Diwali is early this year and it makes me pull out more of my India-adjacent fragrances. This year, I’ve pulled out the cardamoms.
Cardamom is the breath-freshening gum of the spice family. Mentholated and dry, it’s a cool spice that’s actually best in the summer. These are three of my favourite cardamom scents but honourable mention goes to Cartier Declaration which is easy enough to find, and has a more mellow cardamom note.
Dior’s Escale a Pondichery is probably an outlier because it’s discontinued (but again, still available here and there, have a google). The cardamom is fresh and paired with black tea in a cologne-type scent, but this has decent longevity thanks to a functional fragrance jasmine base.
Comme des Garcons Incense Jaiselmer is one that doesn’t get talked about because maybe it’s not as good as the other incense fragrances. This has a dark burnt cardamom, probably a black cardamom which is larger and more pungent, also considered to be a warm spice instead of a cool one. Here, the cardamom is lit on fire, given a smokiness that brings out its camphorous facets. The cedar in the base adds to the dryness. I’ve never smelled incense like this.
Finally, Kenzo Jungle. Arguably, the most approachable and most polarizing. This is a BIG perfume, quite intense, and I’m calling it approachable because the cardamom is with so many other spices, but is also paired with vanilla which people love. But it’s so strong. And so spicy! Wear with care!
Do you like cardamom? I’m known for my cardamom ice cream.
Happy Diwali if you celebrate!
