The Perfume Library

Aventus

8.4

Creed · 2010

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Creed Aventus opens fresh and fruity and settles onto a woody, smoky base, with a clearly masculine character. Aventus has good longevity and sillage. Most voters pick spring and summer, fall also fits, and winter plays a smaller part. Daily wear, leisure and the office come up most often. Most voters read it as masculine, while modern and classic readings also appear. It opens with bergamot, lemon, apple and blackcurrant, a bright fruity start with a thread of spice from pink pepper. In the heart, patchouli, jasmine and pineapple soften the sweetness. As it dries down, cedarwood, birch and oakmoss leave a woody, smoky trail. Monkoku Royal Vento and Mazzolari Nero have a close profile.

Oud Wood (Eau de Parfum)

8.4

Tom Ford · 2007

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum is a sweet, spicy woody-oriental scent that suits fall and winter evenings, offered as a unisex fragrance. Its longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter, while summer gets few votes. It leans towards evenings and nights out, though it also fits business and daily wear. Voters mostly call its character masculine, yet it reads as unisex. Oud, sandalwood and rosewood form the woody frame, with vetiver adding an earthy edge. Cardamom and pink pepper carry the spice, while amber and tonka bean bring a resinous sweetness. The overall impression is smoky, warm and smooth. Oud Wood Parfum and Zousz Black Oud have a close profile.

Tobacco Vanille (Eau de Parfum)

8.3

Tom Ford · 2007

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a sweet, spicy and smoky unisex scent that sets tobacco and vanilla beside cocoa and tonka bean. It has strong longevity and strong sillage. Most voters pick winter and fall, with spring well behind. It leans towards evenings and nights out, and far fewer choose it for the office or daily wear. Though unisex, voters read it as masculine more than anything else. Tobacco and vanilla lead, while cocoa and tonka bean soften them into a gourmand sweetness. Ginger adds spice, and dried fruits and resins bring a woody, oriental warmth. The overall impression is rich, sweet and lightly smoky. Lelas Noir Premier and Zara TOB/03 Tabac-Treasure have a close profile.

Herod

8.5

Parfums de Marly · 2012

Fruity · Sweet · Gourmand

Parfums de Marly Herod is a sweet, smoky and woody unisex scent that softens pepper and cinnamon with tobacco, vanilla and patchouli. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter, with spring well behind, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. Voters mostly find it masculine, though it is unisex. It opens with the spice of pepper and cinnamon. In the heart, cistus, incense, tobacco and osmanthus build a smoky, resinous base. In the base, vanilla and musk turn it creamy and gourmand, while patchouli and woody notes keep the sweetness dry. Maison Alhambra Hercules and Initio Side Effect have a close profile.

Ombre Nomade

8.1

Louis Vuitton · 2018

Fruity · Sweet · Spicy

Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade is a sweet, smoky unisex fragrance built around benzoin, incense, oud and raspberry. Longevity and sillage are both rated very strong, so it lingers for a long time and carries well. Most voters pick autumn and winter and see it as an evening or night-out scent. It is unisex, though it leans masculine. The notes read as one blend. Fruity raspberry sweetness merges with benzoin into a resinous warmth, while incense and oud keep a smoky, woody line running throughout. Spicy, leathery and animal tones deepen that sweetness rather than soften it. The Dua Brand Leather for the Ages and bdk Parfums Nectar Oud have a close profile.

Acqua di Giò Profumo (Parfum)

8.3

Giorgio Armani · 2015

Fresh · Citrus · Aquatic

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Profumo (Parfum) is a men's fragrance that lays spice and a smoky woodiness over a fresh, citrus-led aquatic core; it has been discontinued. Aquatic notes, spicy notes and bergamot open it fresh. In the heart, sage, geranium and rosemary add an herbal edge, while patchouli and frankincense settle the scent onto a smoky, woody base. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick spring and summer, with fall next. It leans towards daily wear, leisure and the office. Voters mostly call it masculine, with classic and modern close behind. Nike Hub Man and Ahmed Al Maghribi Aqua Oud have a close profile.

Side Effect

8.5

Initio · 2016

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Initio Side Effect is a sweet, spicy and smoky unisex scent built around vanilla, rum and cinnamon. Vanilla and rum give it a creamy, gourmand sweetness, while cinnamon and saffron add a warm spiciness on top of it. Sandalwood lays down a woody base and tobacco carries the smoky side. Hedione softens the whole mix a little. Both longevity and sillage are rated strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and evenings or nights out; summer is rarely chosen. It leans masculine, though a good share of voters find it feminine. Niche 4 All Vanilla Rum and French Avenue After Effect have a close profile.

Club de Nuit Intense Man (Eau de Toilette)

7.5

Armaf · 2015

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Eau de Toilette

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man Eau de Toilette is a men's fragrance that sets a fresh, citrusy opening on a smoky, woody base. It opens with lemon, bergamot, pineapple, apple and blackcurrant, a fruity and bright start. The heart brings jasmine, rose and birch, and the birch adds a smoky edge. The base holds patchouli, musk, ambergris and vanilla; the woody side leads, with vanilla only softening it. Longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick spring and summer, with autumn close behind and winter the least chosen. Daily wear and leisure come first, though business and evening use also get votes. Half of the voters find it masculine. Hamidi Oud & Perfumes Addicted Intense and Ayat Black Amsterdam have a close profile.

By the Fireplace

7.9

Maison Margiela · 2015

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Maison Margiela By the Fireplace is a sweet, smoky unisex scent that suits evenings in the colder months. It opens with clove and pink pepper for a spicy warmth, softened by orange blossom absolute. The heart of chestnut, gaiac wood and cade juniper turns woody and smoky, and the base of Peru balsam, cashmeran and vanilla settles into a sweet, resinous, gourmand warmth. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick winter and fall, and it is chosen most for evenings and nights out. It reads somewhat more masculine than feminine, though many voters see it as feminine. Boulangerie Crème Caramel and Emir Camp Fire have a close profile.

Ombré Leather (2018) (Eau de Parfum)

8.3

Tom Ford · 2018

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Tom Ford Ombré Leather is a leathery, smoky unisex scent that most voters place in fall and winter evenings. Its longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick fall and winter, and evening and night out lead the occasions. On character it leans masculine, though it is worn as a unisex fragrance. It opens with saffron, cardamom and jasmine sambac. The heart turns to black leather, vetiver and patchouli, where the leathery, woody and smoky side comes forward. In the base, white moss and amber sweeten and soften it, with the floral and spicy touches sitting in the background.

Tony Iommi Monkey Special

8.3

Xerjoff · 2021

Fruity · Sweet · Gourmand

Xerjoff Tony Iommi Monkey Special is a sweet, spicy unisex scent that suits autumn and winter evenings. Its longevity is rated very strong and its sillage strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and evenings or nights out; summer and daytime wear are rarely chosen. Nearly half of voters read it as masculine, though it is a unisex scent. It opens with passion fruit, Calabrian bergamot and rum, with Bulgarian geranium adding a cooler edge. The heart brings Singapore patchouli, cinnamon, leather and rose, with a smoky, leathery tone leading. In the base, vanilla, caramel and tonka sweetness is softened by Australian sandalwood and ambergris. The Dua Brand Rockstar and French Avenue Cocoa Morado have a close profile.

Encre Noire (Eau de Toilette)

7.7

Lalique · 2006

Fresh · Green · Spicy

Eau de Toilette

Lalique Encre Noire Eau de Toilette is a green, woody fragrance for men, opening with cypress and vetiveryl acetate and built around two different vetivers in the heart. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring not far behind and summer the least chosen season. It leans towards evenings and leisure time, and also gets votes for daily and business wear. It reads masculine and classic. Cypress and vetiveryl acetate give a fresh, green start. In the heart, Bourbon vetiver and Haitian vetiver form an earthy, smoky core. Cashmere wood and musk soften it at the base, while the spicy and resinous touches stay behind the woody character. Lalique Encre Noire Sport and Miller Harris Vétiver Bourbon have a close profile.

Explorer

7.8

Montblanc · 2019

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Montblanc Explorer is a men's fragrance that sets fresh citrus and spice over a smoky, woody base, and it suits daytime and work. It opens with bergamot, sage and pink pepper: the citrus feels fresh, the pepper adds a spicy edge. In the heart, vetiver and leather make it woody and a little smoky. The base of patchouli, cocoa, ambroxan and Akigalawood® dries down earthy with a slightly sweet finish. Longevity is good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick spring and summer, with daily wear, work and leisure leading the occasions. Nearly half of voters call it masculine, and many also find it modern. Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man Limited Edition and Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue have a close profile.

Jazz Club

7.8

Maison Margiela · 2013

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Maison Margiela Jazz Club is a sweet, smoky unisex scent that suits fall and winter evenings. It opens with Primofiore lemon, neroli and pink pepper, a fresh and lightly spicy start. In the heart, Java vetiver, rum absolute and clary sage lay a woody ground. The base of styrax, tobacco absolute and vanilla brings a sweet, gourmand and leathery warmth. Longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter, while summer stays in the background. It is chosen most for evenings and nights out, and less for the office. Most voters read it as masculine. Jazz by the Fire and By the Fireplace have a close profile.

Oud for Greatness (Eau de Parfum)

8.2

Initio · 2018

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Eau de Parfum

Initio Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum is a sweet, spicy and smoky woody oriental, a dense unisex scent that suits autumn and winter evenings. The scent is built on oud, patchouli and saffron. Nutmeg adds to the spicy side, while lavender and musk soften the sharper edges and give the sweet, resinous body some depth. Longevity is rated very strong and sillage strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out, staying in the background for office or daily wear. Most voters read it as masculine, though it is presented as unisex. Its profile is close to Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Royale and Riiffs Goodness Oud.

Fahrenheit (Eau de Toilette)

7.9

Dior · 1988

Fresh · Floral · Spicy

Eau de Toilette

Dior Fahrenheit Eau de Toilette is a classic-leaning masculine scent that links a fresh, spicy opening to a leathery, smoky and earthy depth. Voters rate both its longevity and its sillage as good. Most voters suggest autumn and winter, with spring not far behind; it is picked most for evenings and nights out, though office and daily wear also have a place. More than half of voters read it as masculine. The top is bright with bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon and lavender, while mace adds spice. Towards the heart, jasmine, violet leaf and cedar come forward. In the base, vetiver, leather and patchouli carry the weight, and tonka bean and amber soften that rugged character a little.

Black Afgano (Extrait de Parfum)

8.1

Nasomatto · 2009

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Extrait de Parfum

Dior Homme Parfum (2014)

8.7

Dior · 2014

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Dior Homme Parfum is a powdery, leathery men's fragrance built on leather, Florentine iris and Ceylonese sandalwood; it has been discontinued. The scent reads as one whole rather than a sequence of layers. The smoky edge of the leather is wrapped in the powdery, creamy softness of Florentine iris, while Ceylonese sandalwood lays a warm woody base beneath. The floral and sweet sides rest on a spicy, oriental ground. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. Longevity is rated very strong and sillage strong. Most voters call it masculine, and some find it classic. Dior Cuir Cannage and Hermès Cuir d'Ange have a close profile.

Jubilation XXV Man

8.4

Amouage · 2008

Fruity · Sweet · Spicy

Amouage Jubilation XXV Man is a resinous, smoky fragrance in which orange, clove and cinnamon meet honey, setting a fruity sweetness over a spicy, woody base. It opens with orange, blackberry and coriander giving a fruity brightness, while frankincense and labdanum slip resin underneath. In the heart, clove, cinnamon and honey build a sweet spiciness; the base of oud, myrrh and patchouli leaves a smoky, woody depth. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. It reads masculine, with a classic side as well. Killer Oud Jubilant and Amouage Jubilation 40 have a close profile.

Carlisle

8.4

Parfums de Marly · 2015

Fruity · Sweet · Gourmand

Parfums de Marly Carlisle is a sweet, spicy and resinous unisex scent that suits autumn and winter evenings. It opens with nutmeg, green apple and saffron; rose, osmanthus, davana and tonka bean then add a sweet, creamy heart. The base of patchouli, sandalwood, opoponax and vanilla leaves a woody, smoky, gourmand warmth. Both longevity and sillage are rated strong. Most voters pick winter and fall, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. Most voters find it masculine, though it is classed as unisex. The Dua Brand Cumbria and Parfums de Marly Herod have a close profile.

Black Orchid (Eau de Parfum)

7.6

Tom Ford · 2006

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum is a dark, dense unisex scent that deepens a floral and fruity core with sweet, gourmand and smoky tones. It opens with bergamot, bitter orange and ylang-ylang for a bright start, while black truffle adds an earthy weight. In the heart, black plum, rum and black orchid sweeten the floral and fruity side. Vanilla and patchouli dry down warm, spicy, woody and oriental. Longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and it is chosen mostly for evenings and nights out. Voters most often call it feminine, though it is a unisex fragrance. Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum and Tom Ford Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum have a close profile.

Layton Exclusif

8.3

Parfums de Marly · 2017

Fruity · Sweet · Spicy

Parfums de Marly Layton Exclusif is a men's fragrance that links a fresh opening of apple and bergamot to a warm, spicy core of cinnamon, oud and vanilla. It opens fruity and bright with apple, bergamot and grapefruit. In the heart, cinnamon, geranium, oud and lavender bring in the spicy, smoky side. The base of gaiac wood, patchouli, vanilla and cypriol settles into a woody, sweet, oriental finish. Longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and summer is the least chosen season. It leans towards evenings and nights out; half of voters call it masculine and a quarter call it classic. Layton and Niche 4 All Vanilla Oud have a close profile.

Tuscan Leather (Eau de Parfum)

8.2

Tom Ford · 2007

Fruity · Sweet · Spicy

Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau de Parfum is a spicy, woody unisex scent where fruity sweetness meets smoky leather, and it leans towards fall and winter evenings. Its longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick fall and winter, while summer draws few. Evening and night out lead the occasions, with business and daily wear well behind. About half of voters read it as masculine, and a good share call it classic. It opens with raspberry, saffron and thyme, a spicy fruitiness. Frankincense and jasmine come through in the heart. As it dries, black suede, leather, woods and amber take over, settling into a smoky, animalic, sweet leather warmth. Nabeel Arab Tradition and Victor de Manoz Sexy Leather have a close profile.

Bentley for Men Intense

7.6

Bentley · 2013

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Bentley for Men Intense is a sweet, spicy and smoky men's fragrance built around black pepper, leather and labdanum. It opens with black pepper, African geranium and frankincense, so spice and resin show up straight away. In the heart, clary sage, leather and labdanum turn it leathery and smoky. Cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood form a woody base, and the sweetness keeps an oriental warmth running through it. Both longevity and sillage are rated strong. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. Voters call it masculine and classic. Bentley for Men and Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Absolu have a close profile.