Shalimar Millesime Tonka

Shalimar Millesime Tonka, inspired by Guerlain Shalimar Millésime Tonka (2022)

Tonka bean drives this version, and Guerlain describes it as smelling of powdery almond and caramel. Bergamot sits at the top, but almond and a splash of rum turn it towards the patisserie. Iris, jasmine sambac and rose absolute pass through the heart quietly, adding a powdery floral seam. Opoponax, a sweet resin related to myrrh, joins vanilla in the base, where the effect edges towards salted caramel and chocolate.

About the original

Guerlain released Shalimar Millésime Tonka in September 2022 in France, with wider distribution from October. Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk composed it as a limited edition flanker of the 1925 Shalimar. It belongs to the Millésime series beside editions such as Jasmin, Rose and Vanilla Planifolia, each a separate fragrance. The original was an eau de parfum and, as a limited edition, it is no longer made.

Our version

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

Who it suits

Its appeal lies with people who enjoy sweet, ambery scents with a pastry-like edge. The tonka overdose makes it noticeably sweeter than the original Shalimar, and the powdery iris may not suit someone wanting a straightforward vanilla.

Related scents

• Guerlain Shalimar
• Guerlain Shalimar Philtre de Parfum
• Guerlain Tonka Imperiale

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

Top notes: Bergamot, Almond, Rum

Heart notes: Iris, Jasmine Sambac, Rose Absolute

Base notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Opoponax

Bergamot and almond appear together at the start, with rum adding a boozy, slightly syrupy note.

In the heart, iris brings a dry, powdery tone while jasmine sambac and rose absolute keep the floral side present but discreet.

Tonka bean dominates the drydown, backed by vanilla and opoponax, and the overall impression is of almond, caramel and cocoa.

How is Millésime Tonka different from the original Shalimar?

It builds on Shalimar's vanilla but adds an overdose of tonka bean, which brings almond, caramel and chocolate effects. The result is sweeter and more gourmand. We also make the original Shalimar.

Was Shalimar Millésime Tonka a limited edition?

Yes. Guerlain released it in 2022 as a limited edition, and it is no longer produced.

Which Millésime edition is this?

The Tonka edition from 2022. Jasmin, Rose and Vanilla Planifolia are different fragrances in the same series.

Is Guerlain Shalimar Millesime Tonka coming back?

It was a limited edition. So far, we have found no announcement from Guerlain about a re-release. 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.

Guerlain and Shalimar Millésime Tonka are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Guerlain 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.