Heraud: Middle English and Old French for a herald, a town crier, a respected messenger, the king's messenger. German: Herold.
I chose this name because Heraud represents for me an important messenger in a bottle, a bringer of goodness and beauty.
Cocoa and more
Not all cocoa extracts are the same. After months of searching, I finally found the elusive cocoa extract that would fulfil my vision. As a perfumer, I was looking for a cocoa note that was full-bodied, rich and long-lasting; a fundamental ingredient for the luxurious fragrance I had in mind. I experienced many disappointments because I found cocoa extracts that were too fleeting, too weak or too one-dimensional. What a drama when you won't settle for anything less than perfection! My concept was clear: a sumptuous perfume that exudes opulence and complexity, a fragrance that envelops you like a velvet cloak. A modern gourmand. When I finally secured the special double-distilled extract, it felt wonderful. This extract, the result of a careful process involving an initial extraction with a volatile solvent to obtain a concrete or resinoid, followed by a second purification step, was exactly what I had been looking for. It was extracted from cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast and offered a pure gourmand darkness that combined a deep, woody warmth with contrasting dry and fruity nuances and an animalistic dry note of raw cocoa beans. With this exquisite ingredient in hand, everything else fell into place as if by magic. The fragrance came together seamlessly, each note complementing the other and circling around the cocoa. It is a rich, balanced blend of sweet and bitter, with dried sweet dates, bittersweet floral delights, wonderfully spicy dry woods and an amber musk base.
What's in it?
A perfume is more than the sum of its parts. With that in mind, let's continue with the notes anyway. One of the central pillars of the perfume formula is the double-distilled extract from cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast. It is difficult to obtain, not available every year and produced in small quantities: Heraud may not always be available. That is the sacrifice we have to make for quality. Here is a technical detail for you: this cocoa bean absolute is overdosed in the perfume formula and shines beautifully throughout the perfume.
Top note: an invigorating bourbon bergamot oil that balances a bitter cocoa top note.
Heart note: fruity, milky cocoa with sweet notes of dried dates. A natural hint of clean white flowers.
Base note: dry wood and spicy cedarwood, sensual vanilla planifolia, clean, powdery musk and fresh ambergris.
I believe that perfumes have no gender. Heraud is a true unisex perfume, and as an elixir, it is long-lasting. It develops sensually on the skin and radiates without ever being loud or overpowering.
Insights into production – a closer look
In our perfumery, we are proud that we make everything ourselves and that each perfume is handmade in small batches. This careful process ensures that every product we make is of the highest quality and is produced with care and precision.
How we work
By hand. Craftsmanship in every bottle. Why do we do it ourselves? Because we produce small batches, strictly control quality and develop a deep understanding of the inside and outside of each bottle. This approach fosters a sense of pride and fulfilment reminiscent of a time before globalisation, when products were still made close to home and the bond between the manufacturer and the consumer was strong and tangible.
We take great pleasure in every step of the process, from polishing the bottles to packing them into boxes. Our boxes are made in Switzerland and symbolise our commitment to quality and authenticity. We prefer to source materials from America and Europe and deliberately avoid countries in the Far East. Our bottles come from Europe and America. Our labels and pumps are sourced in Europe and our caps are made in Switzerland. Together, we assemble each piece with care and dedication.
We operate a genuine manufacturing facility where peace and fulfilment are an integral part of our process. The products we make reflect this ethos and offer our perfume lovers an authentic and deeply felt experience. When you buy our perfume, you are not just buying a fragrance, but a story of craftsmanship, quality and care.
Inspiration
The inspiration for my latest perfume, Heraud (which I worked on for what felt like an eternity), came from a deep desire to create something truly unique. My goal was to create a fragrance centred around rich cocoa extracts that went beyond the usual gourmand scents. I wanted to create a perfume that is both delicious and sophisticated, combining the comforting sweetness of gourmand notes with a modern twist and timeless appeal.
With high-quality cocoa extracts at its heart, I have created a luxurious aroma that lasts all day long. I wanted this fragrance to be warm and amber-like, enveloping you in a cosy scent that is perfect for any occasion. Its long-lasting character ensures that the delicious blend of sweet and bitter cocoa with a hint of vanilla and bourbon bergamot lingers throughout the day.
The idea was to bring modern and classic elements together and offer a unique fragrance that is both familiar and refreshingly new. I wanted the fragrance to be a celebration of gourmand indulgence, carefully crafted to go beyond the ordinary. It's about inviting you to enjoy every moment with every splash. I also wanted the perfume to have a rich, full-bodied character that lingers beautifully on the skin. I envisioned a fragrance that is delicious and luxurious, but also light enough for everyday use.
The process involved countless trials and refinements to find the right balance. I focused on the interplay of the individual elements to ensure that the warm, amber notes harmonise with the sweet and bitter aspects of cocoa. The addition of bourbon bergamot gives the fragrance a fresh, slightly citrusy note that enhances the complexity of the perfume.
To further enhance the fragrance, I incorporated woody notes that are dry and fresh, perfectly balancing the ambergris and musk undertones. These woody notes give the perfume a grounding effect, adding depth and sophistication without overpowering the gourmand elements. The result is a versatile and intriguing fragrance that unfolds beautifully on the skin.
Heraud is available as a concentrate, the first of many elixirs to follow. Heraud has presence, and I wanted to create a perfume that stands out, something you can wear with confidence and that feels unique. It is designed to evoke a feeling of comfort and luxury, making you feel pampered and special. The modern yet classic character of the perfume means that it is versatile, suitable for both day and night and perfect for any season. Essentially, this perfume is an extraordinary fragrance. It is a sensory experience that captures the essence of cocoa in an innovative and timeless way.
I am delighted to share this unique gourmand experience with you, and I hope you enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
