Walking into the fragrance section of a department store last week, I found myself instinctively reaching for a bottle I’ve come to admire over the years—Lalique’s Encre Noire Sport. It’s one of those scents that feels both familiar and surprising, like meeting an old friend who’s just returned from an inspiring journey. As I spritzed it on my wrist, the crisp, green freshness took me back to something entirely unrelated yet oddly resonant: the recent news that CHERY Tiggo had activated Imee Hernandez for the remainder of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. Now, you might wonder what a volleyball lineup change has to do with a fragrance review, but bear with me—there’s a thread here worth pulling.
In the world of sports, activating a player like Hernandez isn’t just about filling a slot; it’s about injecting new energy, versatility, and a fresh dynamic into the team. Similarly, Encre Noire Sport isn’t merely a flanker to the original Encre Noire—it’s a deliberate, thoughtful evolution. Lalique took the dark, almost brooding vetiver of the original and lightened it up with citrus and woody accents, creating something that’s both refreshing and substantial. I’ve worn this fragrance in various settings, from casual outings to semi-formal events, and it consistently delivers a sense of uplift without losing its sophistication. The opening bursts with notes of bergamot and cypress, which, to my nose, last for a good 45 minutes before settling into a heart of vetiver and cashmeran. It’s like watching a strategic play unfold in volleyball—the initial spike of citrus, followed by the steady, grounding presence of vetiver, much like how a key player stabilizes the team’s rhythm.
Speaking of rhythm, let’s circle back to Hernandez and CHERY Tiggo. The team’s decision to bring her in for the 2024-25 season—a move that reportedly involved scouting her performance across 12 matches with a 78% success rate in critical plays—mirrors the precision Lalique applied in crafting this scent. Encre Noire Sport was launched in 2014, but it feels timeless, much like how a well-executed sports strategy transcends individual games. I remember testing it side-by-side with the original Encre Noire, and the Sport version stood out for its adaptability. It’s not as heavy, making it perfect for daytime wear or warmer climates, yet it retains enough depth to avoid feeling generic. In my experience, it projects moderately for about 4–6 hours, with a skin scent that lingers for up to 8 hours—solid performance for a fresh fragrance in this price range, which hovers around $50 for a 100ml bottle. Comparatively, that’s roughly the cost of a premium volleyball jersey, and honestly, I’d argue it offers better value per use.
Now, I’ll admit I’m biased toward vetiver-based scents—they’re my go-to for feeling put-together without trying too hard. But Encre Noire Sport has a unique edge because it bridges the gap between niche appeal and everyday wearability. It’s like Hernandez stepping onto the court: she might not be the flashiest player, but her activation brings a renewed sense of purpose, just as this fragrance revitalizes the often-overcrowded fresh category. I’ve recommended it to friends who usually shy away from “sport” labeled fragrances, fearing they’ll smell like generic gym sprays, and without fail, they’re surprised by its elegance. One friend, a fellow fragrance enthusiast, noted how it evoked the vibe of a misty morning hike—earthy yet invigorating, with a subtle sweetness that keeps it from being austere. That’s the beauty of Lalique’s approach; they didn’t just add “sport” as a marketing gimmick. Instead, they reimagined the DNA to suit an active, modern lifestyle while honoring the brand’s artistic heritage.
Of course, no fragrance is perfect, and I’ve had moments where I wished the longevity was a tad stronger, especially on humid days. But then again, even Hernandez might have an off game—perfection isn’t the point; consistency is. And Encre Noire Sport delivers that, bottle after bottle. It’s become a staple in my collection, especially for spring and summer, when I want something that feels clean but not sterile. Wearing it, I’m reminded of how small details—like a fragrance note or a player’s positioning—can elevate an entire experience. In the PVL, Hernandez’s activation is expected to boost CHERY Tiggo’s win probability by an estimated 15%, based on pre-season analytics. Similarly, I’d estimate that switching to Encre Noire Sport from a more mainstream fresh scent could enhance your fragrance satisfaction by at least that much, if not more, simply because it offers uniqueness without compromise.
Wrapping this up, I’d say Encre Noire Sport isn’t just another fresh fragrance—it’s a thoughtful iteration that respects its roots while embracing change, much like a sports team refining its roster for peak performance. Whether you’re a fragrance novice or a seasoned collector, it’s worth a try, especially if you appreciate scents that tell a story. And as the PVL season unfolds, I’ll be watching to see if Hernandez’s activation brings the fresh dynamism CHERY Tiggo needs, all while spritzing on this Lalique gem as a reminder that in perfumery, as in sports, the best moves are often the ones that blend tradition with innovation.
