Boucheron Jaipur Homme EdT – Romantic Raja (Annick Menardo, 1998)

Scentrack

Suzanne Vega - Caramel

Did Jaipur, the magnificent Indian Pink City get equally magnificent perfume version? YES...

Jaipur Homme is a beautiful hidden, and perfectly cut perfume diamond made by Annick Menardo.

Annick Menardo is one of my favorite perfumers. Her every perfume tells a story, and Jaipur is a fairy tale. Almost too good to be true.

Source: Boucheron

Jaipur opens up with soft Indian citrus fruits and then cardamom. The sunny Oriental refreshment is soon followed by cinnamon storm with benzoin lightings. Carnation in the middle gives some serious old school vibe, while rose and jasmine a fragile romantic heart. Tonka and vanilla are both responsible for the almost gourmand sweetness, but never becoming a true gourmand. I also feel the heliotrope which always livens up vanilla heavyweight perfumes. Behind this benzoin wall I sense some apricot and tobacco Southern sweetness.

Jaipur shares some similarities with Givenchy Pi, but while Pi is a good scent Jaipur is a great perfume. Additionally, I sense the same benzoin theme shared with Menardo's Body Kouros.

At the beginning Jaipur does possess some good old school qualities, associated with wealth and power. Oriental, but very clean (Nivea cream accord!!). Soon, it becomes more personal, gentle and balmy. Beautifully structured from top to base. Like it was covered with virtual star dust. Great idea materialized in Oriental golden drops. Often we look for something great on far more expensive places. No need, while Jaipur is here. In the example of Jaipur, useless is a classic designer / niche dichotomy.

The scent created for winter leisure and relaxation. Made for dreamers.

Longevity / Projection

Great (10-12 hours) / Above average

Suggested wearing

Autumn and winter / Evenings and nighttime  

Alternatives

Givenchy Pi – same benzoin/vanilla combo, but nowhere near the perfection of Jaipur

Les Nereides Oppoponax – a recycled Jaipur idea

YSL Body Kouros – Menardo’s work on a clubbing benzoin

YSL Opium pour Homme – similar pseudo old school composition

Pros

Naturally smelling

Easy to wear during cold weather

Intimate notes in a formal structure

Great performance

Nice bottle

Bargain price

Cons

Too mature for the younger people

Rating

10/10