The Perfume Library

10 perfumes

Black Musk for Men (Cologne)

Jōvan · 2009

Fresh · Floral · Green

Jōvan Black Musk for Men is a fresh, green and floral men's cologne that opens on mandarin orange, tagetes and violet leaf. Mandarin's fruity brightness meets the green edge of violet leaf at first. In the heart, lavender, bamboo and cypress build a light, aromatic and slightly woody frame. The base of fossilised amber, musk and labdanum sweetens it and settles into a powdery softness, with a somewhat synthetic feel. Longevity and sillage are rated weak, so it stays close to the skin and keeps a low profile. Most voters pick fall and spring, and it leans towards leisure, daily wear and the office. Most voters read it as masculine.

Cain Cologne

7.9

House of Orpheus · 2017

Spicy · Woody · Animal

House of Orpheus Cain Cologne is a smoky, earthy men's fragrance led by coal smoke, leather and metal. The notes aren't split into top, heart and base; the scent reads as a single whole from start to finish. Coal smoke, leather and metal set a dry, hard foundation, while soil and sweat add an animal warmth that feels close to skin. Fossilised amber brings a resinous, creamy softness, and the spicy and woody accords support the smoke and leather from behind. It isn't aimed at anyone wanting something sweet or fresh; it suits those who like a raw, dark, smoky character. Initio Divine Attraction and Lvnea Cuir Fétiche have a close profile.

Emperor Hind

8.4

Dixit & Zak · 2019

Floral · Spicy · Woody

Dixit & Zak Emperor Hind is a dense oriental scent with a floral, spicy and woody character, classed as a men's fragrance, and it has been discontinued. The top is a mix of jasmine sambac, osmanthus, pink grapefruit, rose, lemon and orange, with the citrus sitting beside the flowers rather than in front of them. In the heart, champaca and jasmine sambac carry the floral line while Java patchouli adds an earthy weight. The base builds an animalic, resinous and smoky floor from civet, myrrh, frankincense, Indian oud and sandalwood, and saffron and ambergris push it towards a warm, spiced tone. With its strong animal and leathery side, this is not a scent for those who like light, airy fragrances.