FIVE O'CLOCK by Serge Lutens: Notes, Longevity and Review

What does FIVE O'CLOCK by Serge Lutens smell like?

FIVE O'CLOCK by Serge Lutens smells like spiced tea with candied ginger, cinnamon, honey and cacao, a cosy gourmand-leaning oriental. The full name is Five O'Clock Au Gingembre, and it captures the comfort of afternoon tea in scent form.

Created by Christopher Sheldrake in 2008, it opens with tea and bergamot, bright and aromatic. The heart warms up with cinnamon, woodsy notes and candied ginger. The base of pepper, honey, amber, cacao and patchouli gives it a sweet, resinous depth that feels like a soft blanket on a cold day.

Notes, concentration, longevity and sillage

Five O'Clock Au Gingembre is an eau de parfum. The pyramid:

  • Top notes: Tea, bergamot
  • Heart notes: Cinnamon, woodsy notes, candied ginger
  • Base notes: Pepper, honey, amber, cacao, patchouli

Longevity is moderate to long, generally lasting several hours with a softer, sweeter dry down. A second light application in the afternoon can carry it into the evening. Sillage is moderate, cosy rather than commanding, which makes it easy to wear around others.

Best for: occasions, season and who it suits

It suits autumn and winter days, relaxed weekends and casual evenings, when its warm spiced sweetness feels most at home. It is ideal for gourmand lovers who want spice without heaviness, and it works beautifully as a comfort scent for quiet days. Because it is smooth and unthreatening, it also suits those new to niche perfumery. It makes a thoughtful gift for tea lovers too, since the theme is so clearly and charmingly expressed. For a deeper amber spice, Rosendo Mateu 5 turns the warmth up; for spice with incense, Lillipur by Tiziana Terenzi is the more exotic pick.

Frequently asked questions

Is Five O'Clock unisex?

Yes, it is fully unisex and easy for anyone to wear.

Does it smell like actual tea?

The tea note is clear in the opening, but ginger, cinnamon and honey quickly take the lead.

Is it very sweet?

Moderately sweet, with spice and woods keeping it balanced rather than dessert-like.

Where can I find it?

See the Five O'Clock product page and browse more niche scents at DNA Perfumo.

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