Double Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger by Guerlain

Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger, launched by Guerlain in 1833 and crafted by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, evokes a timeless elegance through its evocative name. The term "Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger" translates from French to "Extract of Orange Blossoms." This name not only highlights the primary ingredient but also suggests a refined and potent formulation, emphasizing the purity and intensity of the orange blossom's fragrance.

In the 19th century, "Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger" would have conjured images of lush, sunlit orchards filled with the delicate white blooms of orange trees. The term "fleurs d'oranger" (orange blossoms) evokes a sense of freshness and sophistication, transporting one to the serene and fragrant environment of an orange grove in full bloom. The inclusion of "extrait" in the name implies a concentrated and luxurious essence, hinting at the high-quality, premium nature of the perfume.

The scent of Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger would be interpreted as a rich and opulent floral experience. The fragrance would capture the sweet, ethereal aroma of orange blossoms, with their subtle hints of citrus and honeyed undertones. During the 19th century, women who chose this fragrance would have been drawn to its refined and classic allure, appreciating its ability to evoke both elegance and tranquility. The period was marked by an increasing interest in floral and botanical scents, with perfumers like Guerlain pushing the boundaries of fragrance creation through the use of natural extracts and, eventually, synthetic compounds. Extrait de Fleurs d'Oranger would have perfectly encapsulated the era’s fascination with sophisticated and pure floral essences, reflecting the wearer’s taste for timeless beauty and grace.

At some time, Guerlain introduced the Double Extrait de Fleur de Pêcher. In perfumery, "double extrait" refers to a highly concentrated form of perfume. The term "extrait" (or "extrait de parfum") is already one of the most potent forms of fragrance, containing the highest concentration of aromatic compounds, usually between 20-40% perfume oil. When a fragrance is labeled as a "double extrait," it means that the perfume's concentration is even stronger than a standard extrait de parfum, making it exceptionally rich and long-lasting.

This type of concentration was historically more common in luxury perfumes during the 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a more intense olfactory experience. "Double extrait" fragrances would be more lavish and require only a tiny amount to deliver a powerful scent, often reserved for special occasions or as a mark of prestige.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a soliflore type fragrance based on orange blossom.  

• Top notes: cassie, neroli, bergamot, orange oil
• Middle notes: orange blossom, orris root, jasmine, rose
• Base notes: musk, ambergris, sandalwood, tolu

  

Scent Profile:

In Extrait de Fleur d'Orange, each ingredient blends to create a soliflore fragrance that beautifully highlights the orange blossom at its heart.

From the very first encounter, the top notes present a vibrant and invigorating burst. The cassie opens with a subtle sweetness, like honeyed sunshine in a meadow, adding a warm, almost powdery nuance. The neroli follows with its crisp and bright citrus essence, offering a fresh and slightly green fragrance that lifts the spirit. 

Bergamot introduces a zesty, tangy edge, reminiscent of sun-ripened oranges with a hint of bitterness that adds depth and complexity. Orange oil enhances this citrusy introduction, infusing the air with a rich, juicy aroma that envelops the senses like a fragrant breeze through an orange grove.

As the top notes settle, the heart of the fragrance reveals its true character. Orange blossom takes center stage with its lush, floral opulence. Imagine a sunlit garden where the delicate, creamy scent of orange blossoms fills the air with their sweet and heady aroma, mingling effortlessly with the subtle, velvety notes of orris root. 

The orris root adds a sophisticated, powdery softness, reminiscent of fine, old-world perfumes. Jasmine and rose further enrich this bouquet, their combined presence bringing an elegant, floral depth. Jasmine offers its rich, intoxicating fragrance, while rose contributes a timeless, romantic sweetness that intertwines seamlessly with the orange blossom.

As the fragrance evolves, the base notes provide a warm, sensual foundation. Musk adds a creamy, animalic depth, creating a soft, intimate aura that clings to the skin. Ambergris imparts a mysterious, oceanic warmth, evoking the feeling of a gentle, salty breeze on a warm day. 

Sandalwood contributes a smooth, woody richness, grounding the fragrance with its earthy, balsamic notes. Finally, tolu balsam adds a subtle, resinous sweetness, enhancing the overall complexity and leaving a lingering, enveloping scent that is both comforting and sophisticated.

In Extrait de Fleur d'Orange, the careful orchestration of these ingredients produces a fragrance that is at once fresh, floral, and deeply sensual, capturing the essence of orange blossom in its most elegant and refined form.

Bottles:

Flacon carre (parfum)

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1848. You can purchase a bottle or sample from my good friend Alexandra Star.