In the era of high-end fragrances, very few have earned the standing of Le Labo's Santal 33.  The perfume was launched in 2011. It is a waxy-woody, unisex fragrance with a frontier spirit of the West America. But exactly What Is Santal 33? From its exotic sandalwood scent to its controversial "pickle juice" quirk, this guide explains the notes, the media attention, and whether it's worthy of the hype.

The Basics

• Brand:
  Le Labo (launched in 2011).

• Inspiration:
  The American West. Think wide deserts, leather, and the raw beauty.

• Family of Scents:
  Woody and leathery. It's unisex.

• Iconic Status:
  Defined by the "hipster luxury" era, remains a popular choice in the world of niche perfumery.

Scent Profile & Notes

Santal 33's intricate layers are what make it a memorable experience:

• Top Notes:
  Violet accord cedar, cardamom, and a little spicy.

• Heart notes:
  Australian Sandwood and papyrus–creamy, woody.

• Base Notes:
  Leather, musk ambroxan - warm, lingering, and animalic.

How It Smells

• Opening:
  Smoky, a bit medicinal, and with an unpopular dill-like flavor.

• Dry-Down:
  The soft sandalwood blends together with soft leather, sweet hay to create an elegant yet rugged look.

• Vibe:
  A worn leather jacket, tucked away in a smoky library.

Why Is It So Famous?

• Celeb Endorsements:
  Worn by stars such as Emma Roberts, Frank Ocean as well as Hailey Bieber.

• Minimalist Aesthetic:
  Apothecary bottles with labeling that is specific to batches are a sign of understated luxury.

• Ubiquity:
  You'll find its smoky trails in cafes, art galleries, and in urban lofts.

• Polarizing Effect:
  You either love it for its unique and bold style or resent it for its funky opening. There's no middle ground.

The "Pickle Juice" Controversy

• Why?
  The violet, cardamom as well as cedar mix smells like dill to some people, which has sparked debate over the Santal 33 pickle juice debate.

• The reality:
  The chemical makeup of skin differs. Some people have pure smoky sandalwood, while in other cases, the dill fading occurs in minutes.

• Tips:
  Apply the spray to your clothes to avoid the first medicinal note and to enjoy the smooth dry-down.

Longevity, Sillage & Best For

• Lasting time:
  10-12 hours due to the strong note base.

• Sillage:
  Strong - its trail fills the space and makes it an eye-catching scent.

• Best Occasions:

• Fall/winter days for cozy warmth.

• Night outs

• Concerts

• If you'd like to make an impression.

The Final Verdict

What is Santal 33? It is not just smell, but rather a cultural icon. Smoke, leather accents, and sweet sandalwood turn it into a typical Le Labo signature scent.

• If you are looking for a powerful, lasting, signature scent that has sharpness.

• Avoid it if sweet flowers are your style or you're averse to odd openings.

At FragranceLord, test it for yourself risk-free by using the Le Labo Discovery Set, featuring Santal 33 as well as the other four scents.