Boozy fragrances: the refined scent trend replacing sugary gourmands in 2025

By Jo Allen | Published: 7-May-2025 Featured companies: Givaudan Active Beauty CPL Aromas
Fragrance

Cognac, whisky and rum are among the boozy notes experiencing a revival in perfumery, luring young male fragrance shoppers with their refined and rebellious twist

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This article was originally published in the Fragrance Trend Report. Receive your copy here

Just when you think fragrance has reached peak gourmand, the sugary sweet, ‘edible’ trend inspires a wave of new scents, with notes such as cherry – and increasingly, strawberry – wafting into the latest launches.

However, there is also now a growing interest in more savoury scents, and a refined and elevated twist is being provided by the rise of boozy notes, such as Cognac, whisky and rum.

While the use of boozy notes is far from new in perfumery, a shot of new alcohol-inspired launches started to pour in at the end of 2024 and have continued to flow through 2025.

Kilian Paris’ Old Fashioned is inspired by the complex taste structure of an 18-year-aged single malt and is described by the brand as “a modern refinement in scent”; even the bottle resembles a whisky glass.

The Dandy from Penhaligon’s, meanwhile, is said to be reminiscent of whisky stored in an oak barrel, a scent that pays homage to glamour-fuelled nights.

Some of the latest entries include Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privée Eau de Parfum, co-created by both master distillers and master perfumers, with a top note of whisky absolute Scotland.

While Fifty Four from niche fragrance house JusBox is inspired by legendary New York nightclub Studio 54, and contains a piña colada accord and rum.

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Featured companies

Givaudan Active Beauty offers an extensive portfolio of innovative cosmetic active ingredients designed to bring beauty to the world. Inspired by the beauty needs of consumers... CPL Aromas is the world's leading, fragrance-only fragrance house. Established over 50 years ago by two brothers and remains a family-owned business. Home to some of the...
  • Companies:
  • Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy
  • Puig
  • Jorum Laboratories
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