Since its launch in 2006, Terre d'Hermès has achieved “modern classic” status.
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So any new flanker to this much-loved fragrance is bound to be scrutinized and compared with the original created by Jean-Claude Ellena. We’re talking about you, Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée EDP, which was launched in 2022.
Limited editions aside, it helps that the French luxury brand has treated its prized perfume with the reverence it deserves and resisted the temptation to regularly release a different version of it.
Scent Notes ( According to the brand)
Citron (top); juniper berry, timut pepper (heart); woody, mineral (base).
Perfumer
Before succeeding Jean-Claude Ellena as the company’s in-house perfumer, Christine Nagel made a name for herself with Cartier Eau de Cartier EDT (2001), Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDT (2003), Dior Miss Dior Cherie EDP (2005), Dolce & Gabbana The One EDP (2006), Atkinsons 24 Old Bond Street EDC (2013), Giorgio Armani Si EDP (2013) and Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (2014), among others.
An impressive résumé that reflects the Swiss perfumer’s knack for commercial and creative success.
Since 2016, she has maintained the Hermès reputation for refined luxury with Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate EDC (2016), Galop d’Hermès Parfum (2016), Twilly d’Hermès EDP (2017), Un Jardin Sur La Lagune EDT (2019) and H24 EDT (2021).
Inspiration
“At the origins of freshness. Exploring Terre to open up a new territory. An unyielding, frosted veil, capturing a land that has remained intact.
“Far from dispersing its aromas, this icy cloak fertilises the earth, irrigating its sediments with new and vibrant strength, exhilarating and invigorating.
“All that is essential comes into play in one silent moment as the land awakens. A blossoming of the constantly renewed life contained within the fragrance.
Exploring Terre to open up a new territory of emotions.” – press release
“With this new creation, I wanted to challenge the idea that freshness is synonymous with a certain lightness. I sought to express the intense freshness of a land covered with ice, and the fusion of these two elements, a source of primary, regenerative energy for men,” says the perfumer.
Who Would Like Terre D’Hermès Eau Givrée EDP?
Tailor made for dapper gents looking for a fresh scent. It’s too sophisticated to be called a “freshie”.
Where to Wear It?
Global warming meets your nemesis, olfactorily speaking, that is. With its crisp and cool character, this one is perfect for periods of relentless heat.
It’s versatile too and works well around the clock.
Packaging & Presentation
Combining frosted glass and brushed aluminium (both recyclable, of course), the refillable bottle makes for a sleek design object.
Terre D’Hermès Eau Givrée EDP Review: Personal Impressions
The opening is all about citron (also known as cédrat), the ancient citrus variety. Here, it’s fresh, bright and slightly sour, as to be expected, but infused with a cool and invigorating iciness. Love it already!
The aromatics of juniper berries and citric spice of timur pepper prolong the freshness.
Woody warmth features prominently in the drydown. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Terre d'Hermès without a dose of conceptual minerality, achieved through synthetic means.
Christine Nagel was aiming for the frisson of powerful freshness, and she’s achieved that with her customary expertise.
Similar Fragrances To Consider
There’s fresh and then there’s elegantly fresh, so we’ll focus on the latter for these recommendations.
Firstly, there are other Hermès options to consider, including Eau d'Orange Verte Eau de Cologne and Jour d’Hermès EDP.
On the niche side, there’s Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis EDT, Atelier Cologne Pomélo Paradis Cologne Absolue and Nishane Colognisé Extrait de Cologne.
Boucheron Pour Homme EDT, Rochas Eau de Rochas Homme EDT, Dunhill Icon EDP and Karl Lagerfeld Bois de Yuzu EDT are great designer choices.
And then there’s the all-time classic Maurer & Wirtz 4711 Original Eau de Cologne, which remains a treat 230 years after its original release in 1792!
A Quick Guide To The Best Versions of Terre D'Hermès
Terre D’Hermès EDT
The perfume business of the revered luxury brand wasn’t performing well at all compared to its competitors early this century.
That changed dramatically with the appointment of Jean-Claude Ellena in 2004 as their in-house perfumer. His 2006 creation, Terre d’Hermès, put the house back on the fragrance map.
It has the perfumer’s minimalist, but bold style all over it. Nothing is gratuitous in this most elegant of scents. “Feeling the earth, lying on the ground, gazing at the sky,” is how the legendary perfumer described it.
Its appeal is there from the start, with notes of slightly sweet orange and tart grapefruit providing a perfect balance of sunny and uplifting citrus.
While this citrus is unusually present throughout, a gentle twist of black pepper brings a spicy and earthy component to the composition.
The drydown is wonderfully woody, with a combo of cedar, patchouli, and vetiver in play. The latter deserves a special mention. While characteristically earthy, its freshness is also what makes this modern classic so memorable.
Terre D’Hermès Parfum
The first addition to the TDH range, in 2009, was also created by Jean-Claude Ellena. A note of shiso, the Japanese herb, gives it a green and spicy spin at first.
The woody drydown is full of warmth, with benzoin making it a sensual treat.
Terre D’Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver EDP
Christine Nagel’s first interpretation of TDH, in 2018, continued the excellence of the range. The fresh citrus of bergamot stands out in the opening.
Sichuan pepper builds on the spiciness of the intro and then lots and lots of vetiver at its earthy and woody best.
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Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.