Les Exclusifs de Chanel Coromandel Chanel for women

I must start by saying that I don't like, however much I've tried, fragrances where patchouli is the more predominant and salient note. I like Patchouli when it is well blended with other notes. Coromandel is one of the exceptions so far. The Patchouli stands out at center stage in this composition, but Coromandel is so beautifully formulated that the Patchouli shines with a precious and different light. This composition is elegant, sophisticated, attractive...very haute. The patchouli is counterbalanced with redolent and precious notes of amber, incense, woods, and most distinctly, white chocolate. This is Chanel sophistication and elegance in a bottle shining atop the Eiffel Tower.

Last, I need to say that as an heterosexual man I inquired and inquired and inquired as to whether Coromandel was unisex--not sure why the Les Exclusifs line of Chanel has this image of being targeted to women only. I was searching for the same successful experience I had with Chanel Sycomore and its Vetiver in another fragrance within this line. After receiving so many mixed answers and wasting six months of vacillation, I decided to take the bullet, spend $130 blindly, and try for myself.

Coromandel is absolutely and undoubtedly a totally unisex fragrance. Wonder if those men who answered this was a female fragrance were really big Coromandel fans trying to keep it under wraps. In my opinion, this is a hidden jewel of a fragrance that can also be worn by heterosexual men easily. Yes, it is a little sweet, but unisex sweet. On me, Coromandel takes on a more manly hue (I can smell light woody notes in the background, sandalwood???), whereas on my wife it smells feminine. Not sure if this is by design or pure chance, but Coromandel seems to adjust nicely.

Oh Coromandel! You've captured my heart and could soon capture my money too! I do not find this to be a heavy fragrance but it is very rich and decadent. Just the right amount of balmy and powder-y chocolate-y (subtle but the edible note is there). It is slightly sweet without being immature. But it's far from stuffy as well.

The blend itself is a harmonious balance of its elements, each having its own time to shine without overtaking the whole blend. As it warms, the patchouli becomes more present and the whole scent takes on a slightly mens shave cream essence. It stays well moderated though by the initial sweetness. Wearable by all, Coromandel is a true fragrant masterpiece!

One whiff was worth an instant love and instant want list. Usually I find balmy fragrances too aggressive, but that creamy decadent white chocolate has me 100% on board with Chanel right here. The white chocolate note is SO creamy is almost comes of a bit cream cheesy, which I know probably sounds a bit disgusting but cheese is probably one of the greatest things in life...why not have a little sweet cheesy in perfume? I swear this is chanel's secret in here!
The benzoin, patch, and incense is rough, spicy, and down to wrestle! Oddly thanks to the sweet white chocolate cream cheesy it just comes off as femme fatale. I can smell hints of rose and fruits but nothing comes off as important as that glorious white chocolate note, patchouli note and the base.

Coromandel does not smell like baked goods or any sort of chocolate to me. Or white chocolate, which not chocolate. I often wonder where Turin got his nose. No one else I know has thought it remotely smells chocolately, something for which I am glad.

It is a refined, sophisticated, smooth ambery patchouli that straddles the line between Chypre and Oriental.

It has been compared to Prada and Prada Intense; I get the feeling that the comparison is based more on feel than on smell, which is only somewhat similar to both.

For the record, I believe it is closer in both feel and smell specifically to Guerlain's l'Instant Extreme Pour Homme.

However what makes Coromandel special is the elegance of its texture, and the softness with which it was orchestrated.

The patchouli is not dirty, but it is present and earthy. The benzoin, amber, muskette, and frankincense neither choking with smoke, nor keenly resinous, nor heavy and niche-y. The jasmine, rose and orange flower neither toosweet nor full-frontal. The aldehydes are neither glaring nor definitively feminine, and nor do they do much else but say plainly and honestly 'I am a Chanel.' The orris is neither doughy nor violet-y. And the orange is neither sharp nor acidic: it just gives lasting balance to the perfume and forms the introduction to the story of this chypre-oriental.

A class act. An essay in opulence and elegance suitable for both sexes that has none of the tacky, gaudy showiness of its brothers and sisters.

The opening was like a smash - I even got some headache. But then (about half an hour later) Coromandel and me came into harmony. What a beautiful, deep, rich scent it is! I'm happy to discover that it projects much better than some other Chanels. After 3-4 hours it was almost gone, but I don't mind refreshing it. Such a pleasure!

This is amazing, if sandalwood was a chocolate tree it would be a Coromandel Tree.

It is more untamed than Coco Noir, more Noir, more spacious. It is Tom Fords Black Orchid raw dough put in the oven, baked to the most perfect chocolatecake with roasted almonds(mandel means almond in danish).

If you doesn't have access to this beautiful experience. Try using Spicebomb by V&K as the facilitator on top of Tom Fords Black Orchid(my two former favorite Noir smeels). By incedent I tried those two together today and got a very very close match to Coromandel.

Coromandel I am falling in love, it feels like you could be my signature......but I have to see after 3 mounth right? I sincerly think so, but I wonder if my bottle last so long..

this is an amazing scent..it smells just like Prada Amber or more so Prada Intense but it is more smooth in its composition with the added spice of cinnamon without the vanilla being too cloying..and the scent is a bit brighter and fresher..in every area it is just right..i was saying to another fume head friend of mine that when my prada amber & intense finish i will be owning this bottle because Prada Intense is my favorite but its discontinued and i liked the spiciness of it more than regular Prada Amber so Coromandel will be my upgrade!

When I die, I will be wearing this. While I'm alive and glamorous, I will be wearing this. A fragrance that quite literally transcends time, a masterpiece. I don't say this lightly, in fact, I may be wrong, but I don't think I've ever said that about any of my loves (I'm reffering to my many precious perfumes, of course). This one wins the title. It may even be winning the oh so coveted "Signature Scent" title.

Art Deco, 1920's glamour. An aura in a bottle. Here we have the most perfect Amber to ever come into existence, smoldered in incense and freshly rained on leaves (the patchouli, I suppose)and dipped into creamy, WARM white chocolate. A resinous confection that is not to be eaten. Oh no, you would die if you tried. The leaves have fallen onto mushrooms that could be toxic and even though they've only faintly brushed up against them, you wouldn't want to take the chance. You'll have to settle for the puff of pure mystery and enchantemnt this brew has to offer, even though all you really want to do is wrap yourself up in it and then eat your way out.

It's not looking good for me, this bottle of mine. I fear it's going to be a multiple times a year purchase, at the rate I'm showering in it. Sigh. Chanel, your silk screen dreams and glamorous Siren ways have been captured to perfection and I am offically devoted to the religion that IS Coromandel.

I have received my bottle of Coromandel (another risky blind buy) and ... oh my!

At first, I wasn't sure... the opening is harsh, which I think might be due to the bitter orange in the top notes. But after 10 minutes, the patchouli comes through in the most creamy, luxurious way. It is so divine, beyond elegant. This is pure fragrance indulgence. Luxury in its truest form. A deliciously complex fragrance.

The lasting power is incredible. I sprayed this on my chest around 5pm and when I woke up the next morning around 5:45am, I could still smell the creamy white chocolate notes! I was so taken aback considering this is an EDT and it has better staying power than most EDPs I own.

This is definitely not an every day fragrance. I can see myself wearing this with a gorgeous black dress, sky-high heels, and red lips. This is the perfect fragrance for special occasions and events or an intimate, romantic evening with expensive lingerie, wine, and desserts.

My husband really likes it. He feels it would better suit a more mature woman, perhaps in her late 30s or early 40s (I'm almost 28). However, I feel if I stick to wearing this at more glamorous occasions, I could pull it off when dressed up. Jeans and a t-shirt? No way. Perhaps a more mature woman could pull it off in casual clothes, but why would she? Everything about Coromandel screams sophistication and commands elegance.

I almost have no words to describe Coromandel.
Im about to say this is the most beautiful fragrance i've ever smelt.
The patchouli is very well blended with benzoin and the result is a wonderful sweetness.
The incense note is very light and gives it a nice depth.
The opening may be a little harsh, but as it dries down the sweetness starts in a creamy way.
Here again the comparisions are inevitable.
While Montale Patchouli Leaves is more linear, Coromandel is much more a complex and well blended scent.
While Borneo 1932 is raw, Coromandel is soft.
In my opinion Borneo 1932 is an "unfinished" version of Coromandel.
Sheldrake finished the job that had been already began and together with Polge created this beautiful composition.
Definetely Coromandel is a piece of art. Masterpiece. Unique. Addictive.

This is what I would imagine the Taj Mahal to smell like. I put some on today after receiving my Surrender to Chance sample, and suddenly I'm transformed into an exotic, eastern princess (or so I'd like to think!). The incense is a heady concoction, but not overpowering or cloying. This is thoroughly addictive. Darn it...I think I'm going to have to get it. Oh, and now that I've had it on for a bit I might be detecting the white chocolate note. I can't stop smelling my wrist. Always a good sign!

As I'm applying Coromandel, I feel as if I'm sneaking a dab of men's fragrance. But it quickly transmogrifies into something extremely feminine and beautiful. I seem to enjoy scents that strike me as dark, intense, and formal (no matter what I'm wearing). . . fragrances that do not go unnoticed. Coromandel is lighter and more transparent, and a perfect day fragrance for me - elegant, but not intimidating.

I ordered a small sample of Coromandel and I am so pleased I did. This fragrance starts off rich and is glowingly brilliant on me throughout the day. Coromandel never smells anything but rich and refined, and I admire any person with the panache and verve to choose this fragrance and carry it off. I scooped dirty clothes out of a basket and the blouse I'd worn with this fragrance still smelled fresh and radiant. This perfume is a glory and I will obtain the full size bottle soon, and I expect to keep this fragrance in my wardrobe and in heavy rotation for the rest of my life. This-- along with two other opulent niche fragrances-- is the embodiment of an ideal perfume to me. I highly recommend this fragrance.

The review of the guest below was mine. Here is the edited one.

If L'Instant de Guerlain Extreme would have a unisex version, Chanel Coromandel would be it. Well just for the sake of having a much more unisex to feminine side of LIDGE. They are not exactly the same scent but with my 5 sprays including 1 on my shirt, LIDGE immediately popped up to my mind.

Don't get me wrong but Coromandel is an outstanding balmy, slightly smoky and warm spicy gem. I would rather pick Coromandel over LIDGE when in a situation to select only one. That is if I would base it on scent quality.

Yes it is unisex and it has the feel of LIDGE right after the application and a minute after, Prada Amber and Prada L'Eau Ambree vibes comes out. But Coromandel is spicier and more impressive.

My 5 sprays induced a slight headache on me but surprisingly not too powerful in projection. Coromandel is a little more on the quiet side of perfumes but careful not to spray more than four on closer to the nose areas. It is better to keep it within 3-4 sprays, on different upper body areas. Two on both sides of the neck and one on clothes or two on both arms, one at the center of neck and one at the nape.

The rose and incense are there, a light support I should say. To my skin, the emphasis of this fragrance relied more on patchouli, amber and benzoin. Some cocoa or vanilla aroma is coming out, maybe due to the mix of amber and patchouli or there must be some cocoa or vanilla here. No almonds nor nutmeg to my nose. In less than an hour after, woods slowly manifesting, balmy stays, spice getting much less.

The vibe with LIDGE base is beginning to show up again and another beautiful perfume comes to remind me in the base of this wonderful Coromandel, that is the base of L'Occitane Vetyver.

Coromandel is a remarkable mix feel of what is out there in the market scent. It is oriental but not too sweet, lovelier to wear on cold evenings. More on feminine from start to heart (first two hours)then the base leaned more to the masculine. But quiet as this is, never spray more than four.

The compositions and transformations of notes are well done. It is I may say informal to formal occasion wearing and the potential to earn great compliments is very possible provided you are being smelled up close. Is it a sensual fragrance? Yes. Is it a full bottle worthy? Oh yes.
Longevity is about 6 to 10 hours. Enjoy the beautiful base of woods an hour or so after spraying.

Definitely another gem from Chanel.

Highly recommended. 9/10

If L'Instant de Guerlain Extreme would have a unisex version, Chanel Coromandel would be it. Well just for the sake of having a much more unisex to feminine side of LIDGE. They are not exactly the same scent but with my 5 sprays including 1 on my shirt, LIDGE immediately popped up to my mind.

Don't get me wrong but Coromandel is an outstanding balmy, slightly smoky and warm spicy gem that surely would earn compliments and pleasing to the nose. I would rather pick Coromandel over LIDGE when in a situation to select only one. That is if I would based it on scent quality.

Yes it is unisex and it has the feel of LIDGE right after the sprays and a minute after, Prada Amber and Prada L'Eau Ambree vibes comes out.

My 5 sprays induced a slight headache on me but surprisingly not too powerful in projection.
Coromandel is a little more on the quiet side of perfumes but careful not to spray more than four on neck to nape areas. It is better to keep it within 3-4 sprays. Two on both sides of the neck and one on clothes or two on both arms or one at the nape.

The rose and incense are there, a light support I should say. To my skin, the emphasis of this fragrance relied more on patchouli, amber and benzoin. Some cocoa or vanilla aroma is coming out, maybe due to the mix of amber and patchouli or there must be some cocoa or vanilla here. No almonds nor nutmeg to my nose. In less than an hour after, woods manifested and yes, the similarity with LIDGE base is beginning to show up again and another beautiful perfume comes to remind me in the base of this wonderful Coromandel, that is the base of L'Occitane Vetyver.

Coromandel is a remarkable mix feel of what is out there in the market scent. It is oriental but not too sweet, lovelier to wear on cold evenings. More on feminine from start to heart (first two hours)then the base leaned more to the masculine. But quiet as this is, never spray more than 4 especially on areas that your nose would directly smell them because it may cause nausea/headache.

The compositions and transformations of notes are well done. It is I may say informal to formal occasion wearing and the potential to earn great compliments is very possible provided you are being smelled up close. Is it a sensual fragrance? Yes. Is it a full bottle worthy? Oh yes. Longevity is about 6 to 10 hours. Enjoy the beautiful base of woods 4 hours after spraying.
It is definitely another gem from Chanel.

Highly recommended.

I've never understood what olfactory similarity there is between patchouli and chocolate, so I was very anxious to get my hands on Coromandel to find out what people were talking about. That mystery has yet to be solved. I smell no chocolate here: white, milk or dark. Mostly what I smell is a benzoin-rose-patchouli scent, not far from the Prada Amber line. Granted this has the signature Chanel touch, its smoother and rounder than Prada, but also much less edgy. Very, very nice and extremely wearable.

An important note for gourmand enthusiasts: this is not a gourmand despite some of the reviews below.

Coromandel is a very nice patchouli-benzoin powerhouse. It almost goes too sweet but the patch keeps it grounded. This one is going to generate it's share of complements from both sexes no matter the sex of the one blessed to be wearing it.

1920's Paris. 2:11 AM. A lithe beauty changes into a silky red kimono behind a Japanese lacquered screen. Incense burns in a painted clay pot on her nightstand. She is elegance embodied: tight pin curls, precisely painted lips, and pale skin. She moves from behind the screen and sits at her vanity, loosens her curls with an ivory comb, and glances down at a delicate wooden box tied with a ribbon -- a gift from an admirer. She opens it slowly, revealing the precious objects inside. The box reveals neither gold nor diamonds but small squares of the the most delicate, creamy white chocolate. Her favorite...her weakness. How did he know? She smiles wryly, picks up one of the candies with her slender fingers, and closes her eyes with anticipation before lifting it to her mouth.

********************************

Utterly intoxicating incense notes meld seamlessly with earthy, rich patchouli, exotic resins, and woods. The vanilla, white chocolate, and benzoin notes are powdery and smoky, rather than sweet or syrupy.

Coromandel leans toward the masculine end of the spectrum, but it makes a perfect nighttime scent for women, as well (preferably a woman in touch with her inner femme fatale) -- it's seductive, powerful, and oh-so-potent. A little goes a very long way...and lingers for hours.

Les Exclusifs de Chanel Coromandel

Thank you Monsieur Jacques Polge. 

Ms Chanel may have felt faint at the sight of the exotic, magnificent Chinese 12-fold Coromandel lacquered screens. I, however, lapse into an erotic mood swing when I apply this aphrodisiac. Just thinking about this fragrance makes me pulse. This fragrance uses its seduction with its most sensuous, sophisticated, superior ability. The pachouli dances the Dance of the Seven Veils before subtly seducing the incense, citruses, jasmine, pear, orris, Benzoin, rose, vanilla into an olfactory orgy.

No cold shower for me. I just want to immerse myself in this wondrous fragrance for hours, emerging stimulated and refreshed. 

Amen. 

This is gold! Coromandel does not disappoint. This is one of the most sensual and gorgeous fragrances that I have ever sniffed. Coromandel is earthy, stylish and sensual. Think hippie chic. Dirty patchouli is cleaned up quite a bit by comfy vanilla, seductive incense and amber; but not enough so that it loses it's earthiness. The opening reminds me of Prada Amber but it soon subsides to its own intoxicating composition. It becomes powdery and the sensual mask begins to unveil itself. There really is no way to truly explain the magic of Coromandel. It must be tried.

Patchouli blended beautifully with benzoin. Benzoin can have a sweet smoky and vanillery aura which is successfully achieved with the vanilla note. Incense mixed with rose and woods give further depth. Coromandel also achieves a warm chocolate accord in the beginning that adds some contrast to the underlying incensed benzoin patchouli mixture.

As mentioned, Coromandel has resemblance to the Guerlinade as well as the artistry of Serge Lutens. Yet Chanel have certainly embedded themselves in Coromandel and made it theirs.

Wonderful stuff.

I take back my earlier review: Coromandel is absolutely my thing! It has all the sexiness and edge of a Guerlain or Lutens with all the elegance and understatement of a Chanel. That's a tough balance to pull off, but Coromandel does it.
What does it lack? Originality, perhaps. At first whiff, you will have smelled perfumes similar to this. At various times, it has reminded me of Shalimar or Flowerbomb or TM Angel. And it makes me horny the way CK Obsession does. So the lesson here? Don't let the "I've smelled this before" feeling get in the way of exploring Coromandel. It has a lot to offer.

I have never had a signature scent..until now. I have owned and smelled hundreds of perfumes. This particular one melds into me. I am a patchouli lover, and I looove this perfume. It's like having an aura....a beautiful aura of patchouli and incense and white chocolate surrounding me. Men love this perfume. Just recently I had a job interview. Every guy in the department walked into the room I was in and said.."It smells so good in here." One of the guys told me to come back because I smelled so good. I had not realized the impact it had on men until that day. It is so perfect....

Patchouli is an intriguing note, can be earthy, camphor, dry, woody so passionately love!
Coromandel enhances even more so, with a mix of incense and notes sweetened by vanilla and benzoin, and along with it an accurate drying woody notes, is actually an asset and the second best of the exclusive line of Chanel.

I love patchouli and was so looking forward to smelling this. I left the covent garden store feeling a little ho hum about all of the les exclusifs, my socks still attached to my feet rather than being blown off. This is a powdery, lovely and wearable dusty patchouli but is very similar to my les neriedes (half the price) patchouli antique. Yes, coromandel is slightly more romantic and less 'cool' earthy but I really think that unless you have no other patchouli in your wardrobe, this is not an indespensible scent. None of the line had quite the punch or intensity that I expected for the price, either.

Sprayed this on at holt renfrew, it was between this and 31 rue cambon and the sales associate was trying to sway me toward coromandel. Starting out these two are slightly similar, but I noticed right away with coromandel there was a citrus top note probably the bitter orange that just didn't sit well. I proceeded to purchase 31 and headed out to do some more shopping. By the time I got home it had dried down to a really nice spicy incensy warm oriental. I might give this one another try, it's a really nice complex, high quality scent.

Found these at Holt Renfrew during our annual family trek to downtown Vancouver after Christmas. Having spent my perfume fund, I was so sad to have left without buying anything in the Les Exclusifs.

Coromandel gives me patchouli, woods and incense. It is musty and earthy. It is powdery and soft like the softest cashmere. There are hints of floral but it is more about patchouli to me. Perfect composition for a woman who does not use sweetness to stand out. It is for a strong woman who is at the same time, soft-spoken. Unlike Prada Intense which I do not like for its dominating patchouli, Coromandel is wearable patchouli. The best part for me is that the citrus notes are almost non-existent. I would wear this just for me as I find it a little bit assertive. I prefer Cuir de Russie as it seems more rounded than Coromandel. Would buy 31 Rue Cambon, Cuir de Russie and No.22.

One spray on me:
Sillage: close to skin
Longevity: about 4-6 hours
Rating: 4/5
Price: Holt Renfrew 75ml C$145

When I tried the first time, I immediately fell in love. The smell of patchouli spread in the air. Then slowly settles. Powdery, vanilla and white chocolate then blend into one. It was like magic. Makes me want to smell all the time. Durable enough

Chanel's Coromandel is as melodious and soft as sweet music.

A swift and citrus allegro opening of orange and neroli quickly negotiates into a second movement mostly played andante.

Here sweeping string section notes of vanilla, benzoin and incense are prevented from becoming sickly by brief interludes of a pizzicato patchouli, an accord that will eventually form part of a honeyed harmony.

And whilst in dry down this smells more of white hot chocolate than anything else, the quality of the ingredients, a strong backbone of hardwood and the skill of the their blending ensures that this is more refined music emporium than corner shop or candy store.

Unisex? Undoubtedly. Wearable? Absolutely. Sparingly. On high days and holidays to make up for a warmth that the weather lacks.

I find myself liking Coromandel a bit more than 31 Rue Cambon, for all the wrong reasons. I went into this one thinking I'd hate it, but was greeted by a pleasant spiced benzoin accord, semi-sweet and not too loud, followed by a patchouli cloud. There's a mysterious herbal component lurking deep in the sugary haze of Coromandel, redolent of Zino-style lavender, bright but shy. The woodsy notes add zest and keep things from getting too makeup puffy. After a couple of hours there's a chocolately woody amber that runs at a good clip with strident patchouli and benzoin notes, holding this perfume's soft oriental vibe steady.

Coromandel is utterly unisex and a very good oriental, but as with 31 Rue Cambon, I feel the quality of ingredients is just so-so. The composition will speak to you, but don't expect any of the aroma chemicals to knock your socks off. This feels more like the tippy-top shelf of designer than the lowest dregs of niche. But nevertheless, I really like this fragrance, and if I had the money to burn, I could see myself buying a bottle. As it stands, I'll continue holding this oriental to the standard-bearer of masculine orientals for note clarity and quality: Old Spice. Find me one that can match the ten-second burst of realistic spiced orange in Old Spice's top accord, tell me it'll last twenty times as long without smelling chemical and flat, and I'll get back to you.

rich, classy a bit overpriced, drydown disappointing to me, unisex but more on the female side!
I'm a man!

When I was a little kid I loved to play with clean earth soil. I found the scent of it extremely alluring and had to restrain myself from trying to eat it. I tasted it once, but believe me, the smell is a lot better.

On my skin Coromandel turns into a clean earth soil scent after a half hour of wearing. I love that stage and it lasts some time too.

Now I'm a mature woman I have to restrain myself from licking my wrists when I'm wearing Coromandel.

I absolutely love this smell. I got a tester a few months ago and instantly fell for it. Recently though, someone got me as a gift the Halle Berry "Halle" set and to me surprise, it smells EXACTLY like Coromandel, at least on me. I am not a huge proponent of celebrity fragrances but it was a nice surprise.

I have owned this fragrance for around 3 months, and cannot imagine enough occasions for which to wear this. I love it. This is a beautiful fragrance from start to finish.

It is definitey a UNISEX scent, as the Chanel retail assosciate at Bloomingdales told me the sales to men and women are about equal on this one. Aside from that factor, this does not destinguish itself as either a direct female or male scent. It is simply pleasant.

You must smell this. Really give it a few good whiffs and take it all in. Wait for it to start to fade into the different layers of enjoyment and mystery.
Although initially very straightforward it is woody and spicy, it softens up and is in my opinion a very soft and light fragrance towards the end of it's life on the skin.

I had to have this fragrance, and will be going back to sample more of the Les Exclusifs line by Chanel.

AMEN SISTAH!!!! *takes shoes off and takes earrings out*

THIS...is what I'm talking about. To me..this is the epitome of Chanel fragrances. It takes everything I've smelled before from Chanel which is "classic" "classy" "refined" "swoonworthy" and then goes that one bit further and sprinkles that extra fairy dust of class when when you least expect it!

So...it's woodsy, it's gourmand...it's dripping with golden benzion and vanilla, the woods are creamy..it's multi faceted and one of those smells that gives your olfactory senses a smell-gasm.

Sheesh...the main feel of this is a sweet woodsy perfume, it's gourmand that;s been rubbed up against tree bark in a loving way,. but it has Chanel stamped allll over it. This is truly a special occasion perfume and I think for once I can say it's worth the money. The quality is not scrimped here..

I just think I'm going to have to come back when I'm not so intoxicated by the components and disect them properly..

For now..I will say..it smells like the most luxurious woodsy gourmand you can think of slathered with Chanel glamour and magic!

:)

I seek woods in all of my fragrances but this one really got it right. Uplifting, deep, rich, exquisite woodiness right from the jump. There may be a faint smell of sweet citrus at the beginning but my nose zooms straight in on the woods. This fragrance is very unique in the sense that it reminds me of nothing else. I could easily place this in my top 5 most beloved fragrances. It appears that my beloved Tom Fords are getting pushed even farther down my list of most loved.

Nomen omen! That's all. The same sharpness of 'lacquered screens' is similar to the opening of this unexpected jewell by Maison Chanel. I haven't smelled it before but when my Dear One gave it to me, as a present, wishing me a soon recovery. I think it's starting working indeed!, as I can get in the opening (for me this is not the kindest one!) patchouli, a note that I would never expect from Chanel, especially at the beginning! But I must say that I'm not a 'Chanel-like' person so... I must also add that Coromandel, for me, is not a Chanel-like fragrance too....
A good amount of incense and bitter oranges help to take company to the ensemble. Later, some other notes appear: woods, resins while patchouli is still well remarkable (I'm talking of the effects on MY skin) After 45 minutes, a little change: the frag seems to evolve into a powdery, soft caressing experience!, this is what I normally finish to like, to love, to search in every frag!, when benzoin, amber and myrrh (yes or no?) a hint of chocolate too, make their appearance and settle down. Beautiful!
I'm reviewing the E d. T., for that I believe that its duration is quite good.
Sillage discreet being it a sophisticate, elegant frag, it cannot be a 'bang' one.

I cannot detect my beloved 'roses', may be my nose is still 'on strike'!!(??)

Coromandel, is very subtle and elegant. Persistent but well mannered, as well. The press release does say something about Chinese art and I must admit this is a very sweet & sour smell but with a French finesse.
It does remind one of Lutens perfume line a bit and also some people might find that it upsets their stomach, so, try before you buy.
For the pronounced ingredients read below; the patchouli is well disguised and sober, the woody/amber accord with hints of musk binds everything together and the benzoin/incense/vanilla combination gives it character.
Still, I would prefer it less balanced and slightly more risky, one step further onto the sweetness, gourmand or powdery territory would be most welcome.
Not a love at first smell, but it grows on you..

ps. 1. I wore it once and received an instant compliment. Nevertheless, this is a feminine perfume, make no mistake.
2. this review wouldn't be possible without my friend Kosmoskukka who supplied me with a sample.

Right from the get-go, there's the Guerlinade accord. Like Shalimar after it dries down, when the citrus has softened and you're left with a complex, buttery vanilla-smoke tinged with soft florals. Then as it develops, it starts to take on that subtle multi-faceted "Christopher Sheldrake for Serge Lutens" bend, combining resiny, mossy, smoky, creamy, dark, and soft altogether into one.

This contains patchouli, but Sheldrake has relegated it to the backseat. Definitely don't be scared off if you dislike patchouli-dominant scents. This is also not a typical heavy, sweet, gourmand scent despite the vanilla.

If you threw a dollop of vanilla-cream into a cup of freshly-brewed, unsweetened Earl Grey tea, and took a deep breath, I imagine you would smell something like this. Smoky, herbaceous and gently bitter, with just a touch of cream and spice, plus that quiet dash of aromatic citrus.

Only problem? This is harder to find, and so expensive for an EDT. (Luckily, it lasts and projects more like an EDP.)

If i was asked to discribe true beauty by only one fragrance, I would have chosen Coromandel. It is so chic, so expensive in essence, that immediately makes the one who wears it a lady or a gentleman. But this is a burden you should be prepared to carry. Noblesse oblige. It sits charming on male skin. Very decent substence.

One of very few fragrances that agrees with my chemistry!The amber, spice and patchouli work so well together in this fragrance. There is a subtle sweetness, just enough to take the edge off the spice note. While it is sensual enough for evening, It is too lovely to reserve strictly for special occasions. I have found myself applying it any given day, at any given time. Love the fragrance, hate the exorbitant price! My search for my new signature scent continues......

I really enjoy the rather sharp opening for the first hour or so, but not so much the soil note that enters a little later and then really persists. Impressive longevity for an edt.

Oh my God!!! I surrender myself.

This is the most perfect and delicious perfume in the world... Longevity, projection , sillage... everything´s terrific in this one. Of course, became one of my favorites.

It´s an "earthy oriental gourmand"... I love the gourmand category and I have to tell that the "sweet-candy" in Coromandel is marvelously impossible to be described... That´s what intrigues me... That´s where my passion lies...

What a nice surprise Chanel gave us... No doubt the best from the exquisites Exclusifs!!!

Masterpiece!

I have read many of the reviews here on this lovely Chanel. I agree with its most scrumptious flavors that waft under my nose in a velvet gourmand extacy!
BUT! I am sad that this only comes in a toilette version. AS a Gourmand junky....I need that sumptious smell to be smouldering hot for more than the one hour that I receive! It lasts longer of course...and especially on clothing....but the best part of the ride is gone to quick! Please....Please.....make an Eau de Parfume!!!! I see why it comes in a 200ml....but I do not believe Chanel should be a body spray!

EDIT!!!!! *****************I do declare!
It just goes to show you...some days are better than others. I have tested this on three different days. For me personally...it seems it wears much deeper, intense and longer on a very warm day. But I could be just having an off sniffer day. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING SCENTS!!!! Completely delicious!!!! Now debating over which size I desire ;)

The most wearable patchouli fragrance that I own. Beats Montale Patchouli Leaves and SL Borneo hands down. Sweet and comforting, perhaps the most "gourmand" of all the Chanel perfumes, a House that I associate with aloof sophistication rather than comfort and sweetness. Yet Coromandel marries Chanel sophistication and elegance with coziness and comfort: the image of a pair of delicately embroidered soft cashmere slippers comes to mind. The Guide likens to Coromandel to "powdered white chocolate" - a description which fits perfectly. Did I say that I adore this scent?

One day of a full wearing :

I sampled this three times before I purchased it. The first time it came across as a very spicy patchouli fragrance similar to Guerlain Heritage and somewhat off putting. The second time it smelled similar but a tad sweeter. Add patchouli dirt and heavy spices and Vanilla ( YSL Opium esq.)

My most recent sampling of it blew me away. Why ? Spicey/Patchouli opening add dirt but THEN a total about face in the drydown...Vanilla Amber and Chocolate notes that waft in and out. I dare to say gourmand but it's true....I am wearing a gourmand BUT this is a totally different one than others on the market. This is a VERY unique play on gourmand because Chanel added that classic chanel "old world" smell to it. The notes don't blend well in theory but they work so well together in coromandel. It is very well constructed and so well balanced.

Still playing around with this but I find the sillage and longevity to be ideal. I can't say the same for the other Les Esclusifs offerings. You will have no doubt that you are wearing a fragrance.

I have a hunch that my impressions of it will change as the days go by. This one is really mysterious . It wouldn't be fair to classify it under one banner..let it do it's thing and enjoy the ride.

Unisex "yes". I agree with past reviews that it will react differently on different types of skin. It is one of those "constantly developing" fragrances. As a guy the sweetness of the chocolate makes me feel a little uncomfortable but it isn't cloying. I think I can get used to it. After all I have used vanilla based fragrances for years with no issues. Time for a little chocolate perhaps.

Very sexy and very sensual. My ideal Les Esclusifs would be a heavy duty Cuir De Russie at an affordable price. However coromandel will work for now.

I too get a little soil note, and I also love it. Would love more-- I would say that maybe I could find something to layer, but it seems sacrilegious to suggested tampering with one of the Exclusifs line. Less smoky than I like, but still, so rich and gorgeous, intoxicating. It won't replace Sycomore in my heart, but it sits close to her.

I have to agree with a couple of the other reviews - this fragrance does have a very subtle potting soil note for the first hour. For me, this is the twist that keeps this fragrance interesting! I think this is basically a patchouli bomb that was civilized by the sweetness of amber. I think it is wise to be careful with application unless you definitely want to get a reaction.

This is something I'd have to be in a certain mood for, and then it is perfect. The chocolate is almost on the edge of where that type of note is too food-y for me. It may be the sweetest perfume in my collection so far.

I am one of those people that segregates fragrances by season and I think I could probably no more wear this on a hot day than I could wear a cashmere sweater.

Just got this sample today! (Thank you, again Emily7) Well, I must admit, I think its fantastic! After my disappointment in Chanel 5, which I just can't wear) I thought I would never find a Chanel that would make me say WOW. It must be the incense that makes, it so unusual, and interesting. For the relatively small amount of notes, it seems more complex somehow. I am sniffing it now, and it doesn't come across as very sweet. I will have to wait for the total dry down though, to really see if I would purchase a FB. I have a feeling it may be one that will last on the skin, which is a plus for me, as so many of the fragrances I love, don't have the staying power I would like to have. Still will have to test this further, as want so much to love it!

Super long lasting juice, then again, anything with a strong patchouli note does also.

Not really fond of the opening, its a bit of a cherry, almond smell which I find a bit off putting. The amber here is very nice and reminds me of Eau Lente from Diptyque (just texture not smell), may be its the incense and benzoin/opoponax doing tricks.

Dries down to a creamy, almondy, white chocolate sensation,and yes, this is like Amen white chocolate edition you can say, but less sweet.

Interesting fragrance, its a like but not a love as I don't find it compelling or challenging enough and the opening wasn't that appealing to me. Its an oriental that its warming or caressing and comforting enough for me and a bit too much patchouli.

When I smell this I’m reminded of the smell of bad breath, there is a woman at my work who has chronic halitosis and a fondness for eating chocolate chip cookies, that’s what Coromandel smells like! Sometimes this smells quite nice, powdery, chocolaty and soft oriental and I crave it, but on others, particularly in its sillage, all I get is that dreaded bad breath stench. This is confusing for me as I usually can pin down the very essence of a perfume, I bought this for £100 last September but it just seems like my ridiculously overpriced & regretted purchase, I really wish I had sampled this before buying.
Coromandel was described by Luca Turin as ‘powdered white chocolate’; I don’t think I can do a better summary.

This was a blind buy for me, while I still think Bois de Iles would have been a better choice for me.. I;m now finding myself in love with Coromandel. Initially it was a bit too masqueline on me. But then when i smelled it on my male friend, I thought I could soo pull this off.

It definently has that common Chanel quality but the smell is not common it almost... almost smells like candy! Be it the most mature gourmet delicasy kind of candy, it definently has that yummy factor. This mixed with the woods deicdant amber and the smokey insence is about as sexy as a perfume/cologne can get

And the staying power is absolutely fantastic for an edt, and by todays standards it's even fabulous compared to many edps

I will agree with the below comment. This is definently not a casual scent. After re claiming my Coromandel I donced myself in it and loved every moment, but I couldn't help and feel like it was too nice to wear with my current attire which was jeans and a sweat shirt.lol It just didn't fit the picture, lol.

Also it is balmy / close to the skin, but the first few hours there is a prety strong sillage.. it's only after than that it becomes more personal. which is really how I like my perfume.. to start off strong and a decent sillage so that the drydown is still very much there just more on an intimate level

The spices remind me slightly of yves saint laurent 'nu' only softer and slightly candied, they are not over done it's just a perfect level Really a masterpiece I cant pick out anything that I think needs to be changed. For me that's big every perfume I buy i pick something out that's wrong with it and begin the tweeking process. With Coromandel I have absolutely no desire to ''tweek'' at all LOL

Dont mess with perfection!

And yes I now feel it's highly unisex, perfectly suitible for a male or female

I wasn't going to admit it , but what the hell. I was actually moments away from giving my whole 200 ml bottle away. Not thinking much of it, he sprayed some on himself and loved it, i payed little attentin. About an hour later I walked by him, and smelled it and well... that was reposessed by me in under two minutes flat! x)) my friend was not happy with me one bit! lol

I absolutely love this fragrance. It's sweet, smoky, elegant and very well blended perfume. Incense note plays in the background and then shows up, this way it continues the life of the fragrance. Benzoin adds in a subtle sweet composition. I get a bit of cardamon and patchouli that keeps it grounded and along with woodsy notes it's very earthy. The longevity is quite strong for an EDT. I almost get through the day with 3-4 sprays. The price is reasonable as well $110 for 2.5fl oz and $210 for 6.8fl oz. It's a must have for a great fragrance collection of all time.
There are days when I don't put it on but keep sniffing it in a bottle.
My perfume wardrobe will never be without Chanel Coromandel.
Note: It's being compared to Guerlain L'Instant Pour Homme Eau Extreme & other sweet fragrances but Coromandel has CHANEL's elegance and Smoky incense note that makes this far superior than the rest.
Verdict: 10/10

This is a good quality perfume for a fine lady. An elegant clothing is a must have.
I smell almond and vanilla in it. But this one, is something else than others.
The almond and vanilla are NO SWEET at all! Super silage, longevity about 5 hours on me. Chanel would make a big deal, to put the old Coco and the old No 5
and No 19 and how they all call them out from the counters for a while and offer this one instead! Do not understand me wrong, I had them all once, they are really pretty too, but it is still the same. Some change would be refreshing.
Thank you lovely kosmoskukka for your sample!

To me this smells so much like burboun vanilla sugar that i put in cakes:-) i love it though. Am curious about longevity on my skin but i think its among my least beloved from les exclusifs

By far my favorite Chanel. A rich blend of amber and patchouli. Neither note are enough to offend, but both are artfully executed. The incense provides a smokey base which gives this one some depth. The notes above are missing something... maybe a soft vanilla. There is definitely a slight sweet note at the bottom that is holding everything together. Beautiful!

A well blended perfume. Strong but not agressive.I could smell a lot of patchouli and a little bit of benzoin and once in a while, a hint of incense. It's kind of sour and musky on my skin. I have no complaint at all because I adore patchouli. A must try for patchouli fans.

An elegant bouquet that fit well, for me with patchouli, amber and no one of them is stronger than the other.
I also hear the notes but they certainly are cedar wooded fool me.
Exclusive? There are various imitations. I agree with ALFAROME, is not the best collection of Chanel.
good Sillage

I am looking for a scent that not everyone in my circle will be wearing. I come from a very small town where everyone lives in bath and body works and macys brands like euphoria or coco M. And while I do admit that I have been wearing Coco M a lot lately, I crave new and exciting fragrances. I think this just may be it. I find that it has a spicyness to it that reminds me of my burberry brit red which I wore for years until I found that it was discontinued. I have decided that if I cant order it from the fragance house online or a store such as Saks then I dont want it. No more Ebay for me!
This may just be the perfume for me. I know I can buy it off the Chanel site and although it will take a bit to get here, it will be worth the wait!

The main (only) notes that my nose picks up from Coromandel are benzoin and patchouli. The first time I tried this on, from a small sample, I got this heavy "dirt" feeling from it, though, probably from the patchouli. It was frustrating because in all other aspects I loved it - but I just couldn't get over this "soil" scent.

However, every time since then that I have tried it, I get nothing of that, just maybe some slightly earthy tone in the background every now and then, which I am perfectly fine with. I have no idea why it's so different - was there something on my skin the first time I tried it? Whatever the case, now I'm in love. This is the quintessential fall fragrance. I want to wear this while walking among fallen leaves while wearing a thick scarf. Badly.

I'm thinking of recreating something like this with essential oils and benzoin. If you've ever smelled pure benzoin, you know that this fragrance has a lot of it - it's a sweet and resinous scent. I never before thought of it as something you would use a lot of in a fragrance, but Coromandel has changed my view of what a perfume can be like. It's wonderful.

I'm not a huge fan of the kind of base in this fragrance, and it reminded me too much of the original Prada perfume. I liked Luca Turin's idea that this one is like powdered white chocolate, but I don't really get that at all. I do like the opening, but after an hour or so it's just too much like the Prada and not to my tastes. Interestingly, there is a fragrance that does do what I was hoping Coromandel would do. It's Patchouli Plaisir by Molinard, and I obtained a bottle in a swap. I had no idea what it smelled like, but I was willing to do the swap because I didn't give up much and didn't like that fragrance anyway (an Yves Rocher, low-end one). It's so funny how you can come across a fragrance that you really like by just getting lucky. I guess "you have to be in it to win it" as the lottery people say. I'll likely keep swapping fragrances, though lottery tickets aren't my thing.

Love at first sniff. Rich and ambery at the start which morphs into a wonderful hay scent. Then comes incense/clove and dusty patchouli....then finally, a wonderful sweet powdery chocolate scent with just a dash of that ambery hay lingering. An incredible fragrance.

Coromandel is my go-to comfort scent. I would classify it as a milky-oriental, with its creamy vanilla-chocolate notes, soft spice, and warm woods. It's like curling up wrapped in a golden-brown cashmere wrap on an antique velvet mahogany couch, sipping a creamy spicy chai while watching your favorite movie.

Memories of wearing Obsession as a teenager came flooding back to me when I tried Coromandel. I experienced the same amber-induced uplighting scent swiftly followed by the harsh taste in the back of the throat that amber perfumes always leave me with. I see this as Obession's lighter, more elegant cousin, as the amber eventual gives way to a slightly smoky clean smell scent. Unfortunately I can't tolerate the initially strong amber note, otherwise I would have loved to have added this to my collection as a daytime scent. Low to moderate sillage and decent longevity (a good few hours).

When you are young everything on your mother's vanity table is magic. Though I am older now, this particular perfume hasn't lost any of its magic.

Something about this perfume makes me wish I was married so that I could share this scent with a man all night long! (I know! I just made myself blush too! ... But it's the truth!)

I've noticed that men enjoy smelling it on me during conversation but I wouldn't at all mind smelling this on a man.

Its powdery notes make its smell feminine while
its musky notes scream pure virile power.

This very full fragrance is voluptuous, sensual, and romantic. It lasts for days..and melds with a person's unique chemistry beautifully.

Yay, for Coco!!

~~ Though I love this scent - because of its androgynous nature I will not wear it often.`~

- Lini Darling

Fantastic. A touch masculine at first, but becomes a part of you. Deep, dark,rich, smokey, chocolately, resinous-woody that lasts 8 hours....

Love it. Great for a man, or a woman with a lot of character & depth. Or a woman in a man's world....in my Top 3 Chanels, along with Coco EDP & Bois des Iles.

Truly one of a kind....I have smelt nothing like it. Very soothing. Feels like snuggling up on a chocolate brown leather sofa to smoke some cherry cavendish pipe tobacco, have a spiced rum, and listen to your most satisfying music.

This fragrance took me to a place I have wonderful memories of. Reminiscent of Ice Wine, my favorite dessert wine. Just fantastic...

If you happen to smell Coromoandel for the first time and you don't know it's from Chanel you'll be probably end up thinking it's from Guerlain or Serge Lutens. This fragrance sits somewhere next to Guerlain Homme Intense, L'instant Pour Homme Extreme and Heritage but at the same time it shows the unmistakeable hallmark of many of the Sheldrake's compositions made for Serge Lutens. A bold-sweet (almost gourmandic),-spicy oriental built around a consistent patchouli note.

An high quality composition that is a sure compliment getter, projects decently and has a tenacious lasting power (more than 12 hrs), but IMO it's not among the best and most successful releases in the Les Exclusif range. Don't get me wrong, Coromandel is a crowdpleaser and you'll probably won't be by any means disappointed, it's just that I like it but don't love it. Good rating, anyway.

Rating: 7/10

I wanted so much to love this. It is definitely a woody fragrance, but woody as in fresh wood. It's creamy and sharp all at once. It's like this is the scent of actual coromandel, deep woody notes with the biting varnish over the top. This is a well made perfume, just not for me.

This is a strong fragrance with a note all its own. It’s supposed to be patchouli-based, but I don’t smell patchouli right away. Instead, I think I smell some spice, probably coriander, citrusy aldehydes, a dusting of light powder, and vanilla. In addition, there’s something odd I can’t put my finger on, possibly a note that emerges from the combination of several others. It verges on gourmand, but never completely goes there.

As it dries down there is a slight patchouli note, but it’s not a patchouli scent, either, it’s more a patchouli-vanilla. There’s lots of sillage, and it lasts all day on skin. I was surprised to still smell its sillage even after I had taken a shower, more than 12 hours after applying it, and could still smell it 24 hours later. This sounds overpowering, but it is not. Although amazingly tenacious, the scent always stays at a reasonable level.

Chanel is not always my thing, so I was surprised by how much I liked - no, loved - Coromandel. If you are a fan of well-made, classic perfumes but don’t care for overly floral and powdery scents, Coromandel is worth trying. It’s going into my regular rotation.

I love, love it! Its dry, woodsy, spicy and a little dusty, like an oak panelled room with beautiful, old furniture. I just want to live inside this smell!

To me this is a rainy afternoon on an old leather chair with your favorite book, a fire, and his favorite old shirt. And you feel like a million bucks. Just dreamy.

c'est l'ambergris dans le fond qui fait tout la differance!!!!!!
un parfum mix 100 pour 100

Next time anyone asks me "what does it mean when something is greater than the sum of its parts", I will send them off to the Chanel Boutique to have a good sniff of Coromandel.

It says in the blurb that Gabrielle Chanel proclaimed she would "faint of happiness" upon first seeing the laquered Chinese screens, from which Coromandel derives its name, and that she will live surrounded by them. This scent makes me want to repeat her quip. It seems so simplistic and easy-going, and yet it's like a whirlpool never failing to drag one down into its warm insensey depths. Simply beautiful.

Seemingly uncomplicated in its number of elements, yet a deep, well blended and harmonious fragrance.

Patchouli feels fresh on application then becomes the smell of parched, sundried wood embalmed in vanilla nuanced benzoin resin with a sweet infusion of incense; the fibrous wood scent permeating through all the while.

Despite being part of the Les Exclusifs line, Coromandel feels unpretentiously commanding and sophisticatedly simple without being simplistic in any way.

This feels like a barefoot walk on the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, simply clad in raw, natural linen. Deep, easy serenity.

An amazingly complex fragrance.

Jicky and Coromadel share that peculiar quality of starting off with an almost medicinal note, very strong. But then Jicky continues with Lavander and Coromadel with Woody notes.

Coromadel is definitely fragrance with a huge personality and very unisex.

Coromandel is AMAZING!! Upon first sniff at Holt's, I thought it was too manly and bought the Bois des Iles that I love too. But I kept using my Coromandel sample, and used it up, and I cannot stop smelling the empty tester sample!! I just LOVE it! It is so complicated & intense, yet is still silky-smooth & calm. Smells like incense & inedible chocolate with a touch of sweet pipe tobacco to my nose. It could be used by a man, but I think that a voluptuous, sexy, sultry-voiced siren would be able to pull this off nicely. Jessica Rabbit wears this & Poison in my opinion. I will be buying this very soon! I might even go for the 200ml rather than the 75ml so I can bathe in it like I want to!!

Update: Have bought, and am bathing in it!

God, I love you.

UD: Found out my hubby doesn't love you. Sad, but I still adore you! I will wear you when he is not around!

I just had to comment on dragonesque's breathtaking review below.

I haven't experienced this perfume yet, but I did so enjoy the passion and poetry with which dragonesque explains her love for this scent. Well done!

It’s been four days since I fell in love with Coromandel. This is a very rare occasion when it “clicked” at once between me and the scent. Coromandel meets me with a lot of burnt precious wood. As if I were standing in front of a burning old family mansion watching the fire to devour Viennese chairs, writing cabinets, antique pianos and clavecins. The vintage furniture, the old collection of pictures, the polished old parquet - greedy fire swallows everything. And then, when there is nothing left but the ashes, when I am standing silent and devastated, another scent appears from under the sweetish smoke fume - a fresh, moist, raw, earthy patchouli scent. Like epuration, like forgiveness, like a promise of a new life that is born from the dust. Catharsis.

Coromandel has been my biggest splurge EVER, the 200ml bottle & the $$$, but it is heaven in a bottle on me. One application from the little sample bottle and I knew I would want this fragrance forever. I agree (for once) with L. Turin's comparison to powdered white chocolate, and yes there is A LOT of patchouli. It is also very strong and long-lasting on me and one of the few perfumes I own that have actually made people ask what I'm wearing (in a good way I hope!) It is sweet, yes, but never cloying. I just simply love this gem.

I also have Borneo 1834 by Serge Lutens and it is much darker, intense, bitter chocolate, almost unwearable because it smells so medicinal, good for if you are in a black mood and don't want anyone to come near you. A patchouli overdose. There is no sweetness at all.

I got a very sexy (perfumey, not gourmand) powdery white chocolate. Sort of Chanel-does-Musc-Ravageur, as diorshowman said. It's well done, but chocolate is not generally my thing.

Delicious, exotic Coromandel. The most perfect sweet, creamy, resinous perfume imaginable. It starts out with strong patchouli, which adds a green mustiness. As the perfume continues to dry down, the patch fades somewhat, and the yummy resins take over. This is my favorite stage, as it is perfectly sweet, dreamy, and balmy, with a touch of powdery iris to prevent it from becoming too heavy. Thankfully it continues like this for many, many pleasurable hours! Coromandel is a longevity monster!! It's not until like 10 hours into the drydown that I start to smell spice, maybe cinnamon, and it reminds me of a cinnamon roll drizzled with icing. I wouldn't call Coromandel gourmand, but it conjures images of sweet, creamy, edibles.

I find this perfume to be quite alluring, and it's hard to explain why. It's elegant, dressy, but not over-the-top. Perfect for cocktails and a little black dress; not a ballgown.

At first whiff, Coromandel is very reminiscent of Frederic Malle's Musc Ravageur-that anamalic assertive type of fragrance.I've also heard of this being compared to Serge Luten's Borneo 1834, but I havent gotten a chance to test Borneo out so I cant make that comparison. But as far as being similar to Musc Ravageur...Coromandel is darn close to MR. Think a toned down-ever-so-slighty version of MR, a more wearable version of MR. Upon first sampling it, I had expected this to be alot sweeter than it actually is, I mean Luca Turin described Coromandel as smelling like "powdered white chocolate." This is by no means a true gourmand like Angel Men or New Haarlem, it is more oriental with the vanilla not playing as a sweetener. If you liked Musc Ravageur, then Coromandel is a must try and Coromandel is cheaper too. $140 for MR for a 1.7ml whereas $110 for Coromandel for the 2.5 ml.

*PS. I know this is marketed towards women but to me this is very UNISEX.Being that this is so similar to Musc ravageur and Musc Ravageur is classified as a unisex...I dont see why CHANEL would market this for women.But then again, these are the same people that call Sycomore a woman's fragrance.

Longevity:B+
Projection:B
Uniqueness:B+
Versatility:B-
OVERALL: A

As soon as sprayed it turns out strange: rough, bitter, it has wrongfooted to me because it has not tried to seduce to me, indeed almost it has ignored me and it gone straight for its road, with citruses and incense to fairly divide between men and women.
But little after the patchouli a vellutata boscosità has begun to dull its angles diffusing and resinosa, feminine but with temperament, and that has captured my attention. I did not succeed to stop to smell to me.

After a half hour the scent has been still transformed, becoming ulteriorly polveroso and carezzevole, almost amber, with a benzoin end perhaps and fava tonka that it has lasted very over a long time span, for being a edt, with a sillage very discreet and of great class. You will understand that to this point I was completely its…

This scent has made to make a rich olfattivo travel, original me, unforeseeable, exciting. And entirety, has made to feel me beautiful and seduces, very centered to earth.

It was Katie Puckrik who had me wanting to try this fragrance. After watching her perfume collection videos on YouTube and hearing all about her love for incense-based scents, Chanel's Coromandel went straight to the top of my 'for test' list.

It took a while for me to discover my love for Coromandel. When first applied to the skin, it seemed to be very masculine and indeed very strong. The incense note was barely evident for the first ten minutes.

When I re-visited Coromandel, it reminded me of a stronger, more lasting and much more complex version of Allure Sensuelle.

After leaving the Chanel boutique I was quite certain that Chanel's Beige was my pick, however as I walked on through the crowd of people at the mall, I was enchanted by a deliciously smokey scent drifting up and around my nose.

Once settled into the heart, the magic of Coromandel can be truly felt. This is less sophisticated than other Chanel's I've tried. Coromandel makes me feel like a bad-girl; a little daring, merciless and wild.

Coromandel is earthy patchouli, rich ambery incense, exotic spices, syrupy vanilla and dusty woods. I would be game enough to call this fragrance sexy.

Some people mention chocolate as a note not listed here, and on second thoughts, there is a rather chocolatey accord hidden in there somewhere. However, don't expect Coromandel to be anything like Thierry Mugler's Angel.

The lasting strength is amazing. I had my wrist stuck to my nose until almost 3am. I think Coromandel excited me so much that I couldn't sleep.

I went out and read all the reviews on this before writing my own. i see most people like it, and I will not be disagreeing with them.

This is a nice smokey, benzoin tinged fragrance. Benzoin, to the unaware, wears a bit sweet, and this is what folks are referring to wiht their 'sweet' comments.

One thing that caught my eye was a review that this isn't selling well. I suspect I know why. As a piece of art this perfume is very lovely, but when placed in the Louvre it becomes forgetable. i'm assuming that smoky orientals are a genre most folks need one, two tops bottles of.

As an incense/benzoin i have Bois D'armenie, which is more complex than this. As a sweet woody i think Sonoma Scent's Winter Woods has the edge.

And so on for every aspect of this scent; and the high price tag doesn't help matters any. So in sum, a good fragrance when reviewed alone, an OK fragrance when held up to the competition.

Coromandel is a beautiful, patchouli fragrance - a must try for all patch lovers out there!This is my favorit!
!Обичам го!

Lovely spicy beginning and even more pretty patchouli/insence drydown that resembles that of Prada. Slightly gourmand , I think it gives out that comforting impression for a rainy weather.

Chanel COROMANDEL is a very strong and spicy elixir, on the order of CK EUPHORIA, believe it or not! Instead of champaca, here we have incense, applied very liberally, to the point where I felt that I was trapped in a tarot card reader's tent all day. Honestly, I was waiting for this stuff to fade away, looking forward with great anticipation to a hot bath.

But then, suddenly, something miraculous transpired: I find myself now ensconced in a beautiful, benzoin-rich, not overly spicy but still oriental drydown. Suddenly, five hours after application, I really like COROMANDEL!

The opening had the same sourness that I detected in a couple other of Les Exclusifs, which I really do not like. Added to the heavy-handed, in-your-face incense note, I was ready to toss the rest of my sample out. Now, however, I have decided that COROMANDEL requires extremely light application, so I'll have to try it again on another occasion before issuing my final verdict. (-;

I didn't expect to like it so much, 'cause I thought it would be too heavy and suffocating. It is simply incredible - smells so classy, expensive, sophisticated and most of all yummy, like a combination of white and dark chocolate, with a non-irritating sweetness. My husband absolutely adores it and often reminds me to wear it.

It’s been a long, wintry day in a busy city. You crave the comfort of a warm room, lit only by the flames dancing in the old-fashioned fireplace. You want something that is cozy and, yet, flavorful. Hot chocolate, anyone?

To me, Coromandel is the perfect cup of chocolate! This is not, however, the innocent, milk chocolate that is so popular with young children. Rather, it is the dark, 70%-cocoa chocolate—rich and aromatic. I would not describe Coromandel as a gourmand. There is a slightly bitter accord, pronounced particularly in the middle notes, that prevents it from being sweet. There is wood, too, emanating just a hint of something aloof in the middle. The base is velvety smooth. I am not entirely convinced by Turin and Sanchez’s comment that Coromandel reminds of white chocolate or powder. I don’t find Coromandel either white, or powdery. It is relatively dry, though not as dry and not as linear as Serge Lutens Borneo stays on my skin.

After a long search for the “ideal” patchouli that creates this wonderful illusion of a rich, dark chocolate, I think I have found it in Coromandel. Like another reviewer below, I don't see why this should be only a feminine fragrance. It could be great on a man, too.

This scent starts out a little bit oilly, with a soft aroma of amber, something between the medicinal and the creamy smells. But very strong and pleasant.

Then, goes to a mix of vanilla + chocolat, which is typical from scents that have a touch of benzoin. It reminds me A LOT of L’instant (Guerlain) and its aroma of white chocolat with a hint of Rochas Lui. I would say that this one could be an ideal female version of L’instant.

Although its target is the women people, it could be perfectly shared, depending on the skin of the person who are wearing it, of course! I have already seen male fragrances more “female” than this one.

Its bottle is simple, however the perfume is complex. The quality and the wealthy of this scent are spectacular.

the beautiful fragrance truely classified as one of Les Exclusives. at the beginning you may think that the big bottle is too much and carring in a purse would be not easy thing. but lately you will experience the true chic of exclusivity that the fragrance stays all day long filling the air of the its splendid notes. Bravo Chanel!

Coromandel is a beautiful, patchouli fragrance - a must try for all patch lovers out there!

Luca Turin described it as "powdered white chocolate," and I'd have to agree. There's nothing else quite like this perfume, which starts out as a very animalic, ambery burst of indulgence and which dries down to a sublte, sweet, powdery patchouli. The patchouli in Coromandel is not dry, nor is it overly woody - it's blended with the chocolately amber so well that, though it's the headliner of the fragrance, it doesn't steal the show entirely, and eventually, it becomes just as powdery as the chocolate accord (which is a very unique occurrence to my nose).

This won't be universally liked and in fact, I've heard it's the worst-selling in the Les Exclusifs line, but for those who adore patchouli and chocolate, and perhaps those who were intrigued by Borneo 1834, it's worth seeking out and testing, if only for the experience of smelling something entirely original.

The powdery tone reminds me of sand and soft materials, the wet woodiness brings to mind images of driftwood, and the ambery incense reminds me of bonfires on the beach. Though it's the farthest thing from beachy, wearing Coromandel makes me feel like walking along a foggy beach in the morning, wrapped in the softness of a white cashmere sweater, and aware of nothing but the feel of the natural textures all around me.