Mitsouko

Mitsouko by Guerlain is a feminine-leaning eau de parfum from 1919 in the premium price tier. It opens with bergamot, peach and mandarin, moves into jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and cinnamon and dries down to oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver and labdanum. Expect around 9 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Peach Fuzzy, warm and slightly creamy. Soft rather than sharp.
Mandarin Soft, sweet, almost powdery citrus. Gentler than orange.

Heart

Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.
Ylang-Ylang Banana-custard floral. Rich, tropical and slightly rubbery.
Cinnamon Sweet heat. Reads festive, sometimes to a fault.

Dry-down

Oakmoss Damp forest floor. Bitter, green and the backbone of every chypre.
Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
Vetiver Dry, earthy, smoky grass root. Smells like soil and citrus peel.
Labdanum Sticky, leathery resin. Dark honey and old books.

Smells like this

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