Something Different for Summer – Rhubarb

Sick of the usual citrus colognes for warm weather. Consider the tart, fresh, fruity sweetness of rhubarb in your next summer scent. Here’s a few fragrance suggestions to get you started.

Hermes Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate – I’m not the biggest fan of this cologne line from Hermes, but I quite enjoy this minimalist rhubarb, berry and white musk scent on a warm day. Fresh, sweet and relatively fleeting Eau de Rhubarbe Ecalarte has an almost shampoo like feel to its composition. Zingy and refreshing it requires a re-spritz after 4 hours. I love the striking red bottle.

The Zoo – Rhubarb My Love – The brand’s note tells the story “Rhubarb My Love – A name that says it all. Nothing Else. Twist – No twist here. Enjoy”.

Comme des Garcons – Series 5 Sherbet Rhubarb – This 2003 scent by Bertrand Duchaufour is the strongest release in the Sherbet Series from Comme des Garcons. It features a prominent rhubarb note, with a creamy pink floral mid of vanilla, litchi, orchid and camelia. The vanilla and oak notes come out more in the base. The rhubard is syrup like but still fresh, the vanilla and florals add a milky creaminess, and a touch of sweetness. Not overly long-lasting though at 3-4 hours longevity on skin.

Burberry – Brit Red – Burberry Brit Red for women reminds me of the festive period. The combination of rhubarb, vanilla and ginger evoking the smell of cakes, cookies, pies and baking. The only problem is it is very difficult to find these days. A beautiful soft gourmand that can be worn in warmer weather, just go easy on the trigger.

Imaginary Authors – Sundrunk – One of my favourites from the American indie house, Sundrunk blends mandarin, rhubarb and florals to create a fizzy, sparkling scent reminiscent of a refreshing soda, with a tart rhubarb providing balance. A fragrance that could be a summer staple for men or women.

Aedes de Venustas – Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum – Green, tart and aromatic. The rhubarb is the standout note. Strikes a balance between vegetal and fruity. There are supporting notes of tomato leaf, green apple and vetiver. All the notes harmonise together. It’s like a walk through the garden in the crisp morning air. Another Bertrand Duchaufour composition.

Heeley – Verveine – Rhubarb isn’t the main note here, but it does play a large supporting role to the lemon verbena, blackcurrant and bergamot. Bright and light, and enough to put a smile on anybody’s face.

Olfactive Studio – Flashback – Olfactive Studio is a niche house that draws inspiration from photography and perfume. Laurent Segretier and Olivier Cresp combine on Flashback, which takes us back to childhood and the smell of rhubarb tart. I get rhubarb and apple at the top, drying down to leave a dry woody trail of vetiver and cedar. Flashback is a great alternative to feature over citrus fragrances in your warm weather rotation.

Hermes – Rose Ikebana – Another one from Hermes, they seem to be good at this rhubarb thing. Rose Ikebana is a transparent rose, rhubarb, tea and citrus combination from their higher end Hermessence collection. A contemplative, soft, watercolour composition from Jean-Claude Ellena. Another masterpiece from the master perfumer.

Yves Saint Laurent Live Jazz – A minty citric top gives way to a creamy, sweet rhubarb, amber and vanilla mid and base. Coriander brings an earthy, herbal feel to the scent. A very creative, aromatic citrus scent, with slight gourmand touches.

Do you have a favourite rhubarb scent?

Note: Bottle images courtesy of Fragrantica.