Habana 1791: The perfume shop

A city can recover and restore not only its architecture, but also its everyday basic essences. And Habana 1791 did just that. This beautiful perfume shop-cum-laboratory is located in an 18th-century mansion at Mercaderes No. 156 on the corner of Obrapía in the heart of Old Havana. The shop is easily recognizable from afar thanks to the fragrances wafting from within.

The shop has 12 different scents that have been rescued from Colonial Cuba: Rose, Jasmine, Violet, Orange Blossom, Lilac, Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Tobacco, Citric and Lavender. Each possesses powerful secrets that exalt the senses. However, other scents are used, such as gardenia or the very unconventional scent of chocolate.

The perfume is handcrafted, resulting in a natural, true, fresh and durable scent. The bottles where the perfume or cologne is packed and which come in many sizes and styles, are selected by the customer. Some are made and decorated by Cuban ceramists and others are imported, like the ones from India. They are fitted with a cork and sealed in wax, and placed inside a small linen bag.

For those customers who believe 12 fragrances are not enough, custom-made scents are also created according to their desires. But this is no perfunctory job. Before bottling up one or several scents in the form of a perfume, the alchemist-perfumer chats with the customers to discover their state of mind, character, mood and nature. The finished product is therefore unique—no two fragrances are alike.

For the aroma experts at La Habana 1791, the scents of different plants have characteristics that go beyond taste and cleanliness. This is why they are staunch defenders of aromatherapy, not only to treat skin disorders but emotional disorders as well.

Rose oil is aromatic and intense. It is always linked to love and sensuality. It counteracts states of violence and aggressiveness.

Orange blossom causes a feeling of peace and relaxation. It is revitalizing and gives joy to the body and mind.

Sandalwood is intense and spiritual. It is linked to good fortune.

Ylang-Ylang works on the heart and is considered an aphrodisiac.

Lavender is an aid against shyness. It boosts self-esteem. It balances and stimulates.

Patchouli frees the user from anxiety and balances emotions. It is also believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

Citric oils are refreshing and invigorating.

Jasmine is relaxing and encourages passion and eroticism.

Vetiver is a sedative and a tonic. In olden days it was placed in sachets to scent clothes and linen.

Lilac helps to enhance the power of concentration.

Tobacco is a masculine scent. It is intense yet pleasant and spiritual. It is very much identified with our origins.

Violet represents modesty and discretion. It is a very feminine scent of love.