Bourbon Vanilla

Bourbon Vanilla, inspired by Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Bourbon Vanilla (2017)

Vanilla is the centre, but it is dry and dark, with little sugar. Ginger and cassis, the blackcurrant note, give it a spiced, fruity edge, and vetiver and cypriol pull it down into the earth. Cypriol, also called nagarmotha, is a root with a smoky, woody smell. Turkish rose sits quietly in the middle. Many wearers describe the vanilla as boozy, though the name refers to Bourbon vanilla from Réunion, not whisky.

About the original

Zegna released Bourbon Vanilla in early 2017 as part of the Essenze Spice series, alongside Indian Spice and Persian Saffron, in a 125 ml bottle. The brand likened it to a nightcap cocktail, which fits its dark, spirited character. According to wearer reports it has been withdrawn, and some fans say they have stockpiled bottles. We have not been able to confirm whether it appears in Zegna's current range.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Ermenegildo Zegna stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Vanilla lovers who find most vanilla perfumes too sweet are the obvious match. The earthy cypriol and vetiver give it a rooty, slightly smoky depth that may feel heavy to anyone who prefers light, airy scents.

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Notes: Vanilla, Ginger, Cassis, Vetiver, Cypriol, Turkish Rose

Ginger and cassis lead, spicy and dark-fruited, over the first trace of vanilla.

Vanilla bean moves to the front with Turkish rose behind it, giving a smooth, rounded heart.

Vetiver and cypriol take the base earthward, dry and faintly smoky.

Does Bourbon Vanilla smell of whisky?

No. 'Bourbon' refers to vanilla from Réunion, once called Île Bourbon. Some wearers still find the vanilla boozy in feel.

Is Zegna Bourbon Vanilla discontinued?

Wearer reports say it has been withdrawn. We have not been able to confirm this with Zegna.

Is it sweet?

Less than most vanilla scents. Vetiver and cypriol keep it dry and earthy.

Is Ermenegildo Zegna Bourbon Vanilla coming back?

So far, we have found no announcement from Ermenegildo Zegna that it will return. Our version is an eau de parfum in 50 ml or 100 ml.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Ermenegildo Zegna and Bourbon Vanilla are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Ermenegildo Zegna in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.