Vilhelm Parfumerie Fragrance review

Vilhelm Parfumerie Chicago High: A Tobacco-Honey Masterpiece

A decadent journey through champagne-laced tobacco and honey, wrapped in leather and amber.

By Vivir ·
In the realm of niche perfumery, few houses evoke the sense of cinematic glamour quite like Vilhelm Parfumerie. With Chicago High, released in 2020, the brand pays homage to the roaring twenties—a era of jazz, opulence, and unapologetic indulgence. Perfumer Sophie Normand has crafted a scent that is both a tribute to that golden age and a modern statement of luxury. Chicago High is not merely a fragrance; it is an experience, a narrative of champagne-soaked evenings and smoky, honeyed whispers. From the first spritz, Chicago High announces itself with a sparkling overture of champagne, pineapple, and bergamot. This is not a shy fragrance. It is a bold, extroverted composition that demands attention, much like the city it is named after. As the initial effervescence settles, a heart of tobacco and honey emerges, rich and intoxicating, before settling into a base of leather, amber, and patchouli that lingers for hours. This is a scent for those who embrace life with a touch of drama and a lot of style. Vilhelm Parfumerie, founded by Jan Vilhelm Ahlgren, is known for its artistic and narrative-driven fragrances. Each scent tells a story, and Chicago High is no exception. It captures the spirit of the 1920s, an era of excess and elegance, and translates it into a olfactory masterpiece. The fragrance is unisex, designed to be worn by anyone who appreciates bold, luxurious scents. It is an Eau de Parfum, offering impressive longevity and projection.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
5.0
Sillage
4.0
$200-$275
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

sweet tobacco honey leather animalic amber fruity patchouli champagne citrus

Notes Pyramid

Top
ChampagnePineappleBergamot
Heart
TobaccoHoney
Base
LeatherAmberPatchouli

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first thirty minutes are a sparkling, fruity affair. The champagne note is remarkably realistic, evoking the sensation of bubbles dancing on the skin. Pineapple adds a luscious sweetness, while bergamot brightens the composition with its citrusy zest. It is festive, joyful, and utterly captivating. The opening is like a toast to the night ahead, a moment of pure celebration.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the fragrance transitions, the tobacco and honey take center stage. The sweetness of the honey is balanced by the earthy, slightly bitter tobacco, creating a rich, gourmand heart. The champagne fades into the background, leaving a warm, enveloping aura that is both comforting and seductive. This is the heart of the fragrance, where its true character emerges. The tobacco is smooth and refined, not harsh, while the honey is thick and luscious, almost edible.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The base notes emerge, revealing a leathery, amber-infused foundation. Patchouli adds an earthy depth, while the animalic undertones give the fragrance a primal, skin-like quality. The drydown is long-lasting, lingering on the skin for hours, a testament to its exceptional longevity. As it dries down, the fragrance becomes more intimate, closer to the skin, but still radiating a warm, inviting aura. It is the perfect finish to a night of indulgence.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

8+ hours

Projection 5.0/5

heavy — users report it 'projects like a monster'

Sillage 4.0/5

strong

When to Wear

SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
date nightevening outformal eventscocktail partiesholiday gatherings

Pros & Cons

  • Exceptional longevity (8+ hours)
  • Powerful projection and sillage
  • Unique champagne-tobacco-honey combination
  • Luxurious, high-quality ingredients
  • Perfect for special occasions
  • Polarizing animalic note
  • Expensive (premium niche pricing)
  • May be too heavy for some
  • Not versatile for everyday wear

Price & Value

$200-$275
Premium niche pricing

“Worth it for lovers of rich tobacco fragrances, though sampling is recommended.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Those who appreciate rich, sweet tobacco fragrances
  • Fans of gourmand oriental scents
  • Individuals looking for a statement evening fragrance

Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer light, fresh scents
  • People working in close quarters
  • Summer daytime wear

Explore More

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Chicago High is a bold, intoxicating fragrance that captures the glamour of the 1920s. Its rich tobacco-honey heart, wrapped in leather and amber, makes it a statement piece for evening wear. While its animalic undertones may polarize, those who appreciate opulent, long-lasting scents will find it a worthy addition to their collection.

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