Maison du Soir

Olfactory Experience

Maison du Soir opens with a surprisingly bright pink pepper and orange blossom accord – a bit sharper than By the Fireplace's initial smokiness. The clove adds a spicy warmth, hinting at the cozy core to come. The heart leans heavily into the chestnut and guaiac wood. It's a convincing fireplace effect, though it lacks the smooth, almost marshmallowy quality of the original's vanilla. The juniper adds a slight aromatic edge that's not as prominent in By the Fireplace, making it a tad more masculine. The drydown is where it gets closest, with cashmeran providing a soft, comforting base layered with vanilla and a slightly resinous Peru balsam. Overall, it captures about 95% of the original's vibe. There's a slight synthetic tinge present, especially in the opening, but it fades.

Is it Worth It?

Maison du Soir is a solid option if you crave the By the Fireplace vibe without the hefty price tag. While not a perfect match, it's remarkably close. The slight synthetic edge is noticeable but forgivable considering the value. If you want the most hyper-realistic, luxurious version of this scent profile, the original is worth the splurge. Ideal for those who like to curl up with a book and a glass of something warm.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, then it settles into a comfortable skin scent. Don't expect to fill a room, but it creates a nice personal bubble of warmth.