It’s that time of year again. There are copious amounts of new fragrances arriving in stores ahead of the Christmas rush, and the task of finding ‘the one’ is a timely challenge. Spraying cards and both wrists with different scents is far from ideal, so we’ve tried, tested and compiled this list of our new favorites for Winter 2015. Here goes..
1. Hugo Boss – The Scent, £39.50 for 100ml boots.com
German fashion label Hugo Boss has some previous form in delivering a classic men’s fragrance; Boss Bottled.
Back in August, Hugo Boss revealed Boss The Scent, its newest fragrance for man, unveiled by actor Theo James. Beginning with a spicy note of ginger, before unveiling tones of maninka fruit, lavender and an intensive leather accord, Boss The Scent is warm, spicy and has a unique flavour.
2. Ermenegildo Zegna – Acqua Di Bergamotto, £76 for 100ml zegna.com
A bright option, Ermenegildo Zegna’s latest fragrance is a good shout while the weather’s still playing tricks. Mixing notes of citrus, Italian Bergamot and Sicilian Mandarin, this fragrance is a nod to Italy, and is unsurprisingly fresh and contemporary.
Zegna’s new citrus brew might seem an obvious summer choice, but the composition lends itself as a contemporary favorite that can equally be enjoyed throughout the cooler period. It’s bright, crispy and is a cologne with great longevity.
3. Dunhill – Icon Absolute, £90 for 100ml harrods.com
The original Dunhill ICON was one of the finest releases of the year by a designer house.
The new flanker Absolute gold version maintains the spicy, woodiness of the original, but includes a few new ingredients; smoky oud wood, Egyptian jasmine and rose. The outcome is a sensual evening scent that leaves a warm trail. Perfect for a black tie evening dinner.
4. Liquid Imaginaires – Saltus, £150 for 100ml selfridges.com
French house Liquides Imaginaires launched its unisex Les Eaux Arborantes range earlier this year, made up of three fragrances: Saltus, Tellis and Succus. The new trio is a sacred tribute to trees.
Saltus is an earth driven scent with much complexity and intrigue to it. If you are into woody, balsamic and smoky notes and seeking something slightly different then this is something worth trying.
5. Aesop – Tacit, £63 for 50ml aesop.com
Aussie grooming brand Aesop is fairly inexperienced when it comes to producing fragrances, but what they lack in experience they make up in confidence with their new creation, Tacit.
Inspired by the fresh notes found in traditional colognes, Tacit begins with citrus notes, most notably yuzu, a Japanese fruit, before moving to the Mediterranean heart of green basil. The base spices it all up nicely, with vetiver and cloves to ensure subtle warmth.
Tacit lives up to its name, subtle and understated, making it a wise choice for a man who seeks freshness but doesn’t necessarily want to leave a trail wherever his day takes him.