did you know one parfum name metalica

I did not go looking for Metallica. I studiously avoided it actually, since I think not much good can come from seeking out a discontinued Guerlain.

But, as fate wills it, a decant arrived on my doorstep courtesy of the beautiful Asali and I can’t but love this perfume.

This is probably the best vanilla fragrance ever made. I’m not joking. Guerlain knows their vanilla and there are a few excellent ones among their ranks, but Metallica beats them all.

Metallica was created in 2000 as a limited edition in the gorgeous bottle you see above. After a copyright problem with its name (Has nobody at Guerlain heard about the band before?), it was re-issued as Metalys in the Parisiennes line, but has since been discontinued (which seems to be the primary function of the Parisiennes line: re-issue, then discontinue within months), it includes notes of bergamot, ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange blossom, carnation, orris, tonka bean and vanilla.

Opening with almost sharp bergamot, Metallica is true to its name. It starts out hard and cold, metallic, but almost immediately the metal starts to warm up. It morphs from white-gold to warm, molten rose-gold as the floral heart unfolds, petal by petal. A spicy carnation,  a fruity jasmine, a soft and warm ylang-ylang all finally fall upon a bed of infinitely warm and cushiony vanilla. Not really gourmand, but delicious none the less,Metallica progresses into eye-rolling, toe-curling goodness in the drydown. You won’t be able to stop sniffing yourself. Trust me, you won’t. I have tried time and again.

price 9.99  $