Parisian designers Miller et Bertaux have been in business since 1985. They currently have several stores in Paris that carry clothing, home decor items, and cosmetics. I am not sure what year they introduced the 2 scents in their fragrance line, but there is a mention in Women’s Wear Daily about the scents being available at Bendels back in 1998.
I tried No. 2 briefly on a paper test strip at Takashimaya last fall, and was a little overwhelmed by the ginger. Today I am trying it on skin for the first time. The notes include incense, woods, pepper, cardamom, ginger, tobacco and rose.
No. 2 starts with a heavy blast of spicy ginger and pepper. It settles to a dry, aromatic mixture of ginger, incense and light woods. There is little or no sweetness, and the ginger is vaguely reminiscent of the pickled variety served with sushi. The tobacco is not evident until the far dry down, and even then it stays quite muted. I cannot make out any rose at all.
It is a rather quirky, offbeat fragrance, and more lively than the usual rendition of incense. I am not sure I love it, but there is definitely something compelling about it. I will certainly give it another try, and would highly recommend that serious incense lovers get a sample. I believe this is meant as a men’s fragrance, but while it is by no means feminine, it could easily be worn by a woman.
Miller et Bertaux No. 2 Spiritus / Land is available in 100 ml. For buying information, see the listing for Miller et Bertaux under Perfume Houses.
Hi, R! I hope you review Miller et Bertaux #1 next! I love this one and I'd like to hear your opinion.
I've never tried the #1! I think I was so put off by the heavy ginger in #2 when I tried it on a test strip last year that I didn't bother picking up the other bottle. Do I need to get a sample??
Hello R!!
I tried this in the boutique when I went there with Laura. It is rather nice but I did not get around to buying it.
Mr. Miller was there – a rather nice man.
Hugs,
N
N, glad to see you back
Thanks R dear! Your blog is just a mine of info! I love it.
Hi R, N, and the whole gang!
Yes, I got this in Paris and I do love it. It is serious, deep and energizing. Sometimes you need a jolt of these things.
No 1 smelled great at first, but the chutney notes (seriously) put me off.
xoxo,
LA
Chutney??? I need to go look at the notes again.
Most definitely you need a sample! I don't own this or else I would send you a vial.
Next time you go to Takashimaya, please do test this one. It is along the lines of Shiseido Feminite du Bois.
Feminite du Bois…now you're talking! I actually just tried that a couple of weeks ago. Lovely. Hopefully will get to Takashimaya later this month and will give it a try!