Lalique Fragrance review

Lalique Encre Indigo Review: A Modern Vetiver for Men

Annick Menardo's 2023 vetiver: black tea, saffron, and Madagascar vetiver.

By Vivir ·
Lalique Encre Indigo arrived in 2023 as a new men's eau de parfum from the French house Lalique. It is part of the Encre Noire family, a line that has earned a devoted following for its dark, vetiver-driven character. Encre Indigo, however, is not simply a darker ink. It takes the vetiver core in a fresher, spicier, and more aromatic direction. The fragrance was composed by Annick Menardo, a perfumer with a long list of distinctive releases. Her work here centers on Madagascar vetiver, patchouli, and ambergris, lifted by juniper berry, pink pepper, and bergamot. In the heart, black tea, saffron, and bay leaf add an unusual savory-spicy texture. The result is a woody aromatic that feels both refined and wearable. On Fragrantica, Encre Indigo holds an overall rating of 3.93 out of 5. That places it in solid territory for a modern designer release, though not at the very top of the Encre Noire lineup for every voter. Its price range of roughly $40 to $139 for a 100ml bottle also makes it an accessible entry point into Lalique's vetiver universe. This review breaks down the notes, accords, performance, seasonality, and value of Lalique Encre Indigo. It also compares it with its closest relatives, Encre Noire and Encre Noire A L'Extreme, and explains who should consider a bottle.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
$40-$139
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Aromatic Woody Fresh Spicy Green Warm Spicy Earthy Metallic Patchouli Citrus

Notes Pyramid

Top
juniper berrypink pepperbergamot
Heart
black teasaffronbay leaf
Base
Madagascar vetiverpatchouliambergris

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

In the first half hour, Encre Indigo is bright and aromatic. Juniper berry and bergamot lead, with pink pepper adding a peppery tingle. The green and citrus accords are most visible here. It feels fresh, slightly cool, and office-appropriate. The black tea and saffron are already present but sit behind the top notes.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

After about an hour, the heart takes over. Black tea, saffron, and bay leaf become more prominent. The fragrance turns drier, spicier, and more herbal. The metallic accord gives a cool sheen, while the warm spicy side begins to emerge. Projection is still moderate at this stage, but the scent is clearly a woody aromatic rather than a fresh citrus.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

In the drydown, Madagascar vetiver, patchouli, and ambergris dominate. The scent becomes earthier, warmer, and closer to the skin. The ambergris adds a soft, salty warmth that keeps the vetiver from feeling too harsh. After a few hours, Encre Indigo draws closer, becoming a skin scent with moderate longevity. It lasts around 6 to 8 hours on most skin types.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

6-8 hours on skin

Projection 3.0/5

moderate; draws closer after a couple of hours

Sillage 3.0/5

moderate

When to Wear

SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
officeeveryday weardate nightevening

Pros & Cons

  • Refined, versatile woody aromatic profile
  • Black tea and saffron add a distinctive spicy warmth
  • Moderate performance suitable for office and daily wear
  • Attractive price for a Lalique EDP
  • Works well in fall, winter, and spring
  • Projection fades to a skin scent after a couple of hours
  • Not a powerhouse for those who want loud sillage
  • Earthy vetiver may not appeal to sweet-fragrance fans
  • Less iconic than the original Encre Noire for some collectors

Price & Value

$40-$139
100ml EDP often found at discounters; strong value for a designer-niche hybrid

“Good value if you appreciate vetiver and tea notes; less compelling at full retail.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • men who enjoy woody aromatic vetiver fragrances
  • office workers seeking a refined signature
  • fans of Lalique Encre Noire looking for a fresher, spicier twist
  • cool-weather evening wearers

Not Recommended For

  • those who prefer sweet gourmands
  • wearers seeking loud projection
  • tropical summer heat if you dislike earthy vetiver

The Family

Explore More

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Chanel Sycomore Chanel Sycomore Chanel

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Lalique Encre Indigo is a polished, modern vetiver with a distinctive black tea and saffron heart. It performs moderately and fits office-to-evening wear in cool weather. At discount prices, it is an easy recommendation for fans of earthy woody aromatics.

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