Best Tabac Exquis (2021) by Caron Alternatives & Similar Perfumes
Tabac Exquis (2021) by Caron is an oriental vanilla fragrance that weaves warm cinnamon and rich cocoa with the rounded earthiness of tobacco and orris root. Its heart features resinous myrrh and labdanum, complemented by floral jasmine and the balsamic sweetness of benzoin and tonka beans. Ambroxan and frankincense add a subtle smoky and ambery depth. Those drawn to spicy, resinous, and creamy vanilla blends with a tobacco edge will find this composition compelling.
Iris Poulsard by Danner & Flemming £280.00
- Key notes:
- cardamom
- cinnamon
- cocoa
- mandarin
- orris (iris root)
- raspberry
- Aromagroups:
- vintage/old school
- woody
Named after a very old native red grape variety from the French Jura, this sophisticated gourmand iris is built on an exceptionally high concentration of Bavarian iris germanica. This iris glows with woody and fruity-floral notes — and hints of cocoa and coffee. The effect is enhanced with essential oils of cedar wood, green mandarin and cinnamon absolute, resulting in a luxury treat that feels indulgent and comforting at the same time.
Perfumer: Antoinie Lie
Tabac Rouge by Phaedon Paris £130.00
- Key notes:
- benzoin
- cinnamon
- ginger
- tobacco
- Aromagroups:
- spicy
- woody
Inspired by an Art Deco skyscraper and the paintings of Tamara de Lempicka, Tabac Rouge is a striking androgynous fragrance, conjuring up curling tendrils of incense and tobacco smoke. Turkish tobacco absolute is warmed by ginger and cinnamon, with a luxuriant hint of honey. Tabac Rouge dries down to a lush base of Siam benzoin and musk.
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- frankincense
- gaiac / guaiac wood
- incense
- myrrh
- Aromagroups:
- woody
An intense incense that shapeshifts between cold/smoky and warm/creamy. This dream belongs to the mythological Irish warrior poet Ossian, who inspired the Romantic literary movement across 18th century Europe. Rêve d'Ossian conjures misty midnight forests with smouldering notes of pine, frankincense and myrrh, before calling forth the benevolence of Celtic fairies with mellow tonka bean and vanillic benzoin.
Perfumer: Hugo Lambert
Alambar by Laboratorio Olfattivo £105.00
- Key notes:
- amber
- bergamot
- cinnamon
- cocoa
- Aromagroups:
- woody
Perfumer: Enrico Buccella
A tribute to an icon and its amber-scented world – amber, ambar, alambre, ambra, ambrum, ambarum, Alambar. Built around a spiced cinnamon and honeyed vanilla heart of sublime quality, subtle tones have been amplified. Shimmering and slightly peppered bergamot reveals the full spectrum of the amber’s gourmand, floral, leathery and spicy notes. Its woody character is reinforced by addictive cocoa and the enveloping layers bring a warm mystical aura.
Pardon by Nasomatto £130.00
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- cocoa
- oud
- Aromagroups:
- green
- leather
- spicy
- woody
Forceful but smooth, Pardon begs for nothing owing to its appealingly rich blur of patchouli, oud and castoreum. Its animal magnetism is heightened by moreish cinnamon and cocoa.
MYRRHE by Headspace £175.00
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- incense
- myrrh
- Aromagroups:
- spicy
- woody
Perfumer: Julien Rasquinet
Capturing the essence of desert myrrh warmed by the beach. With spicy cinnamon, rich cedar and sweet tangy ambroxan all clarifying and defining the sensational incense. It is a scent of contradiction with amber tones and mineral references that serve a blend that can be peaceful or invigorating. You choose.
Fallen Leaves by Anna Zworykina £95.00
- Key notes:
- gaiac / guaiac wood
- labdanum
- myrrh
- tonka beans
- vanilla
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- woody
Some perfume magic, a perfume that captured the soul of autumn, complete with foggy cold mornings (orris), dry leaves (the effect of various balsams and resins), sleepy sun (played by vanilla absolute and Indian oud) and fireplaces (gaiac).
(these fragrant materials reanacted the Fallen Leaves story):
Immortelle abs
Cistus e.o.
Cedarwood, Himalayan e.o.
Hop CO2 extract
Cedarwood, Atlas e.o.
Lavender abs
Guayak wood e.o
Fleur d'Orange abs
Jasmine sambac abs
Sweet myrrh e.o.
Castoreum tincture
Vetiver e.o.
Patchouli e.o.
Cardamom abs
Vanilla CO2 extract
Sandalwood CO2 extract
Orris abs
Tonka bean abs
Important notice:
Anna Zworykina’s blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes). Her blends are sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).
Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in her 100% natural perfumes may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Anna Zworykina’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). This said, Anna Zworykina has acquired a huge fan base over many years and people interacted with her blends for quite a while now. We are not aware of any reports of any skin reactions so far.
However, Anna advises that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.
Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Anna’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.
Moth by Zoologist £200.00
- Key notes:
- ambergris
- cinnamon
- gaiac / guaiac wood
- heliotrope
- honey
- incense
- orris (iris root)
- rose
- saffron
- smoke
- Aromagroups:
- woody
Perfumer: Tomoo Inaba
Rich and gothic Moth starts with a heavy dose of dark spices to jolt your senses before settling into a dusting of honey-sweet rose and powdery florals. Slowly, it tests its wings, taking flight on an exotic journey of nagarmotha, guaiac wood and patchouli. Beneath it all lingers a smoky undertone that serves as a constant reminder to fluttering creatures of the danger in the tantalizing flame.
Amygdala by Mendittorosa £430.00
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- coffee
- incense
- labdanum
- leather
- ylang-ylang
- Aromagroups:
- floral
- leather
- woody
A fragrant and floral dedication to emotions and the intricate patterns that shape and run through the structure of our brains. Liquid joy prepared with balsamic labdanum, leathery orange blossom and violet leaf absolutes and a drop of fruity coffee nuance.
Perfumer: Luca Maffei
Strength: 35% extrait de parfum
The origin of some materials in the formula:
pink pepper -> South America
arabica coffee -> South America
cinnamon -> Sri Lanka
galbanum -> Iran
jasmine sambac -> India
violet leaf absolute -> Egypt
orange blossom absolute -> Tunisia
Ylang Ylang -> Madagascar
guaiac -> Paraguay
Vetiver -> Haiti
Labdanum -> Spain
Beso Dorado by Beso Beach £225.00
- Key notes:
- cinnamon
- geranium
- grapefruit
- labdanum
- saffron
- Aromagroups:
- leather
- spicy
- woody
Beso Dorado is inspired by the 10 years of magic and splendor of Beso Beach. It is an addictive perfume with intense and fresh aromas. Capture the authentic Mediterranean spirit of summer evenings with the sunsets and endless nights. Pink pepper and juniper give a lively and spicy opening, cinnamon and patchouli make Beso Dorado a warm and seductive fragrance, with vibrant and refreshing notes of vetiver. A woody personality with a touch of mystery.
Dominique Ropion: “ I wanted to mix deep, nocturnal, distinguished ingredients with an aromatic freshness. I wanted to create the perfume of a summer afternoon, a Mediterranean and sensual fragrance ”.
About Tabac Exquis (2021) by Caron
- What makes Tabac Exquis (2021) different from these similar fragrances?
- Tabac Exquis combines tobacco and orris root with a balanced blend of cinnamon, cocoa, and rich resinous notes like myrrh and labdanum, rounded by jasmine and ambroxan. Its creamy vanilla and frankincense add complexity, creating a smooth, warm oriental vanilla that is less smoky or fruity than many similar scents.
- Which fragrances here highlight the tobacco note most prominently?
- Tabac Rouge and Jungle Tobacco both emphasise tobacco alongside cinnamon and other spices. Tabac Rouge leans towards a spicy, resinous tobacco, while Jungle Tobacco combines tobacco with smoky oud and powdery orris root.
- Are there fragrances on this list with a stronger smoky character than Tabac Exquis?
- Yes, fragrances like Id, 14 Juillet, Moth, and Jungle Tobacco incorporate smoky notes such as oud, incense, leather, or smoke, which give them a more pronounced smoky presence compared to the smoother, less smoky Tabac Exquis.









