Etat Libre d'Orange · 2013
500 Years
EDPUnisex
The Story
500 Years is a bold, theatrical fragrance that imagines the scent of a conquistador's leather armor after a long journey. It opens with a sharp blast of cumin and pink pepper, then settles into a smoky, leathery heart with a touch of rum. The base is a rich blend of tobacco, labdanum, and castoreum, giving it a dark, animalic warmth. This is not a polite scent—it's a statement.
Note Breakdown
Encyclopedia Insights
Is 500 Years suitable for everyday wear?+
It's quite bold and intense, so it's best reserved for evenings or cooler weather. It can be overwhelming in heat or for office wear.
How does the leather note compare to other leather fragrances?+
It's a raw, smoky leather with animalic undertones, not a clean or synthetic leather. Think worn saddle, not new handbag.
Does it contain real castoreum?+
Etat Libre d'Orange uses synthetic castoreum, so it's vegan-friendly. The effect is still rich and animalic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 500 Years suitable for everyday wear?+
It's quite bold and intense, so it's best reserved for evenings or cooler weather. It can be overwhelming in heat or for office wear.
How does the leather note compare to other leather fragrances?+
It's a raw, smoky leather with animalic undertones, not a clean or synthetic leather. Think worn saddle, not new handbag.
Does it contain real castoreum?+
Etat Libre d'Orange uses synthetic castoreum, so it's vegan-friendly. The effect is still rich and animalic.
Verified Primary Sources
✓Fact Checked by Essentia Editorial Team