Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la route de Madagascar Guerlain for women

Mujo thanks for your review.
I feel the same about this version of Shalimar, this is pure heaven and am I going to be blasphemous if I say I like this version better than the original?
Very hard to come by now but you gave us a great piece of info here about a new Ode coming up!!

Edit: I googled this info on new Ode and according to Guerlain among other notes it will feature plum caramel and chocolate, I'm speechless and dying to try it but will have to wait till the end of the year apparently.

Although almost impossible to find by now, but I managed to buy a bottle after all. It was a blind buy and after buying it (and waiting for it) I was worried that I wouldn't like it. But first whiff blew away all my fears. I simply adore the Madagascar version of Shalimar Ode a la Vanille. It's more balmy, softer and sweeter than the original, but still very much Shalimar. I love this Edp just as much as my original extrait version (and that means something). I'm treasuring my bottle.

There is a new version on it's way. Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la route du Mexique. Needles to say I'm very curious again.

I unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to test the original Shalimar Ode a la Vanille from 2010, so I won't be comparing the two. Instead I intend to compare this flanker to the original Shalimar, and explain my reasons for liking Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la Route de Madagascar infinitely more than the original.

There's something surprisingly raunchy about this limited edition. It appears to be more animalic than the classic Shalimar, with resinous opoponax and a heavier dose of creamy vanilla. The citrus opening is more subdued, and the classic powderiness has been toned down significantly.

What's left is a rich vanilla based fragrance with darker hints of opoponax, leather, incense and iris. Indeed this is a fragrance for those naughty women of the 1920's. I believe they called them 'flappers' back in the day.

I have read many reviews that have deemed both versions of Shalimar Ode a la Vanille as the closest you'll get to vintage Shalimar. Well if this is the case, I curse reformulations. Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la Route de Madasgascar is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it's the most agreeable Shalimar yet.

This edition wears a lot smoother on the skin, and has more of a gourmand feel. Seeing that I love my vanilla scents foody, I can't help but be enchanted by this flanker. I only wish it wasn't a limited edition, released exclusively during the Christmas period.

If you have tested the original Shalimar and found yourself desiring more sweetness and sensuality, then Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur a Route de Madagascar is the one for you. The longevity is more than outstanding, and the sillage packs a punch. It's one flanker that shouldn't be missed.

I'm in love! This is my first 'Shalimar'... and now I want more. I had tested it before, didn't like it then, I thought it smelled too 'mature' or 'old'. Now I just can't get enough of it. Citrusy, fresh, then powdery dust with clouds of vanilla-scented smoke... Super classy, yet complex! Very interesting. Longevity & sillage are a great bonus. A true 'comfort' scent (albeit a winter one). I'm aware it's a limited edition, but I find it not TOO different from the original Shalimar, perhaps a bit smoother/creamier in terms of the vanilla. Not necessarily 'sweeter'. I'll probably get the original when I'm done with my current bottle or when it's sold out in stores.

I got my bottle about 2 hours ago and immediately spray on my wrist and the shalimar edp in the other wrist, and was dissapointed as I expected something more sweet and really different then my edp, I don't know. But after about one hour I notice the difference. Madagascar is softer and perhaps sweeter, and last longer then the edp.
I like this version better and wish the Guerlain house keeps making this but I don't think they will because would be more expensive.

Finally yesterday I got to take home a lovely blue box with my Shalimar OALV!! Only two boxes left so this is another scent I'm going to mourn for since is a very limitd edition and shops are not going to reorder when they are sold out.
As much as I love standard Shalimar this limited version is absolutely stunning, I think this is the best flanker of them all.
It doesn't take anything away from the original, quite the opposite Shalimar in OALV becomes softer, more sensual, sweeter in a very chic way due to the Madagascan vanilla which is absolutely amazing.
Wearing this scent at night in the winter cold is the most upliftin experience ever!!

To all Shalimar fans who moans about your recent Shalimar doesn't smell it use to be, then you MUST get this. This is the Shalimar should smell like, even a friend of mine who doesn't like Shalimar says this is wonderful. So go get this before it runs out.

this is a magical potion! What can be better than Shalimar? Only Shalimar :) This version is more sensual and feminine in my opinion. For special days and special mood. When a panther disguise as a kitten, but still remains a panther.

Help anyone! I recently moved from Milan to Bologna and I don't have a clue on where to find this flanker in Bologna.
Does any Italian member know about this?
You can pm me if you like.
Thanks heaps

Bought this today. At the Guerlain boutique I did not mean to buy this one as I am not a fan of vanilla. I confided to the wonderfully kind saleslady that I do not like scents like Casmir by Chopard and she did not insist that I tried. But then I said to myself: "Well trying costs nothing". To me it cost the price of this beautiful beauty as I immediately felt in love with this Shalimar.
It's mesmerizing as only Shalimar can mesmerize you. The opening has a hint of vanilla, yes, but so elegant and totally melt with the composition that it results in a very discreet addition, so perfectly in tune with Shalimar.
Usually I am a purist and would abhor reformulations, but in this case the restyling displayed a stupendous outcome.
If you are in love with Shalimar, do surrender to this version, you will not find that it's been ruined or made unrecognizable. It is like a lady, you or me, the same old (or young) one, but made more beautiful, dressed in a more elegant way with a precious jewel on or with a new fitting lipstick.

This is an email from a Guerlain customer service rep regarding the differences between the 2010 and 2012 versions:

"I inform you that the new 2012 Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la Route De Madagascar is different than the 2010 Shalimar Ode a la Vanille composition.

In 2012, Thierry Wasser, perfumer house, pays tribute to this iconic fragrance through a new creation. Always looking for exceptional raw materials, he let us discover the most exquisite vanilla. This edition sublimes the Sambava vanilla from Madagascar. Fruit of the orchid. Infused for a month to captivate all deep and mysterious facets, the Sambava vanilla is overdosed while the leather notes of the original fragrance are attenuated. With this new orchestration enriched with an exceptional density of raw materials, Shalimar rediscovered more amber, gourmand, sensual and intense than ever."

This new version is also called "en route pour Madagascar" and it contains a high percentage of vanilla from Madagascar.
I can't wait to try it but I'm having a hard time finding it.

I read stories from Monsieur Guerlain website & blog, said it's almost the same as the year 2010 version.