Hey Posse, Yes, I know Tom did an Eshal post recently but I just collected mine from Neela in person last month. You all want a second opinion, right? We perfumistas LOVE to get different imagery about the same perfume. It helps us build a better picture of how it might smell for us. So of course, I’m doing you a solid.
Yes, Neela is my friend but YES I paid full retail.
LOVING the new green packaging especially for Eshal, same beautiful 60ml Pierre Dinand designed bottle. Juice created by Bertrand Duchaufour with Neela’s exacting oversight. He has said on record that Neela is his most perfection oriented client, with a true vision, or some such. Eshal is NVCs first new pillar release since Niral in 2018, not counting the Fragments by NVC 2022 side releases. Cue much excitement and rejoicing amongst perfumistas who know the good shit.
Eshal by Neela Vermeire Creations 2025
Neela Vermeire Creations give these featured accords:
Tuberose absolute, Red Mandarin, Petitgrain, Lime, Cinnamon oil, Turmeric oil, Patchouli oil, Vanilla absolute, Peru Balsam resin, Labdanum absolute, Vanilla Absolute
How does the new Eshal smell? Sweet tuberose, broken soft stems and tart citrus pith open. It’s a new vision of tuberose that quickly gets a hit of spice and a waft of fresh cut capsicums. Refreshing and sensual, not a combination I’d expect but here it is. The movement within the scent is so interesting. Every breath for the first few minutes there are changes and new interest. A roller coaster up close but from arms length a beautiful crisp white floral.
After the initial fireworks calm down Eshal settles into a tuberose with some hints of foodiness. It’s not a gourmand but imagine wearing a tuberose soliflor wandering past a cafe that is cooking spicy biscuits and you’re also getting wafts of other peoples modern niche perfumes.
Dry down gives a lovely vanilla rich amber underneath a still beating heart of white floral with a soft focus leathery bent. It wears close and introverted for hours and hours. Just the merest hint that you are magnificently perfumed.
We had our perfumista friend Val the Cookie Queen in Sydney for a couple of weeks after our holiday. I’ll get to that in another post. She decided to drench herself in Eshal so we could get the full effect. Seriously, a little bit of care needed when spritzing. Eshal is boisterous and huge and over the top for the first 15 minutes. If you like to do 20 spritzes you may want to do four at a time and build the layers up with 15 minute intervals. Otherwise it can be overwhelming.
LuckyScent in the USA
Neela Vermeire Creations in Europe
Are you as excited as me about Eshal?
Is a new Neela Vermeire Creation enough to restore your faith in perfumery?
Portia xx
I do want to get my nose in Eshal but my wallet says no, nada, niet, nein, non, nao, iie, buyao.
I shall wait patiently to sample but I’m afraid of the lemming taking over my brain
Interesting idea: gateway tuberose. This sent me looking for other Duchaufour tuberoses. I have LA Nuit de Tubereuse tucked away in a box. Time to let it out again. I look forward to trying Eshel. Always curious what Neela does.
I really liked this. On me it was almost a sneaky tuberose. Always just slightly ahead of you but knowing you’re looking for it. Like the “museum chase” in “Dressed to Kill”
https://youtu.be/vIaUt5KcxzI?si=wTPhu6itM3C13IdK
Yeah, tuberose for those that don’t love it, and/or a tuberose gateway Tom.
Good AV analogy.
HUG
Portia xx
My first comment here – couldn’t resist because NV is an amazing house and the perfumes DO consistently affirm my faith in perfumery – this release included! I love the slight bitter edge and juiciness in the opening, and the leather in the dry down is quite captivating. I’m not a white floral lover but this is one of the exceptions where I find myself wanting to wear it again and again. May Neela’s exacting standards never get lowered 🙂
Welcome Anna,
we have been waiting patiently for you to jump in and comment. YAY! It happened.
Yes, so well said: juicy and ever so slightly bitter on open. There are so many quick flick changes in the opening I probably should have written a lot more. Like ALL the notes need to have their moment and welcome us to Eshal. It’s quite dazzling.
Also, YES! to Neela staying as exacting. Every spritz smells like a special occasion in the very best perfumery has to offer.
Portia xx