, ambergris, musk, balsam of Peru, tonka

 

During the 19th century, the art of perfumery was rigorously documented in various publications aimed at druggists and perfumers. These references provided a wealth of recipes, each aiming to capture the essence of a particular fragrance profile. While many of these formulas shared a foundational composition, subtle variations often distinguished them. Some recipes might include an additional ingredient or omit one to tailor the scent to specific preferences or market demands.

The typical composition of these fragrances revolved around creating a complex floral bouquet interspersed with animalic undertones. Such blends combined the delicate and often heady floral notes with more robust, musky elements to achieve a balance that was both elegant and enduring. Early perfumers relied heavily on natural extracts, infusions, absolutes, and tinctures—each ingredient meticulously sourced to ensure quality and authenticity. These natural elements provided a rich and nuanced base for the perfumes, offering a deep, organic complexity that characterized many of the era’s beloved scents.

As the 19th century progressed, the introduction of synthetic ingredients began to revolutionize perfumery. These newly discovered compounds allowed perfumers to refine and enhance their creations in ways previously unattainable with natural ingredients alone. Synthetics offered greater consistency and longevity, as well as the ability to replicate certain scents more precisely. This shift marked a significant evolution in the craft of perfume making, reflecting both advancements in chemical science and changing tastes within the fragrance industry.

Overall, the evolution from natural to synthetic ingredients represents a broader trend in perfumery, where innovation continued to build upon traditional practices to create new and exciting olfactory experiences.

Scent Profile:

Prince Albert's Bouquet is an aromatic floral amber fragrance that elegantly blends its ingredients to create a timeless and sophisticated scent profile. Imagine first inhaling the bright, invigorating top notes: the neroli offers a crisp, floral aroma with a touch of citrus, reminiscent of freshly bloomed orange blossoms. 

This is immediately followed by the zesty freshness of citron, which adds a lively, tangy twist. The bergamot introduces a subtle, sweet citrus note, lightening the fragrance with its distinctive, slightly spicy undertone. Orange infuses the blend with a familiar, sunny sweetness, while cassie contributes a delicate, powdery floral scent that evokes the feeling of blooming spring gardens. Angelica rounds out the top notes with its earthy, slightly spicy fragrance, adding a hint of aromatic complexity.

As the fragrance unfolds, the middle notes come to the forefront. The cloves impart a warm, spicy richness, blending seamlessly with the herbal freshness of rosemary. Cardamom introduces a sweet, aromatic spice, complementing the floral heart of jasmine and tuberose. Jasmine brings a lush, opulent floral scent, rich and sensual, while tuberose adds a creamy, intoxicating sweetness. The rose, classic and elegant, enhances the bouquet with its timeless, romantic fragrance, creating a harmonious and luxurious middle layer.

The base notes anchor the fragrance with deep, resonant tones. Clary sage delivers a smooth, herbaceous aroma, blending effortlessly with the complex, ambergris. Ambergris lends a warm, resinous quality, with a subtle hint of oceanic depth, while musk imparts a sensual, animalic undertone that lingers on the skin. Balsam of Peru adds a rich, sweet resinous note, providing a velvety, balsamic warmth. Finally, the tonka bean introduces a comforting, slightly sweet, and creamy aroma, rounding out the base with its enveloping warmth.

Together, these notes weave a fragrance that is both elegantly floral and richly ambered, capturing the essence of sophistication and timelessness that defined Prince Albert's Bouquet.

Bottles:

Presented in the ‘Carré’ styled bottle.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Most likely discontinued by 1900-1910.