Nose-tinglingly warming, rich and exotic: Sunil Makan explores the opulence of black pepper – which we’re increasingly finding (and enjoying) in fragrance…
We implore you to take heed – and pay attention to the humble peppercorn. Such a versatile ingredient, it can be the hearty sprinkle on your caprese salad – or the crowning glory atop a blood red Bloody Mary. But more and more often, black pepper can often be found doing all sorts of wonderful things to your fragrance. Whether you prefer a woodier scent, something with florally notes or scents with a somewhat masculine edge, we’ve found seven exquisite ways to enjoy pepper…
Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne
Pepper intensity: 2/5
Staying power: 5/5
A full-bodied elixir with a hit of ginger, which cuts through rich and warm amber. The pepper is subtle here but gives life and lift to this bold and intense concoction, making it perfect for wear all year round.
£100 for 100ml Cologne at jomalone.co.uk
ODIN 01 SUNDA
Pepper intensity: 3/5
Staying power: 4/5
Clean soapy vanilla beans meet freshly-laundered silk sheets. The black pepper lingers and tones down any initial headiness from the vanilla adding spice to this sophisticated, aromatic but sweet fragrance, which is creamy with sandalwood, too.
£115 for 100ml eau de parfum at liberty.co.uk
BYREDO GYPSY WATER
Pepper intensity: 4/5
Staying power: 4/5
Like salty waves crashing off the coast of LA, this contrasts citrussy fresh lemon with the sweetness of juniper berries. The pepper leads you towards a soft and powdery dry-down; a sublimely elegant fragrance construction in which you can really appreciate every single note.
£88 for 50ml eau de parfum at liberty.co.uk
ORMONDE JAYNE CHAMPACA
Pepper intensity: 2/5
Staying power: 4/5
A vase full of freshly hand-picked creamy and herbaceous magnolia. Pink peppercorn and notes of green tea deliver an organic and natural feel; we think this would be perfect for ballet dancers on opening night, as well as lovers of classically floral fragrances.
£90 for 100ml eau de parfum at ormondejayne.com
EDITIONS DE PARFUMS FREDERIC MALLE NOIR EPICES
Pepper intensity: 4/5
Staying power: 5/5
The femme-fatale of the group: unabashedly opulent and sexy. A grandiose garden full of pink roses and violet geraniums by night, from ‘nose’ Michel Roudnitska. Black pepper adds mystery to this decadent Ambrée creation – this is old-world fabulousness at its most decadent.
£115 for 50ml eau de parfum at lessenteurs.co.uk
TERRY DE GUNZBURG FRUIT DÉFENDU
Pepper intensity: 2/5
Staying power: 4/5
A musky blend of mango and pineapple dusted with pink peppercorns which soften any immediate saccharine notes. The cutesy fruit fragrance decidedly gets a gorgeous upgrade.
£105 for 100ml eau de parfum £105 for 100ml at houseoffraser.co.uk
COMME DES GARÇONS AMAZINGGREEN
Pepper intensity: 2/5
Staying power: 3/5
Like a vase full of crisp wild grasses next to a freshly-run mineral bath: although not precisely a peppercorn, the green pepper holds the same qualities and characteristics and caresses the subtlest notes of coriander and white musk, resulting in a raw and natural – and yes, green – scent, which we find very ‘shareable’.
From £42 for 25ml eau de parfum at selfridges.com
