The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Club des Hashischins was born from an 1844 Parisian secret society recipe, a blend of hashish-infused coffee and dawamesk. In 2017 Sharra Lamoureaux re-imagined that historic formula for Alkemia, translating the smoky lounge ritual into a vegan, cruelty-free perfume. The fragrance honors the original club's spirit of indulgence and exoticism, using modern aromatic materials to evoke the mysterious stimulant mixture that fueled one of Paris most enigmatic gatherings.
The philosophy behind this composition treats coffee not merely as an opening note but as a central pillar, the way the original dawamesk centered on hashish-infused brew. Oud provides the smoke and mysticism. The honey and blackberry balance the bitter and the sweet, the medicinal and the edible. Spices evoke the Orient, connecting to the original club's fascination with exotic substances. Leather and musk create the private feeling of an offline community, the sense of a hidden room where transgressions are permitted and secrets shared. Each note serves the narrative of that 1844 gathering while remaining entirely appropriate for modern wear.
The evolution
The fragrance begins immediately with its heart notes, as if the door to the club has already swung open. Coffee and oud greet you first, their smoky alliance recreating the atmosphere of the dawamesk preparation. Tobacco joins shortly after, adding depth and that distinctive herbal complexity. As you settle in, honey and blackberry emerge, representing the sweet, slightly narcotic quality of the original blend. The spice notes (cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, clove) arrive in stages, warming the composition like drinks shared in low light. Leather and labdanum provide the tactile sensation of worn velvet and ancient books, while musk grounds everything in something deeply human and Intimate. Orange peel prevents sweetness overload, adding a citrusy brightness that recalls the exotic ingredients once brought from distant markets.
Cultural impact
Since its 2017 release, Club des Hashischins has become a cult favorite among indie‑fragrance collectors drawn to its historic hashish‑coffee narrative. The limited‑reserve label and daring ingredient list sparked lively discussion on niche forums, positioning the scent as a conversation‑starter that bridges 19th‑century Parisian intrigue with modern vegan perfumery.
The House
Alkemia PerfumesAlkemia Perfumes is an indie fragrance house that emerged in 2009 with a focus on vegan, cruelty‑free creations. The brand blends essential oils, absolutes, CO₂ extracts and carrier oils to craft scents that avoid common irritants such as parabens, phthalates and DPGs. Its catalogue leans toward amber, incense and aromatic profiles, offering options that feel both natural and distinctive while staying affordable for niche‑fragrance enthusiasts.
The Creator
Sharra LamoureauxLamoureaux favors a methodical build‑up, starting with a clear base and adding heart and top layers in measured increments. She leans on woody anchors such as sandalwood and cedar, then introduces spice—cardamom or pink pepper—to add depth.














































