There are several products that have become synonymous with the region or city of France from which they are created: champagne, Dijon mustard, Chantilly lace. Cognac, a uniquely double-distilled spirit, comes from the southwest of France and is made by one of the many “Grande Marque” Cognac houses in the city. One such house, Rémy Martin, part of the Rémy Cointreau portfolio of brands, embarked on a new path with the creation of a luxury perfume house: Maison Psyché.
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There are several products that have become synonymous with the region or city of France from which they are created: champagne, Dijon mustard, Chantilly lace. Cognac, a uniquely double-distilled spirit, comes from the southwest of France and is made by one of the many “Grande Marque” Cognac houses in the city. One such house, Rémy Martin, part of the Rémy Cointreau portfolio of brands, embarked on a new path with the creation of a luxury perfume house: Maison Psyché.
Maison Psyché, founded in 2021, made its debut in the fine fragrance space two years ago. Known for its limited Baccarat crystal bottles adorned in gold (or sometimes diamonds), this fragrance house combines the worlds of perfumery and distilling to create luxury fragrances that incorporate elements of its own Cognac cellar.
Éclat d’Ombre, a unisex, limited-edition fragrance, is the latest launch from the house and will only be available in 30 numbered bottles. Principal perfumer Sophie Labbé describes this fragrance as “a delicate balance of bright citrus, the captivating power of rose enhanced by osmanthus and the shadowy, earthy freshness of patchouli.”
Perfumer & Flavorist+ spoke to Sophie Labbé and cellar master Baptiste Loiseau to learn more about the intersection of perfumery and distilling and dive into this unique scent.
What are the similarities and differences between cognac and fine fragrance?
Cognac comes from a singular terroir, whereas fragrances source their natural raw materials from around the world. Cognac will take many years to age, while
Sophie Labbé, principal perfumer, Maison PsychéCourtesy of Maison Psyché
This exclusive fragrance is crafted by aging carefully selected raw materials in small, purposely designed oak casks within Maison Psyché's dedicated cellar in Cognac, France. This unique process, inspired by the exceptional know-how of the Maison Rémy Martin, allows the ingredients to mature and develop complex aromas. It gives both an exceptional roundness and natural aromatic fullness.
This natural transformation strengthens the perfume, allowing it to use fewer and purer ingredients. The process is based on the same dialogue with the wood. Time for cognac will be longer, and the wood of the barrel will also differ as Maison Psyché has designed its own oak barrels imbued by eaux de vies for many years.
Why do you think cognac lends itself so well to fragrance development?
Cognac lends itself to fragrance development because of its respect for nature, of the "terroir." Because of its exceptional know-how in elevating fine raw materials and its long-honored quest for quality and olfactory emotion.
What was the inspiration for Éclat d'Ombre?
At its core, Maison Psyché is on a relentless quest to exalt the wonders of nature, capturing its essence with meticulous craftsmanship and reverence. Inspired by the artistry of master distillers and the elegance of high-end spirits, Maison Psyché elevates the traditional perfume experience into an immersive ritual of luxury.
At Maison Psyché, the perfumer and cellar master unite their expertise to conceive a new dimension in perfumery. They create fragrances unrivaled in natural aromatic richness, heightened by the test of time and magnifying nature's beauty. The fragrances are designed to be unisex, forging a new standard of luxury olfactory experience.
Éclat d'Ombre is a reverent nod to the craftsmen who have shared their prestigious know-how in Cognac.
Tell me about the process for making this fragrance. How much time does it spend in the barrels?
This is precisely where the expertise of the cellar master comes in. He only knows when is the best time to end the aging process. According to the climate, the
Baptiste Loiseau, cellar master, Rémy MartinCourtesy of Maison Psyché
How do you find the balance between the earthy notes and the bright citrus?
The time spent in barrels and the metamorphosis while in contact with wood gives this composition a rounder, more elegant, apricot and creamy character. The earthy, balsamic base notes become more intense, less floral, and more saline. The fresh, fruity top notes harmonize and merge with the floral heart of the fragrance."
Can you touch on some of the notes and fragrance technologies used in creating Éclat d'Ombre?
The fragrance blends bright Calabria bergamot, soft Bulgarian rose and earthy Indonesian patchouli, striking the perfect balance between fresh summer lightness and evening sophistication.
What was the collaboration process like for this fragrance?
This fragrance elicits the sensation once you enter the cellar. We wanted to capture this emotion created by the fresh and elegant deepness of the cellar. We are both rooted in Cognac, so we naturally shared this attachment to this mythical place.
Why such a limited selection?
Maison Psyché is about reinventing Grande parfumerie; it is all about artistry, rarity, and creation. This new form of perfume creation prefers the singular to the serial. Beyond creating exceptional fragrances, Maison Psyché also brings together the best coopers, crystal glassblowers, jewelers, and bronze workers in their field.
Maison Psyché creates perfumes as untamed jewels on your skin. In your opinion, what is the benefit of using this artisanal approach to fragrance creation?
It is, above all, a natural process, the results of which can never be fully predicted. In making each perfume, the same ingredients are used, but the season, the atmospheric conditions, and the barrels change constantly. Thus, each batch of perfume has its distinct character and aromatic subtleties…an authentic celebration of nature's beauty.
Are there any future plans for cognac-inspired fragrances from the Maison? Other spirits?
The territory is vast, and the Maison is exploring new natural ingredients from all over the world to magnify and elevate its cellar. It's a never-ending journey and a limitless field of exploration.
