The Top Note | Vol. 5 — Heaven Scent
Photo by Godfred Kwakye via Unsplash
The Top Note | Vol. 5 — Heaven Scent
Community · Luxury · Art · Perfume
Welcome back to The Top Note — The Taliaferro’s weekly fragrance journal that connects scent, artistry, and culture through storytelling and community. This issue explores love, memory, and the scent that lingers long after the moment fades.
Opening Note
Once upon a time,
there was a fragrance
I would like to call “memory,”
and it was attached to you.
Another tried to wear
that same fragrance,
but none of them smell like you.
— Love Note from a Husband to His Wife
Featured Fragrance: Room 129
One of the most celebrated fragrances from The Taliaferro, Room 129 was inspired by our founder’s vision of a lady receiving a private gift from her husband — delivered discreetly to her hotel room.
The gift surprised her, serving as an aromatic invitation upstairs. With its mature yet sweetly refined persona, this fragrance captures the curiosity of those who innocently engage with it.
To explore more about the story behind Room 129, read our feature blog: 👉🏾 Woman in the Red Dress — A Story of Room 129
Client Spotlight
“Cherry, powder, bubblegum? Oh my… I wasn’t sure how those notes would mesh together, and it’s much different than my normal scent profiles. On initial spray it’s reminiscent of fruit punch, but oh—the development and dry down are one of the yummiest and most delightful fragrance experiences! I’m excited to own and wear Room 129!”
— Jackie T.
The Blend: Let’s Talk About Gourmands
What is a gourmand? How are they made? And where did the name come from?
“Gourmand” literally means lover of good food in French — an indulgent category of fragrance that mimics edible notes like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and sugar. These scents are comfort in a bottle, designed to awaken the senses and spark emotion.
Community Connection
Spotlight: Chris Classic & The Black Nose Lab — Atlanta, GA
If you haven’t visited The Black Nose Lab yet, you’re missing one of the most creative spaces in the fragrance world.
Founded by Chris Classic, artist, musician, and creator of Savoir Faire — this Atlanta-based fragrance house has become a safe haven for Black creativity, community, and collaboration.
The Lab regularly hosts events known as The Dry Down — a perfect blend of scent, conversation, and art. Chris continues to champion love, solidarity, and positivity across the industry, reminding us that fragrance can build fellowship as much as it sparks inspiration.
Closing Note
“Heaven’s where you are…”
— Kem, “Heaven” from Album II
May your scent linger like memory, and your love be as present as fragrance in the air.
— The Taliaferro Family