A Nose-First Dive into B&BW’s Latest Warm, Boozy Fragrance
The moment I caught a whiff of that first tempting note of Bath and Body Works Bourbon wafting through the store, I just knew I had to have it. As a longtime fan of B&BW’s body care and home fragrance collections, my nose has been happily tickled by many of their signature scents over the years. But Bourbon – with its rich, warm notes of smooth whiskey and fiery spices – spoke to me on a whole new level. I could immediately envision cozying up with a glass of the real stuff next to a crackling fireplace while enveloped in this intoxicating scent.
So I’m here today to take you on a deep dive into the Bourbon line and break down everything there is to know about B&BW’s latest launch. From the tantalizing fragrance notes to the stunning packaging, I’ll uncover what gives this scent its distinctly boozy, sweet and spicy aroma. I’ll also share some insider tips on the best products to try from the collection, how to save money on your Bourbon haul, and the many sensational ways to incorporate this scent into your self-care routine.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of fragrances who loves discovering unique new scents or someone who simply enjoys treating themselves to a few luxe body care items, the Bourbon collection has something for you. So grab your favorite tumbler and join me for an in-depth exploration of the sights, sounds and – most importantly – the smells that make this fragrance truly intoxicating. Let’s get sipping!
Top Notes That Make This Scent So Distinctly Bourbon
The very first notes I picked up on with Bath and Body Works Bourbon were rich vanilla, spicy ginger and sweet butterscotch – conjuring immediate visions of one of my favorite cocktails! On the official scent description, B&BW describes these top notes as “bourbon vanilla, orange zest & tobacco flower.”
To break that down further:
- Bourbon vanilla adds a smooth, deep sweetness, just like the caramel and oak notes you’d detect in an aged bourbon whiskey. This is the foundation of the fragrance that gives it that distinctly boozy character.
- Orange zest provides a bright, fresh citrus scent, cutting through the richness of the vanilla. It adds vibrancy and prevents the fragrance from being too heavy.
- Tobacco flower gives a slightly unexpected botanical edge. It has an underlying spiciness that blends beautifully with the vanilla. This note makes the scent feel sophisticated and complex.
As soon as I applied the Bourbon body cream, I could pick up on all three of these notes mingling together in a really unique way. It doesn’t literally smell like straight-up bourbon, but has the same warmth and sweetness that makes it feel extra indulgent.
The Heart and Base Provide a Spicy Kick
What I love about Bath & Body Works Bourbon is that those rich, vanilla top notes are just the beginning. As the scent starts to settle on the skin, it reveals some spicier layers that add dimension:
- Pink peppercorn adds a zesty kick and vibrancy as a heart note.
- Black amber in the base notes provides some smoky depth.
- Gold amber balances the black amber with a touch of bright golden warmth.
Together, the pink peppercorn and amber notes give this scent a sophisticated evolution. The aroma starts off smooth and sweet, then becomes spicier and more complex the longer you wear it. It’s like your typical bourbon – the bold flavor gets even bolder!
I especially noticed the amber notes come out more prominently in the Bourbon shower gel. The sweet vanilla scent transforms into something richer and almost sultry under the stream of water.
Overall, this well-balanced blend of fragrance notes in the Bourbon line capture the experience of sipping an oak-aged bourbon to a tee. It smells deliciously boozy without being overly literal or syrupy-sweet.
So Many Tempting Formats to Explore in the Bourbon Collection
Once I had a handle on the Bath & Body Works Bourbon scent profile itself, I had to decide which products to test drive first. Since the line just launched, it’s still available in a wide selection of body care and home fragrance formats. Here’s a quick rundown of all the indulgent ways you can work this fragrance into your routine:
Pampering Body Care
- Bourbon Body Cream – ultra-hydrating and luxurious. The scent lingers beautifully.
- Bourbon Body Wash – creates a rich, foamy lather. A little goes a long way.
- Bourbon Body Scrub – polishes and softens with notes of brown sugar. My skin felt crazy smooth after using this!
- Bourbon Body Butter – thicker and more concentrated than the cream. Provides intense moisture, especially for dry winter skin.
Fragrant Home Products
- Bourbon 3-Wick Candle – burns evenly and infuses any room with scent. The vintage-style jar looks so chic.
- Bourbon Single Wick Candle – great for smaller rooms like office or bathroom. Still makes a statement!
- Bourbon Wallflowers – refillable plug-in concentrates scent in specific areas. Long-lasting fragrance.
- Bourbon Hand Soap – leaves hands freshly scented after washing. Cleansing and odor-neutralizing.
- Bourbon Hand Sanitizer – perfect dose of scent on-the-go. Hydrates hands with soothing aloe vera.
Portable Fragrance
- Bourbon Fine Fragrance Mist – provides instant refreshment and scent in a purse-friendly spray bottle. The easiest way to mist yourself head to toe!
- Bourbon Perfume – amps up the warmth and spice notes even more. Stronger concentration of scent that lasts all day when applied to pulse points.
With so much to test out, I ultimately decided to pick up the body cream, mist and candle first to get the full experience. But I can already tell I’ll be back for more soon!
Tantalizing Texture and Packaging That Matches the Scent
An aspect of Bath & Body Works products that I can’t get enough of is the gorgeous, gift-worthy packaging all the scents come in. The Bourbon line is no exception – its vessel-shaped bottles and jars look straight-up chic.
The container for the Bourbon body cream features stylized calligraphy and a sturdy glass bottle sealed with a textured gold lid. It looks so regal sitting on my bathroom vanity! For the mist, I love the vintage apothecary vibe of the faceted bottle with its metal cap and atomizer.
And possibly my favorite design of all is the jar for the Bourbon 3-wick candle. The amber glass and and etched logo motif make it seem really substantial and luxe. I’ll definitely be reusing the jar for storage once the candle is finished burning.
Overall, the packaging for every product in the Bourbon line perfectly complements the scent. The amber color palette and ornate details feel sophisticated. When I see the collection displayed together in stores, the visual impact is just stunning.
Smart Shopping Tips to Get Your Fill of Bourbon on a Budget
I won’t pretend that Bath & Body Works products are cheap, because quality ingredients and fragrances come at a cost. However, there are always great ways to save on your haul and avoid paying full retail price:
- Join the free Loyalty Program – you earn rewards and discount coupons just for shopping!
- Sign up for email and text alerts – you’ll get exclusive offers and early access to sales.
- Buy bundles and gift sets – these provide more value for money compared to individual items.
- Stock up during the Semi-Annual Sale – classics like Bourbon often get deeply discounted at the SAS twice a year!
- Use coupons strategically – combine percentage-off coupons with sale prices for the best deal. The post-holiday sales are a great time for this.
- Buy online – online-only deals can sometimes be better than in-store.
With the right strategy, you can stock up on plenty of Bourbon body care and home fragrance items without draining your wallet. A little patience and planning goes a long way!
Incorporating Bourbon into Your Self-Care Rituals
One reason I am so drawn to Bath & Body Works products is that they turn simple routines like showering and moisturizing into truly pampering sensory experiences. Here are some ideas for letting the warm, spicy scent of Bourbon upgrade your regular self-care habits:
- Apply the silky Bourbon body cream head-to-toe after showering – it leaves skin velvety-soft and lightly scented.
- Add a few drops of the Bourbon fragrance oil to your bathwater for a relaxing soak. The scent envelops you in a blanket of warmth.
- Light the Bourbon candle while getting ready for a night out – it will make you feel playful and confident!
- Mist your pillowcases and sheets with the Bourbon body mist before bed. The cozy, familiar scent sets the stage for sweet dreams.
- Keep the Bourbon hand cream on your desk to moisturize hands when they feel dry and raw during work. The scent is an instant “getaway” break.
- Rub the Bourbon body scrub over rough spots like elbows and heels during your shower 1-2 times a week. It smooths and rejuvenates.
- Place a Bourbon Wallflowers plug-in in your living room or bedroom for constant home fragrance.
However you choose to incorporate it, having Bath & Body Works Bourbon on hand takes ordinary moments and makes them feel like mini spa treatments. It’s pure, scent-oriented bliss.
The Fiery Spirit of Bourbon: Warming Your Senses and Your Soul
As you can tell by now, I’m completely enamored with Bath and Body Works’ new Bourbon line. The sweet, spicy, vanilla-rich scent feels like a treat for all my senses, evoking cozy evenings, good conversations and easy self-confidence. Whenever I catch a whiff of that distinctive bourbon vanilla note now, it feels like my own signature aroma.
Beyond the physical products, Bourbon also represents a mindset and mood to me. It’s about taking time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, big and small. Letting the sensorial joy of a beautiful fragrance transport you for a moment. Slowing down to take a bath by candlelight, savor a incense-rich happy hour or chat with loved ones in a room with fresh flowers.
Life moves so fast, and I don’t want to miss out on the little details that make it feel abundant. Bath & Body Works Bourbon, in all its nuanced scented glory, inspires me to carve out more of those moments. I want to let the sweet burn of good bourbon – whether in a glass or misting from my décolletage – warm me from within. That fiery spirit reminds me to make space for joy and connection amidst the daily hustle.
So if you, too, are ready to embrace life’s simple pleasures with a little more intention, I can’t recommend this scent enough. A splash of Bourbon here and there throughout your day enlivens the senses and soothes the soul. Get ready to fall in love with vanilla and amber all over again. Your coziest, most blissful season yet awaits… Bourbon in hand, of course.
