Lalique Encre Indigo review – Annick Menardo; 2023

The number of flankers released by Lalique for their successful 2006 Encre Noire has been commendably low. It suggests a desire to proceed with caution and not follow most other brands’ policy of milking a cash cow to the point of emaciation. The latest, Encre Indigo, has just hit the shelves and, like all the others, it’s been composed by a woman: the indomitable Annick Menardo. Here’s a link to my recent YouTube review of it: Lalique Encre Indigo review. 

There is so much to appreciate about this release that its shortcomings nearly fade into insignificance. For one thing, a 100 ml bottle costs less than £100 — almost unheard-of these days. But more importantly, Menardo’s handling of the pepper-bay-saffron-vetiver structure is so skilful, and seemingly so effortless, that it completely shows up the joylessness of most mainstream masculines from other high-profile brands, and suggests there may still be some hope left for olfactory expressions of ‘maleness’ in this depressingly cardboard-cutout-loving segment of the 21st century.

Yes, Encre Indigo is perhaps derivative – this sort of aromatic vetiver is a creation we’ve seen at least once or twice before – and its sillage could have been more forceful. But as a spirited, vigorous take on the somewhat more ponderous original, it’s terrific. 

Persolaise 

[Lalique Encre Indigo review based on a sample provided by the brand in 2023.]

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