Bois des Îles Cologne
Chanel (1930)

BOIS DES ILES – EDC (1930)

I first reviewed the vintage parfum version of Bois Des Iles for Basenotes in January, 2014, updating in July, 2015. At the time I found it to be a “perfectly balanced floral melange (rose, jasmine, ylang ylang) with spices (almond, ginger, cinnamon) over a sandalwood, tonka bean and vetiver base.” Also at the time I agreed with other reviewers that Chanel's later Egoiste, to whch Bois had been compared, could not hold a candle to Bois.

I am now experiencing the edc version from 1930 and find that my initial impression has not changed a jot, other than to realize that my more sophisticated nose senses a great similarity between Bois des Iles and No. 5 in this edc version. Also the edc is quite hefty with its natural oils, much more so than most edcs we find today. It is long-lasting scent with its creamy sandalwood and tonka bean base, very rich and dense – in a good way. This is sheer sophistication in a bottle.

For those who want to smell luxuriantly, but can't afford vintage Chanel parfum prices, this edc is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds.