Fragrance Reviews

Dior Feve Delicieuse 2018 Review: A Luxurious Tonka Bean Masterpiece

Exploring the depths of one of La Collection Privée's most indulgent creations.

By James Whitmore · · Updated

When it comes to luxury fragrances, few houses carry the weight and heritage of Dior. Within their prestigious 'La Collection Privée Christian Dior' lies a treasure trove of olfactory artistry, and among its most celebrated creations is Feve Delicieuse, particularly the 2018 iteration. Launched as part of a collection designed to embody the personal scent preferences of Christian Dior himself, Feve Delicieuse quickly cemented its status as a modern gourmand icon. It’s not merely a perfume; it’s an olfactory narrative, a rich tapestry woven with the finest ingredients, designed to evoke a sense of indulgent comfort and sophisticated sensuality. This fragrance has carved out a significant niche for itself, appealing to those who appreciate depth, complexity, and an undeniable air of luxury.

Positioned as a premium offering within Dior's extensive fragrance portfolio, Feve Delicieuse stands apart from their more mainstream releases. It belongs to the exclusive La Collection Privée, a line that prioritizes rare ingredients and artisanal perfumery, often retailing at a higher price point. This collection is Dior's answer to the growing demand for bespoke, high-quality fragrances that tell a story and offer a more intimate olfactory experience. Feve Delicieuse, with its focus on the tonka bean, is a testament to this philosophy, offering a scent that is both comforting and captivating, making it a standout choice for those seeking something beyond the ordinary department store offerings. Its market positioning is clear: it’s for the connoisseur, the individual who understands and appreciates the nuances of fine perfumery.

The inspiration behind Feve Delicieuse is rooted in the very essence of indulgence. The name itself, meaning 'Delicious Bean,' directly points to its star ingredient: tonka bean. This exotic seed, native to South America, is renowned for its complex aroma, which melds notes of almond, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian masterfully harnesses this rich profile, building a fragrance that is both sweet and spicy, warm and slightly smoky. The concept is to translate the sensory pleasure of a decadent dessert into a wearable scent, a sophisticated gourmand that avoids the cloying sweetness often associated with the category. It’s about the elegance of indulgence, the refined pleasure of a rich, comforting aroma that wraps the wearer in a luxurious embrace.

In the fragrance community, Feve Delicieuse has garnered a near-universal acclaim, frequently lauded for its exceptional quality and addictive scent. It's often cited as one of the best tonka bean-centric fragrances available, praised for its smooth execution and impressive performance. Its reputation is built on a foundation of rave reviews from fragrance enthusiasts and critics alike, who highlight its unique blend of warmth, sweetness, and subtle spice. The fragrance has become a benchmark for modern gourmands, proving that this often-misunderstood scent family can indeed be sophisticated and elegant. Its cultural impact is evident in its consistent popularity and its frequent appearance on 'best of' lists, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the world of niche and luxury perfumery.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Francis Kurkdjian, a celebrated French perfumer known for his elegant and innovative creations like Baccarat Rouge 540 and Narciso Rodriguez For Her. He has a talent for blending classic perfumery with modern sensibilities.

4.4 Overall
Longevity
4.5
Projection
4.0
Sillage
4.2
$200 - $300 for 125ml
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Sweet 40%
Tonka Bean 30%
Vanilla 15%
Almond 10%
Spicy 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
LavenderMint
Heart
Tonka BeanCinnamonNutmeg
Base
VanillaCocoaBenzoinCedarMusk

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The initial spray is surprisingly fresh, with a bright herbaceousness from the lavender and a cool, invigorating lift from the mint. This opening is clean and slightly aromatic, providing an unexpected contrast to the rich heart and base that are to come. It’s a brief, refreshing prelude that prepares the senses for the main event.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the top notes recede, the true character of Feve Delicieuse emerges. The star, tonka bean, takes center stage, exuding its signature warm, almond-vanilla-cinnamon aroma. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a subtle, sophisticated spice that prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional. This phase is where the gourmand aspect truly shines, but it's balanced with an elegant complexity.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The final stage of Feve Delicieuse is a luxurious embrace of its base notes. Rich vanilla and a hint of dark cocoa create a decadent, almost chocolate-like sweetness. Benzoin adds a balsamic warmth and depth, while cedar provides a dry, woody foundation. Musk lends a smooth, sensual finish. This drydown is creamy, comforting, and incredibly long-lasting, leaving a beautiful, lingering scent trail.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.5/5

Boasts impressive longevity, typically lasting 8-12 hours on skin, and often longer on clothing.

📢 Projection 4.0/5

Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble without being overwhelming.

💨 Sillage 4.2/5

Leaves a beautiful, noticeable trail that is warm and inviting, garnering attention.

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
📌 Date nights🌙 Evening events📌 Formal gatherings📌 Intimate evenings📌 Cool weather casual outings✨ Special occasions

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.4
👃 Scent
4.7
⏱️ Longevity
4.5
💨 Sillage
4.2
💰 Value
3.8
💌 Compliment Factor 4.6/5

Consistently receives high marks for compliments due to its unique, addictive, comforting, and sophisticated aroma.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Exceptional, unique gourmand scent profile
  • ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
  • ✅ Smooth, high-quality ingredients
  • ✅ Versatile for cooler weather and evening wear
  • ✅ Beautifully balanced sweetness, spice, and warmth
  • ❌ Can be overpowering if over-sprayed
  • ❌ Premium price point
  • ❌ Some find the opening slightly medicinal
  • ❌ May be too sweet for non-gourmand lovers

Price & Value

$200 - $300 for 125ml
Premium Luxury

“A worthwhile investment for its quality, performance, and unique olfactory experience, justified by artistry and enjoyment.”

📜 Reformulation History

No widely reported significant batch variations or detrimental reformulations have altered its core scent profile or performance.

Who It's For

✅ Ideal For

  • Men and women aged 25+
  • Individuals with sophisticated taste
  • Fans of warm, gourmand, and spicy scents
  • Confident personalities
  • Fragrance connoisseurs

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those sensitive to strong sweet/spicy scents
  • Lovers of light, fresh, or aquatic fragrances
  • Younger individuals seeking a purely youthful scent
  • Strict office environments requiring extreme subtlety

Explore More

🔍 Similar Fragrances

Guerlain Tonka Impériale Guerlain

Shares a rich, almond-vanilla tonka bean profile.

Parfums de Marly Herod Parfums de Marly

Offers a warm, spicy profile with tobacco and vanilla.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Tom Ford

Similar warm, spicy, vanilla character with prominent tobacco.

Xerjoff Lira Xerjoff

Features a rich, gourmand vanilla and caramel drydown after citrus opening.

💡 Clone Alternatives

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man Armaf

Some users detect a sweet, spicy warmth in the drydown evoking Feve Delicieuse's comfort.

Afnan 9pm Afnan

Its sweet, vanilla, and fruity notes overlap with the gourmand appeal for some users.

❤️ You May Also Enjoy

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Rich, amber-dominant with vanilla and benzoin.

Creed Royal Oud Creed

Sophisticated woody and slightly spicy character.

Initio Parfums Privés Side Effect Initio Parfums Privés

Bold, boozy fragrance with tobacco, vanilla, and rum.

Parfums de Marly Layton Parfums de Marly

Popular scent with apple, vanilla, and spice notes.

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🧪 Layering Ideas

🏆 Final Verdict

Dior Feve Delicieuse is not just a fragrance; it's an experience. It is a masterfully crafted gourmand that transcends typical sweet scents, offering a sophisticated and alluring aroma that is both comforting and captivating. Its rich blend of tonka bean, vanilla, cinnamon, and subtle spices creates a scent profile that is unique, addictive, and endlessly appealing. The performance is exceptional, with outstanding longevity and a beautiful sillage that garners consistent compliments. While it comes with a premium price tag, the quality of ingredients, the artistry of its composition by Francis Kurkdjian, and its impressive staying power make it a worthwhile investment for any fragrance connoisseur. If you are seeking a luxurious, warm, and sophisticated scent for cooler weather or intimate occasions, Feve Delicieuse is an undisputed masterpiece that deserves a place in your collection. It’s a fragrance that speaks of refined indulgence and effortless elegance.

diorla collection privéefeve delicieusegourmandtonka beanfrancis kurkdjianluxury perfumedesigner fragranceunisex fragrancewinter fragrancedate night scent