Givenchy Very Irresistible Poesie D'Un Parfum D'Hiver Review: Is This Lost Winter Gem Worth The Hunt?
A deep dive into the limited edition gourmand that captures the essence of Christmas in a bottle.
In the world of fragrance, few things generate more buzz than a discontinued scent. Today, we''re examining a bottle that has achieved near-mythical status among collectors: Givenchy''s Very Irresistible Poesie D''Un Parfum D''Hiver, the 2011 limited edition. This isn''t a fragrance you can find at your local department store. This is a collector''s item, a snapshot of a specific moment in perfumery. Our job is to cut through the nostalgia and tell you if the hunt—and the price—is worth it.
Launched in 2011, this fragrance was part of a series of annual winter flankers for the massively popular Very Irresistible line. While the original focused on a unique blend of five different roses, the ''Poesie d''Hiver'' (Poetry of a Winter Perfume) editions were designed to reinterpret that DNA for the coldest months. They were fleeting by nature, designed to be on shelves for a single season before disappearing. The 2011 version, with its focus on gingerbread and warm spices, quickly became a standout, capturing the olfactory essence of the Christmas holidays in a way few designer scents have managed since.
The concept was simple yet effective: create a fragrance that feels like a cozy, festive hug. The marketing was minimal, relying on the strength of the Very Irresistible name and the appeal of a limited run. Givenchy aimed to evoke the warmth of a fireplace, the sweetness of holiday baking, and the sharp, invigorating chill of a winter''s night. It was positioned not as a radical departure, but as a seasonal companion to the main line—a warmer, spicier coat for your signature scent to wear in winter.
In the years since its disappearance, Poesie D''Un Parfum D''Hiver has become a cult classic. Fragrance communities speak of it in reverent tones. It represents a time when designer houses were more willing to take creative risks with seasonal releases. For many, it is the definitive ''Christmas in a bottle.'' Our review will determine if this reputation is built on solid performance and scent quality, or simply on the scarcity that fuels desire.
The Nose Behind the Scent
While not officially credited to a single nose, this flanker was developed by Givenchy''s in-house team, likely with guidance from the creators of the original Very Irresistible: Dominique Ropion, Sophie Labbe, and Carlos Benaim. This trio represents the pinnacle of modern perfumery, responsible for countless global bestsellers.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An immediate and powerful blast of festive spices. The ginger is sharp, the cinnamon is warm and dusty, and the star anise adds a prominent licorice facet. It is unapologetically evocative of a Christmas market or holiday baking.
The initial spices soften within 30 minutes, revealing a rich, cake-like gingerbread accord at the heart. Sweet honey smooths the composition, while a subtle, candied rose note—a nod to the original Very Irresistible—adds a touch of floral elegance.
After 3-4 hours, the fragrance settles into a warm, comforting skin scent. A creamy vanilla and resinous benzoin dominate, with the spices reduced to a soft whisper. It''s a cozy, sweet, and slightly woody finish that lasts for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent. Lasts a full 7-9 hours on skin and will linger on fabrics for more than 24 hours.
Strong for the first 2-3 hours, projecting well beyond arm''s length. It settles into a more moderate scent bubble afterwards.
Leaves a noticeable and inviting trail. It''s present and gets attention without being overwhelming or intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
High compliment factor, especially during the holiday season. Often described as smelling ''like Christmas'' or ''deliciously festive''.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A unique and perfectly executed holiday scent profile.
- ✅ Excellent longevity and strong projection.
- ✅ Sought-after collector''s item with a cult following.
- ✅ Beautifully balanced; the rose note adds sophistication to the gourmand elements.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it extremely rare and difficult to find.
- ❌ Secondary market prices are inflated and often prohibitive.
- ❌ Limited versatility; strictly a cold-weather, festive scent.
Price & Value
“Worth the high price only for dedicated collectors or those who are completely enamored with the scent. For most buyers, it is not a practical purchase.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women 25+
- Lovers of gourmand and spicy fragrances
- Collectors of limited edition scents
- Those seeking a dedicated holiday season perfume
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who dislike sweet or food-like scents
- Fans of light, fresh, or aquatic fragrances
- Use in professional or office settings due to its strong character
The Family
A deeper, more plum-focused and patchouli-heavy version of the original DNA.
A richer, longer-lasting version of the original rose-focused EDT.
The predecessor to the 2011 edition, with a different winter-themed note composition.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a prominent candied ginger and spice theme, but is more unisex and tea-focused.
A more literal, less complex take on gingerbread, focusing solely on the cookie aspect.
Offers a similarly intense and warm spice profile, but is much bolder and less sweet.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a direct clone, it offers a similar spicy, warm, and ginger-forward experience at a more accessible price point.
A budget-friendly, linear scent that captures the core gingerbread note, though it lacks the complexity and performance of the Givenchy.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares a similar warm, spicy, and sweet DNA, appealing to those who love opulent winter scents.
Fans of the rich vanilla and almond-like sweetness will find a similar comforting vibe.
Appeals to those who appreciate classic, complex oriental fragrances with vanilla and resinous bases.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance (e.g., Kayali Vanilla 28) to enhance the creamy, sweet base.
- A sheer woody scent (e.g., Escentric Molecules Molecule 01) to add depth and temper the sweetness.
- A light rose soliflore to amplify the subtle floral heart of the fragrance.
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Very Irresistible Poesie D''Un Parfum D''Hiver is a brilliantly executed concept: a warm, inviting, and perfectly balanced holiday gourmand with excellent performance. It does exactly what it says on the bottle, delivering the ''poetry of a winter perfume'' with confidence and charm. The blend of sharp spice, rich gingerbread, and a whisper of rose is masterful.
Our recommendation is clear. If you are a die-hard collector, a lover of all things gourmand, or if you happen to find a bottle for a reasonable price, buy it without hesitation. It is a beautiful piece of fragrance history. For everyone else, we recommend exploring similar fragrances that can capture the same festive spirit for a fraction of the cost and effort. This is a five-star fragrance with a one-star availability problem.