Escapade Gourmande

Inspiration
Escapade Gourmande begins with the memory of a crème brûlée: a delicate layer of caramelised sugar cracks beneath the spoon to reveal warm, enveloping vanilla. In 2021 the founding couple of Maison Mataha were searching for exactly such an intense, dark vanilla and could not find it within haute parfumerie. Together with perfumer Vincent Ricord, the idea was refined until the desired expression was achieved. This became the founding creation of the house and the icon of the Collection Mémoire Gourmande.

Fragrance Family
Gourmand, ambery vanilla

The Olfactive Composition
Top notes: Black Sugar Accord
Heart notes: Vanilla Absolute, Tonka Bean Absolute
Base notes: Musk Accord

Perfumer
Vincent Ricord

The Signature of Escapade Gourmande
What sets Escapade Gourmande apart is the burnt edge around the vanilla. Black sugar does not give a sugary glaze but a deep, almost bitter caramelisation, like the moment sugar colours under the flame. Vanilla absolute and tonka bean absolute, two rich natural extracts, then bring warmth and roundness: the vanilla dark and woody, the tonka with a hay-like, almondy softness. A musk accord lays a velvet veil beneath it all, keeping the scent long-lasting and close to the skin. At a concentration of 35 percent, this is an extrait with remarkable depth and a long breath.

What our ParfuMaria team thinks of this fragrance
For us, Escapade Gourmande is a vanilla for connoisseurs: darker and more grown-up than most gourmands, with just enough burnt character never to turn sugary. A scent for cool days and long evenings that lingers beautifully on cashmere and wool.

ParfuMaria hand-decants this 10 ml format from the original flacon.