Helena Nicklin @helenasips is an award-winning Wine, Spirits & Lifestyle Writer and Broadcaster, who’s co-produced and presented The Three Drinkers global TV series for Amazon Prime, and has her own @flockandhive podcast “for those curious about life, the universe, and everything.” And now, she’s opening up her extensive knowledge by starting her own online wine academy courses: @hswineacademy

We happen to know that Helena also adores perfume - the worlds of fine wine and fragrance being incredibly compatible. So, for this episode, we’ve set her a challenge: to pair four of our fragrance choices with festive tipples. Then, WE are challenged - pairing four drinks Helena’s chosen to fragrances we feel they’d match with!

We had SUCH fun (and learned a lot) during this episode, and hope you enjoy as much as we did. We discuss…

Helena matching our fragrance choices to festive tipples: 
Nicola chose: @thameenfragrance Centre Stage
Helena paired:Condrieu@domaineguigal Guigal Condrieu Rhône, France, £43.99 @waitrose Waitrose

Suzy chose: @guerlain Mitsouko
Helena paired: Oaked Chardonnay @thewinesociety1874 150th Anniversary Meursault Narvaux (Louis Jadot) 2018 The WIne Society

Nicola chose: @fredericmalle Portrait of a Lady 
Helena paired:Gewurz drier Traminer@borgodelleoche Borgo delle Oche Traminer, £22.99 or £15.99 angel price, @nakedwines Naked Wines

Suzy chose: @ormondejayne Ormonde Woman 
Helena paired: Syrah@yann_chave Domaine Yann Chave Le Rouvre Crozes-Hermitage, £27.99 @laithwaites.wineLaithwaites

Suzy & Nicola matching fragrances to four drinks chosen by Helena: 

Helena chose: Orange wine: “A sweet savoury thing going on with a nose of bergamot /earl grey tea, tangerine and dried lemon peel. On the palate, it's subtly nutty with bitter citrus peel notes and a touch of cinnamon and cardamom. It has grip a texture - more so than white wine.”
Gros Manseng Orange Wine £7.50 @asda ASDA
Nicola paired: @millerharris Tea Tonique @dior Thé Cachemire

Helena chose: Amarone: “A brooding and powerful (Italian) red wine style that's full-bodied and rich. Pronounced notes of dark, ripe cherry and milk chocolate on the nose. On the palate, it's velvety with darker, bitter chocolate notes, a hint of rose and an incense-like spiciness.”
Masi 'Costasera' Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, £33.74 (‘mix 6’ price) @majesticwineMajestic
Suzy paired: @bdkparfumsparis Tabac Rose

Helena chose: Sauternes: “A lusciously sweet wine with an upfront nose of candied lemon peel, marmalade and lemon sherbet. On the palate, marzipan notes with more tropical notes of mango and honeyed apricots. There's a refreshing, zingy acidity though so it's not cloying.”
L'Or Du Ciron Sauternes, £13 half bottle, @marksandspencerfood & @ocadouk Ocado
Suzy Paired:@kushbuperfumery Mausam

Helena chose: Morgon - Beaujolais 'Cru': “A lighter red wine style (perfect for turkey) that's famously tangy, bright and fresh with notes of ripe strawberry and raspberry leaf on the nose. The palate is more about ripe raspberry fruit with subtle cinnamon and clove spice from a touch of oak. There's a slick of alinity throughout that helps with its freshness.”
Morgon - Beaujolais 'Cru': Morgon La Chanaise, £13.99 Waitrose
Nicola paired: @millerharris Myrica Muse 

This is our last episode of the main pod for 2024 - we can’t wait for the fragrant adventures of next year (SO many plans already!) Until then, wishing you a wonderful festive holiday. We hope you get to relax at some point. Until next time, sending all our love,
Suzy & Nicola xx

New podcast episode alert!

Join us On the Scent as we take you behind the scenes of our incredible London live event - our biggest yet! 70 fragrance-loving listeners travelled from across the UK and even flew in from Ireland for this sold-out spectacular. We're bringing you the vibrant atmosphere with live snippets, listener questions, and our favourite fragrance launches of the year. Discover why these scents stood out and hear about the one that left Nicola utterly OBSESSED after smelling it for the first time at the event!

We'll also dish on the lust-worthy goody bags that had attendees clamouring for more (sorry, one per ticket holder only!). Whether you were there or missed out, this episode captures the joy and camaraderie of our happiest olfactory get-together. Don't miss this aromatic adventure!

 We discuss…

@arquiste Sydney rock pool (Nicola nearly took this to the event, but has recently re-discovered it, and its magical, transportive ability to shake off bad moods)

 What we chose for the event:

@hermes Barenia
 @marcantoinebarrois Tilia
@merit Retrospect
@ellakparfumsparis Orchid K
@thameenfragrance Centre Stage
@leseauxprimordiales Ambre Supermassive
 @bdkparfumsparis Rouge Smoking Extrait
@vallensefragrance Source


 #perfumeprescriptions Live!

For Siubhan Harrison (who’s after ideas for her boyfriend, who wants to smell “like a dirty cowboy...”)

 @dsanddurga Cowboy Grass @imaginaryauthors Untameable @discotequefragrances Heathens, Cowboys & the Santa Ana Winds

For Sue Bennett (who was desperately pining after Antonia’s Flowers – which we heard rumours – from Michael Edwards at @fragrancesoftheworld no less – might be coming back... But in the meantime, we suggested: @grandiflora_fragrance Saskia @ericbuterbaughfragrances Melrose Freesia Diptyque Ofrésia Also worth revisiting @esteelauderuk Beautiful, which was composed by Sophia Grojsman and Bernard Chant (he created Antonia’s Flowers) @chloe Atelier des Fleurs Magnolia Alba / Jasminium Sambac

For Nocciola (seeking clean, comforting, intriguing but non-overwhelming scents): @ellakparfumsparis Musc K @27_87 Per Sē @leseauxprimordiales Couleur Primaire Superclassique

Now, a HUGE amount of thanks to our volunteers, the incredible generosity of brands who donated stunning samples and full-sized bottles to the goody bags, and the endlessly amazing PRs, who made it all happen... Our wonderful helpers, without whom we just couldn’t have done it: @wewearperfume Amanda @peacock.vintage Hester

Superstar PRs: @kga_beauty_pr @aspectsbeauty @uppublicrelations @profilepr @alexisstrausspr @theprstudio @l.s.curtis @maximise_scent_marketing (for the fantastic quality blotters we used all evening!)

Brands in our LEGENDARY event goody bags (see Event 3 highlights for pics): @aureliebaudrypalmer (illustrator for our specially designed scent notebook) @olfactive_o @4160tuesdays @juliethasagun @eightandbob_ @omanluxury @brunocucinelli @moschino @marcantoinebarrois @thameenfragrance @themerchantofvenice @furla @kenzoparfums @hollister @juliettehasagun @goldfield_and_banks_australia @narciso_rodriguez @leseauxprimordiales @jusboxperfumes @ellisbrooklyn @billieeilish @noyz_official @eliesaabworld @bdkparfumsparis @sanctuaryspa @avon_uk @tropicskincare

Welcome to another episode of On the Scent podcast - AVAILABLE NOW on Apple / Spotify / all your usual podcast download places (apologies, it should have gone out yesterday but we were in such a whirl organising our Live event, we didn’t upload in time. Sorry!)

In this episode, we talk about how scent can bring an exhibition to life, marvel at an affordable fragrance that transports us to Milan, an extraordinarily beautiful scent celebrating Danish botanicals, a tender olfactory evocation of Capri; and an incredibly moving (and hugely emboldening) fragrance that reminds us we can rebuild and rise from the flames.

PLUS, we help a listener desperately trying to discover the aroma a colleague once wore, and another who’s bereft without their now discontinued signature scent (can we help her find a new fragrance to take its place…?)

We discuss:
@paddingtonbearexperience (and the smell of marmalade)
@barberinstitute Scent and the Art of the Pre-Raphaelites 
@avmcuriousities scenting of the Medieval Women: In Their Own Words exhibition @britishlibrary 
@kikomilano Navigli 
@floradanicabeauty Amber Echo
@Carthusia_profumi Fiori di Capri 
@mabelle_orama Phoenix Flame 
#listenerprescriptions 
For Emmy Norah:
@fredericmalle Iris Poudre?L'Eau d'Hiver?
For Jo Rathbone:
@maisonmargielafragrances Coffee Break 
@burberrybeauty Goddess
@parfumsdusita La Rhapsodie Noire

Welcome to a fun-filled episode where we explore some fabulous and rather unexpected fragrances, Poppy and Louis do a star turn and Suzy has all the answers for someone who wants to explore fabulous Fragonard.

We mention:

@jomalonelondon Pomegranate Noir candle 
@gloriousbrands Showcase
@brioni_official Eau de Parfum 
@carlotha_ray Rose Blanche & GardeniaMyrrh & Bois Brûlée 
@tropicskincare Blend No.1
@reinventedparfums Ethethreal Soul 
@inastrafragrances Wega 
@labougieofficial Mission Fig (edp, candle, diffuser, linen spray, oil, roll on edp, hand & body wash) 
@kikomilano 4 new fragrances: Scent of Milan (all £39.99)
Brera District (Green & Floral)
Isola District (Amber, Musk & Powder)
Duomo District (Amber & fruity gourmand) 
Monte Napoleone District (Amber & fruity)
Listener prescription :
@fragonardparfumeurofficiel Belle de ParisBelle OrangerSantal CardamomeDiamant

We’ve finally got our noses on a brilliant collection of affordable fragrances (including the most realistic rhubarb we’ve ever smelled), an intoxicating scent inspired by the red light district of Paris (ooh la la!), and an intriguing murder mystery game to play with a perfume set. Plus - a fragrance featuring an incredible *100-year old Mysore sandalwood*! 

We’ve also got a list of suggestions for a listener seeking to capture the smell of forest walks and mountain hikes, and some ideas for a lovely friend to gift her BFF (whose signature scent was the much missed Stella by Stella McCartney).

All this, and chats ranging from Nicola’s personal perfume selector, meetings with squirrels, the salacious history of the colour red, and mince pie crumble (including a disagreement over what’s best to serve WITH a crumble. Suzy says custard, Nicola says… well. You have to hear it to believe it!)

We discuss…

@arkiveheadcare fragrancesDecorated Woods:No One ElsieFuture BloomA Kind of Floral 
@dsanddurga Murder Mystery layering set 
Pat Von Chouli - Transparent patchouli with a signature spicy-earthy quality.
Professor Rose - Dewy fresh rose petals with a delicate sandalwood base.
Prince Amber - Soft desert ambers, fine incense.
Madam Currant - Dark fruits with deep transparent moss.
Dr. Newman Hay - Country airs of new mown hay & meadows
I Don't Know What - A fragrance enhancer with transparent radiance.
@bdkparfumsparis Rouge Smoking Extrait 
@aftelierperfume Mandy Aftel Sacre Bleu

#listenerprescriptions 
For Iesha @thegirlwiththewavyhair:
@moncler Les Sommet La Cordée
@montblanc Montblanc Collection Vetiver Glacier
@andy_tauer L’AIR DES ALPES SUISSES 
For Alicja (to gift her friend, Stella):
@maisonmargiela Lazy Sunday Morning 
@essential.parfums Rose Magnetic
@tocca Stella 

Such a variety of new fragrances we’ve been obsessing over this week - get ready for coming behind-the-scenes at the press launch of Sana Jardin’s NEW fragrance.

Then there are THREE thrilling new Beaufort fragrances Suzy sniffed at the Pitti Fragranze showcase, which mark a brand new ‘Force Majeure’ chapter for the house, are which now available to purchase. Huzzah!

We’re also explaining Nicola’s craving for the new Merit (first ever scent from the hugely popular beauty brand), which Suzy had to spray immediately after recording and can confirm is GLORIOUS.
And, we discover a perfect autumnal perfume which a listener gave *us* a tip-off about, and Suzy found for less than £13. It’s seriously good! 

All this, plus listener prescription suggestions for someone seeking a fresh, dewy rose and feedback from a previous prescription answer, which has proved a huge success.

We discuss…
@sanajardin Air of Aquarius(This new fragrance will be available to purchase at sanajardin.com and selected stockists in January)
@merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum 
THREE new @beaufortlondon - the ‘Force Majeure’ collection, now available! The GrudgeCape WrathPyroclasm
Listener suggestion: Rebecca Chicot in our Facebook Group suggested Sultan Noir by @pascalmorabitoparfums as a perfect autumnal scent (Suzy found on allbeauty.com for £12.95!)
#listenerprescription for Joanna Caccavo:
@sanajardin Incense Water (available on their U.S website, also on the @scentbird subscription website in America.
@millerharris Rose Silence
@philosophy Pure Grace Nude Rose
@chanel Les Eaux Paris–Paris eau de toilette
@manceraparfumsus @mancera Roses Vanille

We’ve a wealth of new fragrances to explore this week, including two new @glossier scents, a literary-inspired fragrance from @millerharris, and @kushbuperfumery - a brand new niche house blending cultural heritage from North India, East Africa and British influences. 
PLUS were answering your questions about how to make a home smell cosy (*without* using candles), and the search for a long-lost scent rediscovered in an old box, which the owner desperately wants to find a replacement for…
We discuss:
#whatwearewearing 
@glossier You Doux
@glossier You Rêve
@4160tuesdays x @hobtempestrose Tempest Rose
@millerharris Staccato 
@kushbuperfumery Mausam
@akro GLOW
@roosandroos Mellerio
@penhaligons Constance 
@diptyque Biscuit candle 
Answers to #perfumeprescriptions:
@lamontanacandles Three Kings reed diffuser 
@neomwellbeing Hibernate Reed Diffuser 
@neomwellbeing Cosy Nights (diffuser / oil)
@neomwellbeing Pod (with Hibernate oil)
@marksandspencer Calm Reed Diffuser
@goutalparis Passion
@sisleyparisofficial Eau de Campagne 
@diptyque L’Ombre dans L’Eau Eau de Toilette

Adam Reed @adamreedhair is one of the most passionate perfume-lovers we’ve ever met, filling his fabulous Covent Garden salon with his personal collection, and recently launching his own Arkive eaux de parfums. We just HAD to get him on the show!

Adam is the founder of Arkive @arkivebyadamreed, having worked in the hair care industry for 35 years - trusted by clients such as Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Sophie Dahl and Harry Styles, (to name a handful), as well as styling countless runway shows, with his editorial work featured in just about every glossy magazine you’ve ever heard of. He’s also a Global Ambassador for both L’Oréal Professionnel, GHD and the Green Salon Collective.

Always an advocate for openness about mental health, we were SO moved by Adam’s emotional honesty during this interview - talking about the many connections he has to fragrance. We also discuss how although the right scent can’t exactly mend everything that’s broken in your life; it CAN give you something beautiful to hold on to while you find your way through a horrible time.

Here are some of the scents that infuse Adam’s life…

[NB. Some images of vintage / discontinued products couldn’t be found]

@diorbeauty Christian Dior Jules Talcum Powder (Vintage)

@santamarianovella1221 Melograno Talcum Powder (Discontinued)

@avon_uk Tai Winds Bath Cubes (Vintage)

@jomalonelondon Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle

@thenue_co Forest Lungs

@rpparfums Fracas

@lorealparis Elnett Hairspray

@bourjois_uk Soir de Paris

@chanelofficial CHANEL N°5

@oldspice Old Spice Cologne

Insignia Deodorant (Vintage)

Claude Montana Parfum de Peau (Vintage)

@cacharelparfums LouLou

@diorbeauty Christian Dior Poison

@cotyinc Exclamation

Mary Quant [possibly P.M. fragrance?]

@poloralphlauren Ralph Lauren Polo

@yslbeauty Jazz

@calvinklein Obsession for Men / Obsession for Women

@esteelauder Youth Dew / Youth Dew Amber Nude

Imperial Leather Soap

Tomato leaves

@isseymiyakeparfums L’Eau d’Issey / Pour Homme

@diptyque Tam Dao

@alexandermcqueen Kingdom

@4711 4711 Cologne

Badedas Bath Gel

@arkiveheadcare ARKIVE Makes Scents:
Decorated Woods
No One Elsie
Future Bloom
A Kind of Floral

Unfortunately there won't be a full episode this week but fingers crossed we'll be back as usual next Thursday xx

We’re diving into the ADORABLE world of mini perfume bottles and new gift sets from Boadicea the Victorious, including their captivating new Defender fragrance. We also share highlights from the enchanting circus-themed launch party for Jeroboam's His Oudness at Harrods, and Nicola reveals the latest scent she’s obsessed by (and which her husband has stolen!) Plus, we tackle two #listenerprescription queries: one from a listener searching for a replacement for a beloved discontinued floral scent, and another seeking guidance for their visit to the Amouage Visitors Centre in Oman. 
Tune in for fragrant insights and expert advice!
We discuss:
@thameenfragrance Centre Stage 
@boadiceathevictorious Defender(Plus their new 10ml bottles & gift sets
@jeroboamperfumesYour Oudness @harrodsbeauty
Perfume Prescriptions:
(For Dr. Kimberly Turner):
@joloves White Rose & Lemon Leaves
@eluzabetharden White Tea Wild Rose
@memoizelondon Rose Luxuria 
(For Lucie):
@amouageofficial Epic WomanDia WomanJourney WomanRose IncenseGuidance / Guidance 46Purpose