The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Rhum d'Hiver means winter rum in French, a name that immediately tells you what it is and who it's for. Benoist Lapouza built this fragrance around a single idea: warmth against cold. The Italian perfumer took Sicilian citrus and Calabrian bergamot, bright and cutting on their own, then layered them over a rum accord that keeps the cold at bay. The 2013 launch placed this scent within ALYSONOLDOINI's debut collection of six fragrances, each designed as a considered statement rather than a commercial play.
What makes Rhum d'Hiver interesting is its structure, citrus that doesn't disappear, rum that doesn't overwhelm. The cardamom and nutmeg in the heart act as a bridge between the bright opening and the earthy base, keeping the composition grounded rather than letting it drift into pure sweetness. Vetiver and tonka bean absolute in the base give it staying power, transforming what could be a simple cold-weather scent into something that evolves on skin over hours.
The evolution
The opening hits sharp and bright, kumquat, Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot in quick succession. Within fifteen minutes the rum arrives, pushing the citrus aside but not erasing it entirely. The heart develops over the next two to three hours as cardamom and nutmeg assert themselves, warming the composition without heavy sweetness. By the fourth hour, vetiver and tonka bean have taken over, earthy, dry, close to the skin. On fabric, it lingers longer. The next morning, a faint trace of vetiver and amber remains.
Cultural impact
Still in production since its 2013 launch, Rhum d'Hiver occupies a specific space in the niche market, a winter rum fragrance that doesn't rely on heavy sweetness or smoke. It sits alongside warmer spicy-citrus compositions from Italian niche houses, appealing to collectors who want something that evolved over the past decade rather than chasing current trends.
The House
ALYSONOLDOINIALYSONOLDOINI is an Italian niche fragrance house founded by designer Alyson Oldoini in 2013. The brand debuted with six scents crafted by perfumer Benoist Lapouza, offering a balanced trio for men and women. Since its launch the house has expanded its catalogue with fragrances such as Black Violet (2013), Crystal Oud (2014), Ambra Guaiac (2019) and Bucato Royale (2020). Each perfume reflects a blend of Mediterranean sensibility and contemporary composition, targeting collectors who value depth and consistency over fleeting trends.
The Creator
Benoist LapouzaBased on his work with By Kilian, Benoist Lapouza seems drawn to rich, gourmand accords blended with boozy notes and warm spices. He likely favors using high-quality raw materials and has a knack for creating fragrances with significant depth and longevity.
