Diptyque Volutes Eau de Toilette review

          Volutes refer to swirls and whorls, epitomized by the spinning tendrils of rising tobacco smoke. Aptly named, Diptyque Volutes evokes memories of long voyages redolent of spice and adventure, with elegant ladies leaning on a ship's rails smoking Khedive cigarettes. This unisex scent was constructed around a Diptyque founder's childhood experiences in the Orient.

Notes: iris, honey, dried fruits, pink pepper, saffron, hay, immortell, opopanax, myrhh, styrax, and benzoin.

           The honeyed and spiced tobacco scent of Diptyqe Volutes unfolds like a well-worn map, revealing new points of interest as you smooth out its creases by candlelight. The fragrance opens with the crisp alacrity typical of citrus, in the form of the spicy woody resin scent of benzoin. This punchy note quickly steps aside to reveal a powdery (and not so green) iris. As the fragrance enters its mid-tone zone, tobacco becomes increasingly evident. The tobacco dances with different partners; it lingers with resin first, followed by a long pause with a savory honey, before settling into an intimate relationship with black pepper. The pepper adds a pep in the step of smoky tobacco in its final incarnation. There's also a subtly sweet contribution from dried fruit at the end.

         As I mentioned above, Diptyqe Volutes Eau de Parfum is meant to be worn by both men and women. With this in mind, the construction follows a somewhat expected formula: a floral whisp, savory middle notes, and wooden tones. Also to please both sexes, the scent falls into a middle ground when it comes to weight; its delicate character counters the warm and weighty contribution of spice.

           The construction of Diptyque Volutes is, admittedly, nice. I can see how this oriental scent is more like ladies smoking on the rails of a cruise-ship, as opposed to an adventurer's foray into the courtyard of a maharajah. The tobacco, honey, and spice fragrance features an array of discernible notes that are delicate enough to be approachable, yet spicy enough to be interesting. Being a unisex scent, Volutes does straddle a middle ground, giving it an uncertain identity. Mr. Lovey and I prefer more cleanly demarcated feminine and masculine scents, so it's not our cup of tea. However, if you prefer soft oriental, spicy, or woody scents, this relaxing blend will probably please.

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried Diptyque Volutes? What are your favorite Diptyque items? How do you feel about Unisex scents?

Love, Dovey.