Majestic Beans

Guerlain Tonka Imperiale is a beloved, now-discontinued oriental - a powdery tonka bean wrapped in marzipan-sweet bitter almond, contrasted by aromatic rosemary and a smoky tobacco-incense drydown, all carrying the signature Guerlainade elegance. Majestic Beans recreates that tonka-almond DNA. It opens with a herbal bergamot and rosemary lift over a strong marzipan bitter-almond note, then deepens into the powdery tonka and tobacco heart with a whisper of jasmine. The base brings cedar, pine and a touch of incense for warmth. Perfume Parlour captures the cosy tonka-almond sweetness well, but it loses the original's refined balance - the incense and aromatic contrast are muted, so it reads sweeter, rounder and a little more linear than the sophisticated Guerlain. Longevity is good for a budget scent though it trails the original's 10-hour staying power. A cosy, comforting tonka oriental for autumn and winter evenings.