Gone (until now) but not forgotten, Epicene Gamma from IFF was a classic masterpiece — a veritable panoply of herbs, woods and spices blended perfectly and used in such classics as Guerlain's Vetiver (2000), Opium Pour Homme (1995, formula below) and Equipage by Hermès (1970). It was an IFF captive and recently discontinued which is regretful as some great fragrances will now be reformulated to accommodate the loss. In a modern context this base is usable up to 1.2% and lends a wonderful spice vibe to a fragrance without the need to balance individual spice materials. This product has been slightly reformulated to remove an EU prohibited aroma chemical. Espicene Gamma contains 8% musk ketone which is unrestricted by IFRA but has a use limit in the EU of 1.4%. Afterword: this base should not be confused with Epice FW which was a classic Synarome base Epicea used in Arpege.
