Serge Lutens Douce Amere

Serge Lutens Douce Amere is an Oriental Woody fragrance centered on absinthe (wormwood), balancing perfectly the slightly bitter absinthe with the sweeter notes, slightly gourmand with anise and some chocolate (not in any officially listed note list, I just get it, so I have declared it is in there).  It sounds very strange, but it's a highly addictive-smelling fragrance that is comforting and easy to wear. It is no longer available in the United States. 

Reviews of Serge Lutens Douce Amere from noses that may or may not sniff like your nose.  

from cafleurebon - "This green herbal bitterness is present in the perfume right from the beginning but dulled by a fleeting glance of light citrus.  It feels astringent and cool with an unusual medicinal edge that adds a sense of intrigue. This part of the perfume is the Amère, but it doesn’t outstay its welcome. The perfume transitions fairly quickly into the Douce, losing the chill and warming to a delicate floral heart dusted with cinnamon. There’s a seamless blend of deliciousness with lily and her floral friends. While the bitterness takes a back seat, there are touches of anise that stay throughout. The muted sweetness of the scent is very alluring. It’s not a full-blown sweetie pie; it feels like a vanilla with a weak dose of licorice mixed into a milky cup, along with the requisite woods.  Douce Amère definitely hasn’t been given the sugared Willy Wonka treatment. It also doesn’t stray into Luten’s Bois Vanille syrupy treacle territory either, but radiates charm with its offbeat pallor to its non bitter end."

from perfumeposse - "Difficult for sure.  Bitter and a little weird while also being warm and licorice.  I think of it as signature Lutens.  Just check around the internets for the love/hate reviews.  Cinnamon, artemisia absinthium, anise, lily, jasmine, tiare flower, tagette, cedar, musk"