Memoir Man

Memoir Man by Amouage is a masculine-leaning eau de parfum from 2010 in the luxury price tier. It opens with absinthe, lavender, black pepper and mint, moves into frankincense, rose, jasmine and leather and dries down to oud, vetiver, patchouli, tonka bean and musk. Expect around 11 hours of wear, and it projects strongly.

Notes, explained

Opening

Absinthe Bitter wormwood and anise. Green, boozy and slightly wicked.
Lavender Herbal, clean, slightly medicinal. Barbershop in one note.
Black Pepper Dry and prickly. Gives a fragrance grip and a bit of bite.
Mint Cold and tingly. Great in small doses, toothpaste in large ones.

Heart

Frankincense Bright, peppery, church-like resin. Lifts and cools a fragrance.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.
Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Leather Smoky, dry and a bit animal. Can be a new jacket or an old saddle.

Dry-down

Oud Resinous, medicinal, barnyard-adjacent wood. The most expensive note in perfumery.
Vetiver Dry, earthy, smoky grass root. Smells like soil and citrus peel.
Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
Tonka Bean Almond, hay and vanilla in one. Warm and slightly nutty.
Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.

Smells like this

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