Matching fragrances to festive tipples with wine expert Helena Nicklin

This week, you join us for a fragrant journey through a scented sleepover and a quest to find perfect perfumes for an actress playing Lady Macbeth, & a concert pianist (no less!) We’re talking about the delicate allure of Roger & Gallet Osmanthus, the olfactive grandeur of Amouage Epic Woman, and the operatic drama of Merchant of Venice Maria Callas. We'll also explore the tempestuous beauty of 4160 Tuesdays Tempest Rose and tease an exciting upcoming collaboration with author Joanne Harris. But that's not all! We tackle two intriguing listener prescriptions that will captivate your imagination. An actress seeks a powerful scent to embody Lady Macbeth on stage, while a pianist desires a fragrance to echo her passionate performance and boost her confidence. From smoky gunpowder to mossy forests, we explore scents that evoke strength, witchery, and wild nature. Prepare to be spellbound by fragrances that transport you to moonlit covens, ancient ceremonies, and the very essence of power. Whether you're stepping onto the stage or into your own spotlight, this episode promises to awaken your senses and inspire your inner performer. Don't miss this aromatic adventure that blends intrigue, Shakespeare, music, and the transformative power of perfume. Tune in and let your imagination run wild... We discuss:  @kga_beauty_pr #kgascentedsleepover  @rogergallet Osmanthus  @amouageofficial Epic Woman  @themerchantofvenice Maria Callas @4160tuesdays Tempest Rose (and founder and perfumer Sarah McCartney’s forthcoming collaboration with @joannechocolat new novel – a prequel to Chocolat!) Then there’s two of the most artistically intriguing #listenerprescription questions we’ve ever had: one from Gemma Varnom – an actress soon to play Lady Macbeth, who’s looking for a suitably powerful perfume to wear on stage; and another from a pianist about to give the performance of her life – seeking a scent that might echo the passion of the music while boosting her self-confidence.  For Gemma (the actress portraying Lady Macbeth): @beaufortlondon Tonnere@zoologistperfumes Moth@andreamaack Coven @papillonartisanperfumes Spell 125@vallense Source For Astri (the concert pianist): @fredericmalle Portait of a Lady@frassai Blondine @ramonmonegal Flamenco Extrait de Parfum @lorchestreparfum Piano Santal

Main pod Mini Pod: The Fab Five - launches we’re loving  New minipod alert! On this bite-sized episode of On the Scent, we're still diving deep into five fabulous fragrance launches that have captured our hearts of late. Get ready for a tempting tour of these olfactory delights... The Fab Five:@jomalonelondon Beach Blossom Cologne: A limited-edition escape to tropical paradise with zesty lime, refreshing coconut water, and warm tonka bean.    @parfumsdemarly Valaya Exclusif : Refined luxury in a bottle, blending velvety almond, transparent white flowers, and creamy white woods for contemporary elegance.@electimusslondon Moroccan Medjool : A sumptuous fruity amber that captures the essence of golden Medjool dates and the warmth of the Moroccan desert.@angelaflanders Shantung Dream : A captivating orange blossom-based floral with warm amber base notes, inspired by the luxury of raw silk and Mediterranean summers.@theharmonist Sacred Water: An energising blend of citrus, ginger, and orange blossom that embodies the power and fluidity of our vast oceans. Tune in to explore these scent-sational new launches in detail! 

We've got a cracking Listener Prescription special for you, and let us tell you, it's a real corker. You wouldn’t believe the range of questions we receive, and this week’s episode of On the Scent podcast really showcases the breadth of the people and feelings, places and personas that fragrance can conjure.  From scenting an Irish adventure and matching the weather, to choosing a fragrance to wear for a loved one’s funeral, and even creating a whole new perfume persona for reinvention – our listeners never fail to surprise us with their diverse and deeply touching requests. We're diving deep into how fragrance can comfort us during difficult times, enhance travel experiences, and even help us embody our most fabulous selves. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and scents, and we can't wait for you to join us on this olfactory journey. So, pop in those earbuds and let us guide you through our suggestions – and let us know any scents that spring to mind in answer, too! Here are the questions we answer & scents we suggest: For Ashley: @cloonkeen Báinín - Meaning 'little white', evokes the softness of ivory wool, embodying innocence and plushness in a timeless garment. A delightful blend of freshness and warmth, it carries hints of coastal gorse, dewy herbs, and petrichor after a cloudburst. (Named after the homespun wool used in Aran jumpers and tweed jackets worn by Irish fishermen for generations). @cloonkeen Roísín Dubh – A mystical Irish rose, Róisín Dubh blends Damascena rose with dry paper and inky patchouli.The scent deepens into smoky incense, black pepper and tobacco absolute, creating a brooding base.Named after a rebellious 16th-century song, Róisín Dubh has become a cherished symbol for Irish writers. @cloonkeen Castaña – A delectable haze of singed yet creamy chestnuts and golden caramel unfolds into a voluptuous blend of Haïtian vetiver, cardamom, and red pepper.Enriched by delicate cassia absolute and lush jasmine blossoms, it’s a masterpiece. @laboratorioolfattivo Nun – Nun evokes the primordial waters of Ancient Egypt, symbolising rebirth and the Sun God. Waves of citrus and pear wash to a surging, luminous heart of lotus, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, worshipped by a woody, musky base. @memo.paris Irish Leather – Irish Leather blends a leather accord with the fresh essence of juniper berries and bitingly green mate. Featuring a fizz of pink pepper, herbaceous clary sage, iris & tonka on a smoked amber base, it pays homage to the Irish roots of Memo Paris' co-founder. @perfumerhlondon Rainwood – Capturing the essence of the (okay, Scottish) Highlands with grounded beauty, snapped stalks of galbanum and elemi coalesce with clean pepper and droplets of myrrh; all grounded by wet, woody juniper and cedar and patchouli leaves. For Becca Monet: Pocket-sized, calming and strengthening roll-on scents for wellbeing from @aromatherapyassociates, @neomwellbeing, @tisseranduk, or @marksandspencer. For Hannah (& ‘Glory Magnolia’!): @jovoymayfair @jovoyparis Psychédélique – A groovy time capsule, this scent struts its stuff with the swagger of a '70s rock god. Patchouli takes centre stage, belting out woody notes with the gusto of a Woodstock headliner. It's the olfactory equivalent of a vintage vinyl, crackling with retro charm and rebellious...

Valentine's Day is on Friday but instead of talking about fragrances that will make other people fall in love with you, we're chatting through the fragrances that we think you might just fall in love with.During the episode we mention:Marc-Antoine Barrois Tilia Officine Universelle Buly La DouzaineFragrance Du Bois CavortMicallef Secrets of Love O FémininAmouage Love DelightAmorecco Lickable Parfum 

Vintage Treasures, NEW Ormonde Jayne, Opalescent Luxury, & a Dewy Rose Nicola found a treasure-trove of vintage fragrance jewellery to swoon over @alfiesantiques, and we talk about which of the pieces we most covet [Spolier: ALL of them!] plus we’re discussing the latest launch in the @ormondejayne Montabaco collection – a Sandalore-infused beauty Suzy went mad for; and which previous carnival-esque release Nicola fell in love with.Then we’re in raptures over the Chinese New Year inspired scent from @boadiceathevictorious: Opal – a luxurious pure perfume that shimmers with pearlescence on a base of velvety darkness. Plus, there’s a brand new Med-Essence fragrance from @templespa – a dewy, sparkling rose we think listeners who love joyous, floral-arched garden-party scents will absolutely adore.We’re also answering a listener’s question about finding her cousin a stunning amber-rich fragrance that won’t break the bank. Can we hit the olfactory spot with the suggestions we give?And finally for this week’s perfume-packed episode, we’re reminiscing over the glories of the original @agentprovocateur signature scent (which Nicola’s desperate to get her hands on again), and Suzy tempts further with memories of the sassy @chantaltomass fragrance (which she might have to purchase again, too. Oh dear...) On this week’s show: @ormondejayne Montabaco Aruba  @ormondejayne Montabaco Rio  @boadiceathevictorious Opal  @templespa Med-Essence (£50 for 50ml edt) #listenerprescription for @victoriaczul  @jeroboamperfumes Ambra @calvinklein Obsession @rochasofficial Femme @lataffa_parfume Eternal Oud We also mention:@agentprovocateur (original EDP) @chantalthomass (EDP)

Some thrillingly affordable (and therefore guilt free) fragrances which also happen to be *fantastic* in this week’s episode, plus a cult brand Nicola fell madly for and immediately purchased two bottles of (on a whim, having smelled them layered on someone else, as one does…)Then we’re talking about a stunning (and joyously uplifting) fragrance by Jean-Claude Ellena, built around an ingredient that he says “puts a smile into a scent.”After swooning all over again for one of THE best toasty, sexy-but-cosy vanillas you can buy, and a powerful, artistic take on horse-y aromas; we’re getting a shot of a new celebrity take on the coffee trend.And finally, we try to find a tuberose fragrance for a listener who hates tuberose, and a vetiver for another who ADORES vetiver (but can’t re-mortgage the house for one she’s addicted to…)We discuss:@gulforchid.perfumes Tahara Vanilla@dedcool Xtra Milk /  03 Blonde@laboratorioolfattivo Mandarino@jovoyparis @jovoymayfair Fire at Will@houseofsarahbaker Riders@burberrybeauty Burberry Her EDP@andotherstories Nocturnal Tales / Paper Blossom@sabrinacarpenter Me Espresso#listenerprescriptionsFor Prema @bodhiandthebons:@dior Hypnotic Poison@killianpsris Good Girl Gone Bad@pradabeauty Infusion Fleur d’Oranger@penhaligons Orange BlossomFor @teagansirset:@millerharris Vetiver Insolent@escentricmolecules Escentric 03

In this week’s episode we’ve got a precious Taif Rose blooming, a pink-spangled Cowgirl giddy-up-ing, the Essences of time, bottled, a spiced plum blossom; a gorgeous Lunar scent calendar, and a British indie house with exciting (and very affordable!) perfumes to try. Plus: we’re answering a listener question about fragrances that help you focus and give you energy (don’t we all need some of that in January?!) We discuss…@jomalonelondon Jo Malone London Taif Rose Cologne Intense (limited edition)@dsanddurga Cowgirl Grass@amouage The Essences:Reasons by Bertrand DuchaufourLustre by Julien Rasquinet & Paul GuerlainOutlands by Cécile Zarokian@maisonlouismarie IcilaSentier Winds of Luck Calendar (Now £119 & you get a £25 digital gift card)Abbey Perfumery Perfume Library£28 for ‘12 x 2ml Eaux de Parfum in #listenerprescription for Sarah Ivinson:@sanajardin Air of Aquarius @vyraoworld The Sixth@veroniquegabai Aroma Heart

Viola Wells @violasjournal is an award-winning Production Designer, writer, and Perfume Curator whose passion for fragrance has shaped her uniquely fascinating career…Based in Hungary, Viola collaborates with museums and exhibitions to explore the intersection of scent and art history. Her innovative work includes curating fragrances for studies and lectures, as well as scenting movie sets to create immersive atmospheres for actors. With her expertise, Viola transforms fragrance into a storytelling medium, making her a perfect guest for On the Scent. From memories that have inspired her, convincing directors to experience the power of scent, a history of the world’s first fragrance based in alcohol, to helping open a perfume museum and THE dream perfuming project she has in mind [my precioussssss]; what a fascinating guest Viola was. We so hope you enjoy listening! Viola mentions: @bourjois_uk KobakoThe history of Hungary Water CologneLink to the abbey museum:https://g.co/kgs/T7v8ak5More information about the abbey’s history in this article (written in English):https://civilek.info/en/2021/05/29/fragrance-museum-opens-in-pannonhalma/@ikeauk Fireplace Candle @beaufortlondon Terror & Magnificence @jeanarthesparfums Amore Mio@esteelauderuk Spellbound @viviennewestwood Anglomania@cacharelparfums Lou Lou

The SIXTH season of On the Scent (whoah!) has us discussing those scents getting us through what must be the bleakest month in the calendar. What are we wearing, and why?Nicola’s discovered a new & unusual way to experience a perfume she already had, and loves it even more, now. Plus there’s a new home fragrance brand in town, and believe us when we say they are jawdropping-ly good… Talking about calendars, we’re highlighting Suzy’s favourites from two incredible fragrance selections, (which may have saved her sanity). PLUS: we answer #perfumeprescription questions helping one listener who wants to smell edible, and another seeking a perfume for her new pooch (who’s named in honour of Stanley Tucci!) So: what *would* Tucci wear if he were a hound, we wonder? We discuss: (Some faves from the @harveynichols fragrance calendar):@exnihiloparis The Hedonist@hermeticaofficial Verticaloud@maisoncrivelli Neroli Nasimba@xerjoff Naxos (Some faves from the @memo.paris Post-Christmas Calendar)Memo MarfaMemo MaduraiMemo Inlé Perfume Prescriptions: For Lucy B @houseoflucyart @alrehabperfumes Choco Musk @4160tuesdays Over the Chocolate Shop @maisontahite Caocao²@bdkparfumsparis Tabac RoseFor Kimmy @myscentedparadise@dolcegabbana_beauty Fefé@peanutandpicklecompany Neroli & Grapefruit Dog & Puppy Perfume@norfolknaturalliving Coastal Walks Dog Cologne #onthescentpodcast #fragrancereviews #fragranceblogger #fragrancelover #whatwearewearing #perfumesamples #travelsize #fragrancecalendars #newseason #perfumepodcast 

Helena Nicklin @helenasips is an award-winning Wine, Spirits &amp; Lifestyle Writer and Broadcaster, who’s co-produced and presented The Three Drinkers global TV series for Amazon Prime, and has her own @flockandhive podcast “for those curious about life, the universe, and everything.” And now, she’s opening up her extensive knowledge by starting her own online wine academy courses: @hswineacademyWe happen to know that Helena also adores perfume - the worlds of fine wine and fragrance being incredibly compatible. So, for this episode, we’ve set her a challenge: to pair four of our fragrance choices with festive tipples. Then, WE are challenged - pairing four drinks Helena’s chosen to fragrances we feel they’d match with!We had SUCH fun (and learned a lot) during this episode, and hope you enjoy as much as we did. We discuss…Helena matching our fragrance choices to festive tipples: Nicola chose: @thameenfragrance Centre StageHelena paired:Condrieu@domaineguigal Guigal Condrieu Rhône, France, £43.99 @waitrose WaitroseSuzy chose: @guerlain MitsoukoHelena paired: Oaked Chardonnay @thewinesociety1874 150th Anniversary Meursault Narvaux (Louis Jadot) 2018 The WIne SocietyNicola chose: @fredericmalle Portrait of a Lady Helena paired:Gewurz drier Traminer@borgodelleoche Borgo delle Oche Traminer, £22.99 or £15.99 angel price, @nakedwines Naked WinesSuzy chose: @ormondejayne Ormonde Woman Helena paired: Syrah@yann_chave Domaine Yann Chave Le Rouvre Crozes-Hermitage, £27.99 @laithwaites.wineLaithwaitesSuzy &amp; Nicola matching fragrances to four drinks chosen by Helena: Helena chose: Orange wine: “A sweet savoury thing going on with a nose of bergamot /earl grey tea, tangerine and dried lemon peel. On the palate, it's subtly nutty with bitter citrus peel notes and a touch of cinnamon and cardamom. It has grip a texture - more so than white wine.”Gros Manseng Orange Wine £7.50 @asda ASDANicola paired: @millerharris Tea Tonique @dior Thé CachemireHelena chose: Amarone: “A brooding and powerful (Italian) red wine style that's full-bodied and rich. Pronounced notes of dark, ripe cherry and milk chocolate on the nose. On the palate, it's velvety with darker, bitter chocolate notes, a hint of rose and an incense-like spiciness.”Masi 'Costasera' Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, £33.74 (‘mix 6’ price) @majesticwineMajesticSuzy paired: @bdkparfumsparis Tabac RoseHelena chose: Sauternes: “A lusciously sweet wine with an upfront nose of candied lemon peel, marmalade and lemon sherbet. On the palate, marzipan notes with more tropical notes of mango and honeyed apricots. There's a refreshing, zingy acidity though so it's not cloying.”L'Or Du Ciron Sauternes, £13 half bottle, @marksandspencerfood &amp; @ocadouk <a...