Celestial
Anjou (1957)

ANJOU – CELESTIAL (1957)

Top: Orange Blossom, Mimosa, Bergamot
Middle: Rose, Honeysuckle, Muguet, Jasmine
Base: Sandalwood, Pepper, Musk, Vanilla

Anjou was a small perfume house, situated in the state of Illinois, USA. Between 1940 and 1958, they released 9 scents. Celestial was their second to last creation.

This is a lovely creation that to my nose smells of sandalwood, vanilla and tobacco, although the latter is not present in the note tree. The sweetness of the orange blossom and honeysuckle are held in check by the dry notes of the muguet and pepper. Mimosa oil tends to smell minty, as opposed to the warm scent emanating from the flower itself. There is just the slightest hint of that mint note in the background.

This is truly unisex by today's standards. The sandalwood/tobacco/vanilla impression is just right for a man, but a sporty woman would certainly be at home wearing this as well. It's a calm, quiet, comforting scent, best worn at home, although it would not be out of place in a work environment.

An interesting find. I am intrigued now to encounter the other 8 scents of this little known house.

First Edit - 7-7-20: Living with Celestial now for two months, I find my present impression quite different from the first. Now I consistently get a peachy sweet cedar wood upon opening and a half hour in, I get pure oak moss. None of these note are in the note tree. I am amazed that my initial impression, dabbing onto my wrist, was worlds away from the actual experience of wearing the scent. Still quite fine, but amazingly kaleidoscopic.