You would have come across variety of fragrances that resembles with specific occasions. Some fragrances go specifically well with parties, some for office, weddings, dates, beaches, and many more. But have you ever imagined that a perfume could evoke thoughts of philosophy?
I am talking about the Tam Dao by Diptyque (eau de toilette) which reminds me of the Japanese philosophy Wabi Sabi.
You will know exactly why it feels so but before that let’s see how Tam Dao smells like and what’s unique about it…
The perfume has been named after a forest and mountain range in Vietnam called the Tam Dao. The forest is known for its natural landscapes, flora and fauna.
You can spot the representation of Tam Dao forest and animals on the perfume’s label as well.
When i first sniffed this fragrance, it surprised me, confused me and left me with questions. I had never put my nose to something like this.
A Unique Opening
The fragrance opens with a myrtle note. Which along with it’s fresh herbal and sweet smell also has a camphor tone. Looking at the notes breakdown one feels that it’s a white flower and will smell very floral and sweet. It is difficult to identify myrtle if you are smelling Tam Dao for the first time.
Myrtle- Instills a leafy, sweet and herbaceous note. Every British royal wedding bouquets carry a sprig of myrtle in it, representing love, fertility and innocence. Essential oil of myrtle is extracted primarily from the leaves and twigs.
Along with the Myrtle there is Italian Cypress and Rose notes mentioned in the break down. My nose couldn’t find Italian cypress here nor have I sniffed it in isolation.
Rose being a middle note comes later.
Middle & Base Notes
After about 10-15 minutes, it’s time for the middle and base notes to show up. The camphorous note of myrtle creates the stage for cedar. Here the cedarwood doesn’t feel sudden and strong. The transition is very subtle and smooth and that’s the sign of a good fragrance.
There is also a sandalwood note in the background and it neutralizes the sharpness of cedarwood very well.
All the woods in Tam Dao are clean and smell polished. The sandalwood does not feel uncomfortable. All the proportions feel to the point and are not overpowering at all. They compliment each other’s presence very well making it a beautifully blended woody perfume.
But because of the nature of cedarwood, it shines a little more than the other two.
There is also mention of Amber and white musk but I couldn’t trace them in Tam Dao.
The rose here is similar to the one found in rose based talcum. It exists here in harmony with the woods, just enough to give little more character to the fragrance.
Interpretation
Overall Tam Dao is a simple, straight to the point “woody fragrance”. Woody in literal terms.
The wood here is in it’s very natural form. It can seem like Tam Dao has only 2 or 3 notes, which is true as well.
Individuals who are used to wearing designer woody fragrances can feel that Tam Dao is incomplete.
But that’s also the beauty of this fragrance!
The Japanese Philosophy
Tam Dao reminds me of the Japanese philosophy “Wabi Sabi”, which means finding beauty in the incompleteness. People who resonate with such philosophies might be the right audience for Tam Dao.
See this dining table. It is inspired by Wabi Sabi. It looks beautiful in the raw form. But it can come off as incomplete, lacking the finishing touches, not premium or designer enough.
There are people who will not invest into it thinking it doesn’t justify the value. While for some it may not be less than an art.
Tam Dao feels exactly like this table. Raw, incomplete, simple, non-designer and with no frills.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
Not all are inspired by philosophies, so there will be people who would find Tam Dao boring. Yes! Hence a category of people layer Tam Dao with other fragrances. This can uplift the overall experience and longevity.
In recent years this perfume has come into limelight because of Indian Bollywood superstar Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, who revealed that he layers Tam Dao with Dunhill Icon and that it is his signature scent.
This certainly brought eyes on to this fragrance because everyone adores Shah Rukh Khan and wants to smell like him.
But for someone like me, tam dao smells best in itself. I won’t prefer layering this beautiful creation with some other perfumes. The original form has a very spiritual experience.
Best Occasions
There is no one specific occasion that this perfume targets. But you can wear it for occasions that require you to be calm, relaxed and in the moment.
Outfits for Tam Dao
By now you would have understood that Tam Dao is a very cozy and a comfortable woody scent. So this can be accessorized well with sweaters, corduroy, linens and even scarfs.
But the weather must be cool. In hot and humid weather it can vanish off sooner than you think.
Lasting & Silage
In a cool environment Tam Dao can last an entire day on skin. But the silage is very moderate. You can’t expect this fragrance to give you compliments on street, nor will it get you compliments in closed settings. It is just a personal fragrance, one that you put for yourself.
Buy this for your own peace, for a calming experience.
Buy this if you have few other fragrances which are your primary ones. Because you will not be picking this up everyday.
Age
It is very subjective. But i feel Tam Dao will be appreciated more by people with little age on them, like over 35 years. Younger audience might find it too linear for a fragrance of this price.
Tam Dao will be appreciated by people who have lived in the urban life for a while, and are looking for simplicity and calmness.
Those who have patience to enjoy historical places, monasteries, like to stay in the country side, enjoy wooden decor and old school attire, this fragrance reminds me of such individuals.
Packaging & Price
Comes in a simple transparent glass bottle, a black cap with Tam Dao branding in the center. There is a jungle theme going on the back side with an elephant walking.
Diptyque has subtle elements like these on each of their perfume bottles making it a class in it’s own way. The bottle comes inside a black box. There is diptyque branding on the top of cap and the cap is magnetic. The presentation is very simple just like the perfume inside it.
Packaging & Price
In India Tam Dao (EDT) is priced at around Rs. 16,000/- for 100 ml. It is not widely available, but you can find it at high end stores.
That’s Diptyque’s Tam Dao for you. A fragrance that’s inspired by the Tam Dao forest of Vietnam, a simple woody fragrance with a power to evoke a calming experience within you.
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