Courvoisier Perfumes

Courvoisier Perfumes & Soaps, established in the early 1900s by the renowned French cognac manufacturer, showcased the brand’s expansion into luxury personal care. Distributed exclusively by Bronnley of England, the line reflected Courvoisier’s dedication to quality and elegance, extending their reputation beyond fine spirits to the realm of cosmetics and toiletries.

The Courvoisier product range was extensive and thoughtfully curated. It included perfumes, soaps, skincare, and cosmetics. Their skincare offerings were notably innovative for the time, featuring products such as Mimosa, a formula designed to whiten and soften the skin, and a Cleansing Fluid that could remove stains from nails and fingers. Courvoisier also catered to nail care with items like Nail Polish, Cuticle Cream, and their distinctive Royal Orange Stick, which was a staple for manicures. Men were not overlooked, with a Fine Shaving Stick Soap crafted specifically for their grooming needs.

Among their most celebrated creations were the CC Perfumes (Courvoisier's Concentrated), a series of alcohol-free fragrances inspired by various flowers. These perfumes were highly regarded for their purity and intensity. Additionally, Courvoisier produced signature scents that captured widespread acclaim, including Omar Khayyam, Viotto, and Havanita, each evoking a distinct and luxurious olfactory experience. These offerings cemented Courvoisier Perfumes & Soaps as a notable name in the early 20th-century fragrance and personal care industry.

The perfumes of Courvoisier:

• 1907 Otto of Violets/Viotto (the Soul of the Violet)
• 1907 Havanita  (the "Soul" of West Indian Flora)
• 1911 Omar Khayyam  (the subtle and sweet scent of a Persian Garden, made of eastern floral ottos)
• 1913 Rose Essence (Rose Royale)
• 1913 Rama (presented in a bottle designed by Julien Viard)
• 1913 Evé (possibly the re-branded fragrance ‘Rama’)
• 1916 CC Perfume - Lily of the Valley
• 1916 CC Perfume - Carnation
• 1916 CC Perfume - Sweet Pea
• 1916 CC Perfume - Parma Violet
• 1916 CC Perfume - Jasmin
• 1916 CC Perfume - Narcissus
• 1916 CC Perfume - Wallflower
• 1916 CC Perfume - Heliotrope
• 1916 CC Perfume - Rose
• 1916 CC Perfume - Cyclamen
• 1916 CC Perfume - Lilac
• 1920 Margaux Lilac
• 1920 Margaux Lily of the Valley
• 1920 Miss Courvoisier
• 2007 Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Eau de Toilette 
• 2007 Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Eau de Parfum

Courvoisier's perfumes, launched during the early 20th century, were as poetic as they were luxurious, with evocative names and rich descriptions that offered a glimpse into their character. Each fragrance was imbued with a distinct essence, capturing the elegance and refinement that the brand’s name suggested. Below are the details of their key fragrances, including translations and possible olfactory interpretations.

1907 Otto of Violets (Viotto)

Known as the "Soul of the Violet," Viotto was launched in 1907 and likely featured the sweet, powdery, and slightly green aroma of fresh violet flowers. The name "Otto" refers to the essential oil or extract, suggesting an intense and concentrated violet fragrance, cherished for its soft, romantic quality.

1907 Havanita

Also introduced in 1907, Havanita was described as the "Soul of West Indian Flora." This fragrance likely captured the exotic and lush aromas of tropical blooms native to the Caribbean. It may have blended creamy, warm floral notes like ylang-ylang and frangipani with subtle hints of spice or citrus, evoking an opulent, sun-drenched paradise.

1911 Omar Khayyam

Launched in 1911, Omar Khayyam was inspired by the Persian poet of the same name. The perfume was described as the "subtle and sweet scent of a Persian Garden," composed of Eastern floral ottos. It likely featured opulent, oriental floral notes such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom, perhaps accented with a whisper of spices or amber, to create an air of timeless sophistication.

1913 Rose Essence (Rose Royale)

Released in 1913, Rose Essence, also called Rose Royale, showcased the regal and timeless beauty of roses. This fragrance probably centered around the rich, dewy aroma of freshly blooming roses, paired with green and slightly honeyed undertones to create a sophisticated yet natural scent.

1913 Rama

Also introduced in 1913, Rama was presented in a bottle designed by the famed glass artist Julien Viard, underscoring its artistic prestige. While details about the scent itself are scarce, the name may suggest an exotic or oriental-inspired fragrance, potentially incorporating woods, spices, or delicate florals.

1913 Evé

Possibly a rebranding of Rama, Evé debuted the same year, likely sharing similar characteristics. The name suggests a fragrance embodying femininity, sensuality, and innocence, possibly with soft florals, light woods, or musk undertones.

1920 Margaux Lilac

Launched in 1920, Margaux Lilac was a celebration of springtime elegance. It likely featured the delicate, airy, and slightly creamy floral notes of lilac, creating a fresh and uplifting aroma evocative of blooming gardens.

1920 Margaux Lily of the Valley

Introduced alongside Margaux Lilac, this fragrance captured the delicate, sweet, and green floral profile of lily of the valley. Known for its enchanting and pure scent, it likely offered a crisp and refreshing olfactory experience.

1920 Miss Courvoisier

Released in 1920, Miss Courvoisier was likely a signature fragrance that embodied the brand's ethos of refined elegance. The scent may have combined a blend of sophisticated florals, such as rose, jasmine, or violet, with soft, powdery or musky accents, designed to appeal to the modern, discerning woman of the time.

Each of these fragrances tells a story, with their names and descriptions evoking vivid imagery and transporting the wearer to lush gardens, exotic locales, and regal settings.

Courvoisier's CC Perfumes (Courvoisier's Concentrated), launched in 1916, represented a pioneering approach to perfumery with their alcohol-free compositions. This collection of floral fragrances was celebrated for its purity, intensity, and the ability to capture the true essence of each bloom. Below are the descriptions of these elegant creations, imagined based on their names and the flowers they represented:

1916 CC Perfume - Lily of the Valley

Delicate and pure, this fragrance likely evoked the enchanting scent of fresh lily of the valley blossoms. Its profile would have been light, sweet, and green, with a crisp and dewy character reminiscent of spring mornings.

1916 CC Perfume - Carnation

This scent probably showcased the warm, spicy, and slightly clove-like aroma of carnation flowers. Carnation fragrances are known for their soft, powdery undertones and a hint of floral sweetness, creating a classic and comforting allure.

1916 CC Perfume - Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea would have been a celebration of pastel-colored blossoms, offering a fragrance that was light, sweet, and fresh, with subtle hints of honeyed florals and a touch of green.

1916 CC Perfume - Parma Violet

Parma Violet likely highlighted the soft, powdery, and slightly candied scent of these delicate flowers. The fragrance would have been romantic and nostalgic, with a faint green freshness.

1916 CC Perfume - Jasmin

This perfume would have been a bold tribute to the lush, heady, and intoxicating aroma of jasmine flowers. Sweet and slightly indolic, this fragrance likely radiated opulence and warmth.

1916 CC Perfume - Narcissus

Narcissus, known for its deep and multifaceted aroma, would have offered a complex blend of sweet florals, green notes, and earthy undertones. Its character might have been slightly musky or animalic, adding a mysterious edge.

1916 CC Perfume - Wallflower

Wallflower would have captured the underrated beauty of this vibrant blossom, with a warm, honeyed floral scent that combined hints of spiciness with a sweet, fruity depth.

1916 CC Perfume - Heliotrope

This fragrance likely showcased the soft, powdery, and almond-like sweetness of heliotrope. Often compared to the scent of vanilla and marzipan, heliotrope fragrances exude comfort and warmth.

1916 CC Perfume - Rose

A classic and timeless scent, this perfume would have embodied the rich, dewy aroma of fresh roses, with layers of floral depth, green nuances, and a faintly honeyed sweetness.

1916 CC Perfume - Cyclamen

Cyclamen’s scent is light, airy, and watery, with delicate floral notes and a slightly fresh, green undertone. This fragrance likely evoked a soft and breezy elegance.

1916 CC Perfume - Lilac

Lilac would have been a true ode to spring, with a sweet, creamy, and slightly powdery floral profile. Its soft, nostalgic scent would have transported wearers to gardens in full bloom.

Courvoisier's CC Perfumes captured the essence of each flower with exceptional precision, offering a range of fragrances that celebrated natural beauty and sophistication. Their alcohol-free formula allowed for a pure and unadulterated sensory experience, making them beloved among connoisseurs of the era.

Pharmaceutical Journal; A Weekly Record of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, 1907:

"H. Bronnley and Co Limited. We are informed that in addition to Messrs Harrod's Limited, the Army and Navy Stores, and Messrs William Whiteley Limited, have purchased replicas of H. Bronnley and Co.'s exhibit at the Franco-British Exhibition, consisting mainly of Courvoisier's Otto of Violets Perfume and Soap. and Havanita Perfume and Soap."

Chemist & Druggist, 1929,

"The well-known " Courvoisier " series is represented by a coffret containing one bottle of Ess Viotto and two cakes of Ess Viotto soap. Great attention is given to their products by Mssrs. Bronnley , and only the best of material is used."

Courvoisier perfumes shown in an advertisement from a 1913 William Whiteley Ltd catalog.

The Sketch: A Journal of Art and Actuality, Volume 62, 1908:

Courvoisier, the third-largest-selling Cognac in the United States, released the Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Eau de Parfum ($125) and the Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Eau de Toilette ($95) in high end and duty-free shops in early 2007.