Islay
Islay by Floris is an unisex eau de parfum in the niche price tier. It opens with galbanum, bergamot and smoke, moves into patchouli, iris, amber and cedarwood and dries down to musk, sandalwood and vanilla. Expect around 5 hours of wear, and it projects softly.
Notes, explained
Opening
- Galbanum Intensely green resin. Smells like snapping a plant stem in half.
- Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
- Smoke Charred and dry. Adds drama fast.
Heart
- Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
- Iris Cool, powdery, slightly carroty and expensive. The luxury note.
- Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.
- Cedarwood Dry, pencil-shaving woodiness. Clean and structural.
Dry-down
- Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
- Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
- Vanilla Sweet, creamy and warm. The most comforting note in perfumery.
Smells like this
- Perris Monte Carlo Patchouli Nosy Be
- Kilian Straight to Heaven
- Yves Saint Laurent Nu
- Ex Nihilo Iris Porcelana
- Prada L'Homme L'Eau
- Ajmal Amber Wood
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