I love a nice sandalwood note. Is there any reason I shouldn't buy Tam Dao EDP?

[morrison74]

Diptyque Tam Dao EDP. It gets very good reviews in the BN review section. In fact, it's 100% positive so far (13/13).

I own and love Chanel Egoiste & Egoiste Concentree (my holy grails). I also own and love By Kilian Sacred Wood. I used to own Creed Original Santal which I liked well enough, but didn't feel the urge to replace it when it was gone. I went through a decant of Creed Bois de Santal, which I thought was truly amazing. I would buy it if it wasn't rarer than a unicorn. I've sampled and enjoyed Xerjoff 17/17 Richwood, Art of Shaving Sandalwood, Laura Tonnato Sandalo per Titi, Floris Eau de Santal, MPG Santal Noble, CDG Wonderwood and Pal Zileri Sartorial​ to varying degrees. I also sampled Le labo Santal 33, which I loved first time around but, for some reason, not so much the second time (different samples a few years apart).

Here's the thing. I have sampled the original Diptyque Tam Dao EDT and thought it was good, but not great (maybe too much cedar). However, this was very early on in my fragrance journey (8 years ago) and my tastes have evolved somewhat since then.

I'm having a hard time finding a sample of Tam Dao EDP, so I'm considering a blind-buy based on the reviews I have read here on BN and elsewhere online. Are there any BNers, especially those who enjoy sandalwood, that have had a less favourable experience with it?

Thanks.

 

[hednic]

I think you would like the EDP more than the EDT. I find it smoother and richer.

 

[Trauerkraut]

Yes! To me it smells like sweat.

 

[morrison74]

I think you would like the EDP more than the EDT. I find it smoother and richer.

Thanks, hednic. Do you get good longevity from it?

Yes! To me it smells like sweat.

Sheesh. I don't want to smell like sweat for 8hrs.

 

[Beck]

You liked it. You didn't love it.

 

[hednic]

Thanks, hednic. Do you get good longevity from it?

I do, yes.

 

[freewheelingvagabond]

Tam Dao EdP is a nice scent, with more sandalwood than EdT. However, it isn't better than something like Samsara EdP.

It was an automatic sandalwood suggestion 3-4 years back because of a lack of alternatives. Since then the formulation of Egoiste has considerably improved, and the new Australian sandalwood plantations are yielding harvest, so sandalwood generally is back (better than what the scenario was 3-4 years ago). If you specifically want sandalwood then you can also go for some sandalwood essential oil.

Have you tried Santal Majuscule? It's quite nice.

I'd suggest a blind buy of the Tam Dao EdP if you have the means of selling it away if you don't like it without taking too much hit. Sillage is low key but persistent, and duration is quite good - if that's important. Since you liked the EdT you'd at least like the EdP. It's nice, but it isn't something spectacular or some holy grail stuff - I think Egoiste is a better composition overall with more nuances and subtleties.

 

[Juxtapozbliss]

Diptyque Tam Dao EDP. It gets very good reviews in the BN review section. In fact, it's 100% positive so far (13/13).

I own and love Chanel Egoiste & Egoiste Concentree (my holy grails). I also own and love By Kilian Sacred Wood. I used to own Creed Original Santal which I liked well enough, but didn't feel the urge to replace it when it was gone. I went through a decant of Creed Bois de Santal, which I thought was truly amazing. I would buy it if it wasn't rarer than a unicorn. I've sampled and enjoyed Xerjoff 17/17 Richwood, Art of Shaving Sandalwood, Laura Tonnato Sandalo per Titi, Floris Eau de Santal, MPG Santal Noble, CDG Wonderwood and Pal Zileri Sartorial​ to varying degrees. I also sampled Le labo Santal 33, which I loved first time around but, for some reason, not so much the second time (different samples a few years apart).

Here's the thing. I have sampled the original Diptyque Tam Dao EDT and thought it was good, but not great (maybe too much cedar). However, this was very early on in my fragrance journey (8 years ago) and my tastes have evolved somewhat since then.

I'm having a hard time finding a sample of Tam Dao EDP, so I'm considering a blind-buy based on the reviews I have read here on BN and elsewhere online. Are there any BNers, especially those who enjoy sandalwood, that have had a less favourable experience with it?

Thanks.

I have a thread in the swap forum to see if anyone wants to trade for my decant of Tam Dao EDP. I was looking for a creamy sandalwood, but it's too peppery for my taste. Instead of a sample, if you want to do a swap with me for something else, just hit me up in PM. http://www.basenotes.net/threads/45...P-and-Tauer-L-air-du-Desert-Morocain-for-swap

 

[IsoESuperman]

I also own and love By Kilian Sacred Wood.

If you like Sacred Wood, I think you'll probably like Tam Dao in EdP form. I personally find it less cedary/more green/dusty sandal-y than the EdT, but think they're very similar aside from that. I don't think it smells like the style of sandal in Egoiste or Egoiste CC, but I do find it enjoyable.

I think Sacred Wood is pretty close in style to Tam Dao, perhaps even more minimalist.

I'm having a hard time finding a sample of Tam Dao EDP, so I'm considering a blind-buy based on the reviews I have read here on BN and elsewhere online. Are there any BNers, especially those who enjoy sandalwood, that have had a less favourable experience with it?

Thanks.

There used to be a seller on eBay who sold the 10ml travel sprays for ~$20, but not sure if they're still around and if they are, whether or not they ship to Scotland (if you're indeed there).

Not exactly a sample, but relatively inexpensive.

 

[Buzzlepuff]

Tam Dao edp is a fine pure sandalwood scent. Can't go wrong with that.

These smell better as a fragrance but also have lots of sandalwood in them: Chanel Bois de Iles, CDG Wonderwood, TDC Oud Shamash, Le Labo Santal 33, MdO Santal Nabataea.

 

[sjg3839]

Tam Dao EDP is a sandalwood gem IMO.

 

[debussychopin]

I didnt find anything special about Tam Dao edt the few times Ive smelt it. Maybe I should try the edp. I find out sandalwood is better as a base w other main notes in front of it, rather than the main theme. for me.

 

[Democritus]

I thought it was pleasant and clean ( meaning non artificial) but rather one dimensional ( not much going on apart from the sandalwood )
I wouldn't buy a full bottle.

 

[RedRaider430]

I wouldn't recommend buying it blindly, as it's not enjoyable in the least to me. I seem to recall that I had to scrub it off when I sampled it.

 

[deltasun]

Tam Dao smells like Thai Food to me. I can never get past that initial blast smelling like Thai Food.

 

[morrison74]

You liked it. You didn't love it.

True.

I do, yes.

Thank you.

Tam Dao EdP is a nice scent, with more sandalwood than EdT. However, it isn't better than something like Samsara EdP.

It was an automatic sandalwood suggestion 3-4 years back because of a lack of alternatives. Since then the formulation of Egoiste has considerably improved, and the new Australian sandalwood plantations are yielding harvest, so sandalwood generally is back (better than what the scenario was 3-4 years ago). If you specifically want sandalwood then you can also go for some sandalwood essential oil.

Have you tried Santal Majuscule? It's quite nice.

I'd suggest a blind buy of the Tam Dao EdP if you have the means of selling it away if you don't like it without taking too much hit. Sillage is low key but persistent, and duration is quite good - if that's important. Since you liked the EdT you'd at least like the EdP. It's nice, but it isn't something spectacular or some holy grail stuff - I think Egoiste is a better composition overall with more nuances and subtleties.

Samsara was my mother's 'signature' when I was a teenager. Not sure if I could deal with the floral aspect of this one on myself. Maybe I'll spritz some of the EDP next time I see it in the store or duty free to see. Interesting info about the Australian sandalwood scene. I have indeed considered getting some sandalwood essential oil, maybe I should look into it more. I have not tried Santal Majuscule, though the note list looks good to me. Thanks for the suggestion. I've added it to my test list. I don't really have the means to sell the Tam Dao EDP if I don't like it, other than here on BN. And since I'm in the UK, it would need to be a domestic sale. And finally, I agree that the current version of Egoiste is really good.

I have a thread in the swap forum to see if anyone wants to trade for my decant of Tam Dao EDP. I was looking for a creamy sandalwood, but it's too peppery for my taste. Instead of a sample, if you want to do a swap with me for something else, just hit me up in PM. http://www.basenotes.net/threads/45...P-and-Tauer-L-air-du-Desert-Morocain-for-swap

Thanks for the kind offer, but due to the current inane postal regulations in the UK, swapping with you would probably be an issue.

If you like Sacred Wood, I think you'll probably like Tam Dao in EdP form. I personally find it less cedary/more green/dusty sandal-y than the EdT, but think they're very similar aside from that. I don't think it smells like the style of sandal in Egoiste or Egoiste CC, but I do find it enjoyable.

I think Sacred Wood is pretty close in style to Tam Dao, perhaps even more minimalist.

There used to be a seller on eBay who sold the 10ml travel sprays for ~$20, but not sure if they're still around and if they are, whether or not they ship to Scotland (if you're indeed there).

Not exactly a sample, but relatively inexpensive.

Thanks for your thoughts. I do enjoy the minimalist aspect of Sacred Wood quite a lot. I'll check eBay for those 10ml travel sprays. Maybe I can find one in the UK.

Tam Dao edp is a fine pure sandalwood scent. Can't go wrong with that.

These smell better as a fragrance but also have lots of sandalwood in them: Chanel Bois de Iles, CDG Wonderwood, TDC Oud Shamash, Le Labo Santal 33, MdO Santal Nabatea.

I've either owned or sampled all of your suggestions except the new Santal Nanataea by MdO. I've added that one to my test list. Thanks.

Tam Dao EDP is a sandalwood gem IMO.

The mention of coconut in your review made my ears twitch. I like coconut. Thanks.

I didnt find anything special about Tam Dao edt the few times Ive smelt it. Maybe I should try the edp. I find out sandalwood is better as a base w other main notes in front of it, rather than the main theme. for me.

I also didn't find the EDT to be particularly special.

I thought it was pleasant and clean ( meaning non artificial) but rather one dimensional ( not much going on apart from the sandalwood )
I wouldn't buy a full bottle.

I wouldn't recommend buying it blindly, as it's not enjoyable in the least to me. I seem to recall that I had to scrub it off when I sampled it.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm beginning to think I need to sample this one first.

Tam Dao smells like Thai Food to me. I can never get past that initial blast smelling like Thai Food.

Maybe the lime and coriander top notes?

 

[Trauerkraut]

Sheesh. I don't want to smell like sweat for 8hrs.

...then forget it...!

 

[crashtestbrummie]

Samsara was my mother's 'signature' when I was a teenager. Not sure if I could deal with the floral aspect of this one on myself. Maybe I'll spritz some of the EDP next time I see it in the store or duty free to see. Interesting info about the Australian sandalwood scene. I have indeed considered getting some sandalwood essential oil, maybe I should look into it more. I have not tried Santal Majuscule, though the note list looks good to me. Thanks for the suggestion. I've added it to my test list. I don't really have the means to sell the Tam Dao EDP if I don't like it, other than here on BN. And since I'm in the UK, it would need to be a domestic sale. And finally, I agree that the current version of Egoiste is really good.

With Samsara, I find that the florals tone down fairly quickly (I've got both vintage EDP and EDT). Egoiste over the dry down of Samsara is lovely. You can find the vintage easily and it's relatively cheap - well worth it for a Mysore hit.

 

[morrison74]

...then forget it...!

Haha! What do you think was responsible the 'sweat' vibe? A particular note, or a combination of notes? There's no cumin in it, is there?

With Samsara, I find that the florals tone down fairly quickly (I've got both vintage EDP and EDT). Egoiste over the dry down of Samsara is lovely. You can find the vintage easily and it's relatively cheap - well worth it for a Mysore hit.

How quickly does your vintage tone down and get to the Mysore base? Definitely some food for thought.Thanks!

 

[Heawns]

Diptyque fragrance aren't known for their great projection/sillage as far as I know.